Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
Work and Settle in Regional Australia with Employer Sponsorship
The Subclass 494 visa provides employers in designated regional areas of Australia the ability to sponsor overseas skilled workers for full-time roles that could not be filled locally. This visa supports regional labour needs and offers a path to permanent residency for eligible workers.
Key Features of Subclass 494
Temporary Regional Visa
Valid for up to 5 years.
Employer Sponsored
Sponsored by an employer operating in a designated regional area. The employer must nominate a genuine full-time position the local labour market cannot fill.
Pathway to PR
Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 Visa — once visa-holder satisfies work, residence and income obligations in regional Australia for the required period.
Family Included
Dependent family members (partner, dependent children) can be included in the application.
Eligibility Criteria
Employer Requirements
- Must be based in a designated regional area
- Must hold or apply for approved employer-sponsor status
- Must nominate a genuine, ongoing full-time role in a skill shortage occupation (on the relevant regional occupation lists)
- Must meet labour market testing requirements and assure fair salary/payment conditions compliant with regional standards
Applicant Requirements
- Must have required skills, qualifications or trade credentials relevant to the nominated occupation
- Must meet English language competency (where required)
- Must satisfy health and character criteria
- Must commit to living and working in the regional location as specified by the sponsoring employer
Application Process
Step 1
Employer becomes an approved regional sponsor (if not already).
Step 2
Employer lodges nomination for the skilled position.
Step 3
Applicant lodges visa application with all required documents (skills/qualifications, English test, identity, health/character, employment contract).
Step 4
Department reviews nomination and application, verifies genuine need and employer compliance.
Step 5
Visa grant — 494 provisional visa issued for up to 5 years.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After 3 years of lawful work and residence in the regional area under 494, meeting taxable income thresholds and other conditions, visa-holder becomes eligible to apply for 191 PR visa.
Common Questions (FAQ — 494 Visa)
Can I change employers under 494?
Yes — transfer is possible, but the new employer must be an approved regional sponsor and must re-nominate you.
Is family included?
Yes — partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants.
Does 494 guarantee permanent residency?
Not automatically. PR granted only if all residence, income and regional requirements under 191 are met after 3 years.
Can I study while on 494?
Yes, part-time study is generally permitted, provided primary work obligations are met.
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