The Subclass 494 Visa: Guide to the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa could be your pathway to living and working in regional Australia while creating opportunities for permanent residency.
This visa allows Australian employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill labour shortages when suitably qualified Australian workers are unavailable.
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 494 Visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
- Applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer and nominated for an eligible occupation.
- You generally need to be under 45 years of age unless an exemption applies.
- Eligible family members can be included in the application.
- After meeting residency and income requirements, the Subclass 494 Visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency.
What Is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary visa designed to help regional employers address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas.
This visa allows successful applicants to:
- Live in regional Australia for up to five years;
- Work for their sponsoring employer;
- Study in Australia;
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa remains valid;
- Include eligible family members; and
- Become eligible to apply for permanent residency if certain requirements are met.
Streams Under the Subclass 494 Visa
The visa has two primary streams.
Employer-Sponsored Stream
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer located in a designated regional area.
To qualify, you generally must:
- Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list;
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience;
- Hold the necessary qualifications and skills;
- Meet English language requirements; and
- Be under 45 years of age unless an exemption applies.
Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for workers sponsored by employers who have entered into a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Labour agreements are designed to address specific labour shortages that the Australian workforce cannot meet.
The requirements under this stream may differ depending on the terms of the individual labour agreement.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 494 Visa, you generally must meet the following requirements.
Be Nominated by an Approved Employer
Your employer must be approved to sponsor overseas workers and be located in a designated regional area.
Have an Eligible Occupation
Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Meet Work Experience Requirements
Generally, applicants must have at least three years of relevant post-qualification work experience.
Meet Skills Assessment Requirements
Depending on your occupation, a positive skills assessment may be required.
Meet English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate competent English, usually through an approved English language test, unless you are exempt.
Meet Age Requirements
Most applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application unless an exemption applies.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
Applicants and accompanying family members must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements.
Required Documents
When lodging your application, you may need to provide the following documents.
Identity Documents
- Passport;
- Birth certificate; and
- National identity card, if applicable.
Employment Documents
- Employment references;
- Resume or curriculum vitae;
- Employment contract; and
- Payslips and tax records, if applicable.
Skills Assessment
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
English Language Evidence
Accepted evidence may include:
- IELTS;
- PTE Academic;
- TOEFL iBT;
- OET; and
- Cambridge English test results.
Character Documents
- Police clearances from relevant countries.
Family Documents
- Marriage certificate;
- Birth certificates for dependent children; and
- Evidence of a de facto relationship, if applicable.
Visa Application Charges
The Department of Home Affairs updates visa application charges periodically.
As of 2026, the first instalment of the visa application charge starts from:
- Main applicant: AUD 4,910;
- Additional applicant aged 18 years or over: AUD 2,455; and
- Additional applicant under 18 years of age: AUD 1,230.
Additional costs may include:
- Skills assessments;
- English language testing;
- Health examinations;
- Police clearances;
- Document translations; and
- Professional migration assistance fees.
Visa application charges are subject to change and should always be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Processing Times
Processing times can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Completeness of the application;
- Demand for visa places;
- Verification of supporting documents;
- Health and character checks; and
- Complexity of individual circumstances.
Submitting complete and accurate documentation can help minimise delays.
Rights and Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa
Work Rights
You can work in your nominated occupation with your sponsoring employer in regional Australia.
Study Rights
You and your family members may undertake studies while in Australia.
Travel Rights
You can travel to and from Australia freely while your visa remains valid.
Family Inclusion
Eligible family members can be included in your visa application and may:
- Live in Australia;
- Work in Australia; and
- Study in Australia.
Medicare
Depending on your nationality and applicable reciprocal healthcare agreements, you may have access to Medicare.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the major advantages of the Subclass 494 Visa is the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
Generally, visa holders may become eligible for permanent residence after:
- Holding the Subclass 494 Visa for at least three years;
- Meeting the required taxable income threshold for the relevant period; and
- Continuing to satisfy other legislative requirements.
Successful applicants may then be eligible to apply through the permanent regional visa pathway.
Living in Regional Australia
Regional Australia offers many potential benefits, including:
- Strong employment opportunities;
- A lower cost of living in many areas;
- An excellent lifestyle and community environment;
- Access to quality education and healthcare services; and
- Potential migration incentives and pathways to permanent residency.
Regional areas include many cities and communities outside major metropolitan centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Important Obligations
As a Subclass 494 Visa holder, you should:
- Comply with all visa conditions;
- Work in regional Australia as required;
- Notify the Department of significant changes in your circumstances;
- Maintain valid passports and travel documents; and
- Comply with Australian laws and obligations.
Conclusion
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa provides an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to build a future in Australia while helping regional communities address skill shortages.
With rights to live, work, and study in regional Australia, the ability to include eligible family members, and access to a pathway to permanent residency, the Subclass 494 Visa is an attractive option for skilled professionals seeking long-term opportunities in Australia.
Carefully understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing comprehensive documentation, and complying with all visa conditions can help make your journey to regional Australia a successful one.