Yes, a skills assessment is mandatory for a Subclass 494 visa. You must have a positive skills assessment for the Subclass 494 visa, irrespective of the stream you are applying for. A skills assessment indicates that you have the qualifications and skills to work in the occupation for which you are nominated. The skills assessment can be obtained from the applicable Australian assessing authority for your occupation. The Employer Sponsored Stream and the Labour Agreement Stream under the Subclass 494 visa have a positive skills assessment as one of the visa requirements. There are, however, skills assessment exemptions to certain Subclass 494 visa applicants.
Also, read…
What are the requirements for a Subclass 494 visa?
What are the skills assessment exemptions for the Subclass 494 visa?
While a skills assessment is mandatory for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, certain applicants may be exempt from it.
Applicants with skills assessment exemptions for the Subclass 494 visa are individuals who received a nomination as:
- Academics by an Australian university
- Medical practitioners in designated regional areas
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Individuals who were previously issued a Subclass 457 or 482 visa for the same occupation and required to have a skills assessment

*Want to apply for a Subclass 494 visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
What is the Skills assessment for an Australian visa?
Skills assessment in Australia is where your skills and qualifications will be assessed to check if you are eligible to work in Australia. The relevant or applicable Australian assessing authorities generally issue the skills assessment. The organization checks if you have the skills and experience required to work in the nominated occupation in Australia. To apply for a Subclass 494 visa, you must have a positive skills assessment, proving that you have the necessary skills to work in the nominated regional area in Australia.
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to with Australian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!