Barrister — 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)
- 90 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Salary range (Australia)
- AUD 90k–350kfull-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 Barrister for migration purposes is handled by: SLAA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Barrister × Subclass 494 — pathway overview
Barristers (ANZSCO 271111) may be sponsored under the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 494 visa enables employers operating in regional Australia to sponsor skilled legal professionals for genuine positions where local candidates are unavailable. The sponsoring employer must be based in a designated regional area, hold Standard Business Sponsorship, and complete labour market testing before nominating the position. The visa is granted for five years, and the holder must remain employed with the sponsoring employer in the regional area throughout the visa period. After three years of regional employment and satisfying income requirements, the holder becomes eligible for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. A skills assessment from State and Territory Law Admissions Authority (SLAA) is required. English language proficiency, health, and character requirements must all be met. 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 Barrister
- 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 Barrister
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.