Importer or Exporter sits on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) but is one of the most restricted codes in the system. The federal data file for ANZSCO 133311 confirms only Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional is open.
What's not available: Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, and 482 — every other channel is closed for 133311.
This guide walks through the single open door, the VETASSESS skills assessment, and a realistic timeline.
The only open door — Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
The Subclass 494 visa channels skilled workers into regional Australia. The visa is provisional for five years; after three years of regional work meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, you transition to Subclass 191 for permanent residency.
Requirements:
- A positive VETASSESS skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6 each band, OET / PTE / TOEFL / CAE equivalent)
- Under 45 at lodgement (limited exemptions)
- Three years post-qualification work experience
- Employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor in a regional postcode
- Employer nomination citing ANZSCO 133311 with annual salary above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
Because 491 is closed, you cannot self-nominate via state government — you must secure an employer sponsor first.
What ANZSCO 133311 covers
Importer or Exporter is the trade-operations management code. Typical roles:
- Director or principal of an import-export business
- Trade operations manager at a freight forwarder or customs broker
- Procurement / sourcing manager for a multinational with significant cross-border supply chains
- Distribution manager for an importer/exporter holding exclusive territory rights
The Australian Bureau of Statistics task profile covers:
- Identifying and developing import/export markets
- Negotiating with suppliers and overseas agents
- Coordinating customs clearance, freight forwarding, and biosecurity compliance
- Managing distribution agreements and exclusive territory rights
- Pricing, costing, and currency hedging
- Maintaining knowledge of relevant trade legislation, tariffs, and free trade agreements
The VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS is the named assessor for ANZSCO 133311. VETASSESS reviews:
- Tertiary qualification — typically a bachelor degree in international business, commerce, supply chain management, logistics, or a closely related discipline. Lower-level qualifications (Diploma, Advanced Diploma) may be assessed if combined with substantial relevant experience
- Minimum five years of post-qualification employment in import-export operations management
- Reference letters mapping duties to the ANZSCO 133311 task profile
- Evidence of operational and financial decision-making — supplier relationships, customs compliance, distribution agreements, cost management, currency hedging
Skills assessment is required for 494. For details on the evidence pack and rejection patterns, read our Importer or Exporter skills assessment guide.
Realistic timeline
End-to-end, the 494 → 191 regional pathway runs ~60 months from start to PR — VETASSESS (3 months) + employer sponsorship + nomination + 494 grant (6-12 months) + three years regional residence + 191 grant (3-6 months).
Verify processing time bands on the global visa processing times tool before quoting any specific number.
Costs at a glance
For a typical 494 → 191 pathway with a family of three:
- VETASSESS assessment: AUD 1,096 (offshore, current as of 22 Oct 2025) per the VETASSESS fees page
- 494 visa fee (primary): AUD 5,180
- 191 visa fee (primary): AUD 535
- Health, police, English: AUD 600-1,200
- Employer SAF levy: AUD 5,000/year for large business or AUD 1,200/year for small business
Read the breakdown in our Importer or Exporter cost and timeline case study. Use the visa fee calculator to model dependants and stream.
Common mistakes
- Lodging an EOI for 189, 190, or 491. Importer or Exporter is on ROL with only 494 open. EOIs in the other channels will not result in invitations.
- Confusing customs broker, freight forwarder, or licensed customs agent work with Importer/Exporter management. ANZSCO 133311 requires decision authority over the import-export business — supplier negotiation, distribution agreements, pricing, cost management. Customs Broker (599912) and Customs Officer (599211) are different codes.
- Underestimating regional residence requirements. Subclass 494 requires continuous regional living and work for three years before the 191 PR conversion. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBDs are the only excluded zones.
Tools
- Eligibility wizard — quick scan of which visa streams might fit
- ANZSCO search — confirm 133311 vs related trade-related codes
- Document checklist — for VETASSESS + visa application
- Visa fee calculator — model fees for the 494 pathway
- Invitation rounds tracker — context only (no points-tested channels open)
To verify any migration agent advising you, search the MARA register.
Next step
If you have an employer offer for an import-export operation in regional Australia, start with the eligibility wizard. Want a registered MARA agent to map your specific situation? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.