Community Worker — Subclass 494 Pathway
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~9-18 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Community Worker for migration purposes is handled by: CWA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Community Worker × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Community Worker (ANZSCO 411711) is listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), qualifying it for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494). This employer-sponsored visa allows workers to live and work for a sponsoring employer in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence after three years. Community Workers deliver support services to disadvantaged individuals and families across Australia. The visa is available through the Employer Sponsored or Labour Agreement stream in a designated regional area. The sponsoring employer must be approved and operate in a regional location. Visa holders must remain employed by that employer throughout the provisional period. The Community Workers Association (CWA) conducts the skills assessment. English proficiency must meet prescribed standards. Health and character requirements apply. Applicants must be under 45. Processing takes two to six months. The primary applicant fee is approximately AUD 4,240. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 494. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation
- Three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Nominated by an approved regional employer in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Community Worker
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Community Worker
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.