Registered Nurses nec — 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)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 75 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 400–500via Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council· ~8-16 weeks processing
- Salary range (Australia)
- AUD 66k–112kfull-time gross AUD, P10–P90 band, 2025–26 indicative
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Registered Nurses nec for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Registered Nurses nec × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses NEC (ANZSCO 254499) with specialist nursing experience may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Regional healthcare employers experiencing shortages in specialist nursing sub-fields use the 494 visa to recruit overseas nurses. The occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The sponsoring employer must operate in a designated regional area and hold Standard Business Sponsorship. Labour market testing is required. The 494 visa is granted for five years with requirements to remain in regional employment with the sponsor. After three years and meeting income thresholds, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. ANMAC skills assessment and NMBA registration are required. English proficiency must be demonstrated. Health and character checks apply. Nomination and visa fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs. 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 Registered Nurses nec
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Registered Nurses nec
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.