Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Subclass 494
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years. It helps employers in designated regional areas address skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers.
It is designed for applicants who:
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Have an approved Australian employer located in a designated regional area.
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Possess the required skills, qualifications, and experience for an eligible occupation.
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Intend to live and work only in regional Australia (excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).
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Meet English language, health, and character requirements.
Visa Streams
Main Requirements
Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless exempt).
Be nominated by an approved regional employer for an eligible occupation on the Regional Occupation List.
Have at least 3 years of relevant
full-time work experience.
Hold a valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent) and satisfy health and character requirements.
Commit to living and working only in regional Australia.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the stream and completeness of the application. Delays may occur if additional health, character, or verification checks are required.
Employer Sponsored
Stream
5 – 10 months
Labour Agreement
Stream
8 – 14 months
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant
From AUD 4,910
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Additional applicant (18+ years)
From AUD 2,455
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Additional applicant (under 18)
From AUD 1,230
Employers are also required to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which typically ranges from AUD 3,000 to AUD 5,000 depending on the size of the business.
Key Benefits
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Live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
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Include eligible family members in the same visa application.
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Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
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Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after 3 years.
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Encourages long-term settlement in regional communities.
Process
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Employer applies to become an approved sponsor (if not already approved).
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Employer lodges a nomination for the position in a regional area.
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Applicant submits the visa application online via ImmiAccount.
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Provide required documents such as passport, skills assessment, English test results, and health and character evidence.
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Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.
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Once approved, commence employment with your sponsoring employer in regional Australia.
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. How long can I stay on the 494 visa?
You can stay in Australia for up to 5 years from the date of grant.
02. Can I apply for permanent residency later?
Yes. After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia and earning a taxable income at the required level, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
03. Can I change employers while on a 494 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must become an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination that is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
04. Can my family members work and study?
Yes. Family members included in your visa can work and study in Australia without restrictions, provided they live in regional areas.
05.What happens if I move to a non-regional area?
You must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas. Breaching this condition can affect your visa and eligibility for permanent residency.
