Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional work visa designed to help skilled workers live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It allows Australian employers in regional locations to address skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers when suitable local talent is not available.

Key Features

  • Temporary residency: Valid for up to 5 years

  • Pathway to permanent residency: Eligible visa holders may apply for permanent residence after meeting specific requirements

  • Regional focus: Applicants must live, work, and study in designated regional areas

  • Employer sponsorship: Requires nomination by an approved Australian employer

Streams of the 494 Visa

There are three main streams under the Subclass 494 visa:

  1. Employer Sponsored Stream
    For skilled workers nominated by an employer in a regional area. This is the most common pathway.

  2. Labour Agreement Stream
    For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

  3. Subsequent Entrant Stream
    For family members of 494 visa holders who wish to join them in Australia.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must:

  • Be nominated by an approved sponsor

  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

  • Possess the required skills, qualifications, and work experience

  • Obtain a positive skills assessment (if required)

  • Meet English language requirements

  • Be under 45 years of age (with limited exemptions)

  • Meet health and character requirements

Obligations for Visa Holders

Visa holders must:

  • Live and work only in designated regional areas

  • Work in their nominated occupation

  • Comply with all Australian laws and visa conditions

Failure to meet these conditions may affect future visa applications.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Subclass 494 visa holders may become eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) visa after:

  • Holding the 494 visa for at least 3 years

  • Meeting minimum income requirements

  • Complying with visa conditions during their stay

Benefits of the 494 Visa

  • Opportunity to live and work in regional Australia

  • Access to a pathway to permanent residency

  • Ability to include eligible family members

  • Exposure to growing regional economies and communities

Why Choose Regional Australia?

Regional areas in Australia offer a high quality of life, lower living costs compared to major cities, and increasing employment opportunities across various industries. The 494 visa supports both skilled migrants and regional employers, contributing to economic growth and community development.