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Home » Employer-Sponsored Visas » Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Regional Australia

The Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Stream visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia’s designated regional areas for up to 5 years, with a seamless pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

🔎Visa Snapshot

PR Status: Provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency Subclass 191

Eligibility: Sponsored by an employer in a regional area, with an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

Work Rights: Full-time work for up to 5 years.

Family Members: Partner and dependent children can be included.

Salary: Must meet the regional salary requirements.

English: Minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Processing Time: Typically 6 months to 1 year.

Visa Overview

The Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Stream visa allows skilled workers to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. This visa is designed to address critical skill shortages in regional areas by enabling employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find appropriately skilled Australian workers.

Key Features:

Employer Sponsorship: Applicants must be nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area.

Occupation Requirements: The nominated occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

Work Rights: Full-time work in the nominated regional occupation for up to 5 years.

Family Members: Eligible partner and dependent children can be included in the application.

Salary Requirements: Must meet the regional wage threshold for the nominated occupation.

English Language Proficiency: Minimum English proficiency required.

Processing Time: Processing times vary based on individual circumstances.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Holders of the Subclass 494 visa may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided certain conditions are met.

Why Apply for Subclass 494 – Employer-Sponsored Stream?

Pathway to PR: Transition to permanent residency via Subclass 191.

Fill Skill Shortages: Address critical regional skill gaps.

Full-Time Work: Work in a nominated regional occupation for up to 5 years.

Family Inclusion: Partner and children can join.

Regional Experience: Live and work in designated regional areas.

Employer Sponsorship: Secure a role with employer support.

Eligibility for Subclass 491

To apply for the Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Stream visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

Residency Requirement: Live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years while holding the Subclass 494 visa.

Income Threshold: Meet the minimum income threshold during the 3 years.

Compliance: Comply with all visa conditions during the provisional period.

Once these requirements are fulfilled, Subclass 494 visa holders can apply for the Subclass 191 visa, which grants permanent residency.

📥 Download Eligibility Checklist

🧭 Step-by-Step Process for Subclass 494 – Employer-Sponsored Stream

1
Check eligibility
2
Secure employer sponsorship
3
Employer submits nomination
4
Gather required documents
5
Lodge visa application
6
Pay visa application fee
5
Wait for visa processing

Common Mistakes & ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Not verifying occupation eligibility.

Failing to secure an approved employer nomination.

Missing required documents.

Overlooking salary requirements.

Applying under the wrong visa stream.

Not including eligible family members.

Failing to meet health and character requirements.

Tips for Strong Application

Confirm your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.

Ensure employer sponsorship is approved.

Prepare documents in advance.

Double-check salary thresholds.

Apply under the correct visa stream.

Ensure you meet health and character requirements.

Include all eligible family members.

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members You Can Include

You can include your partner, dependent children, and other eligible dependents in your application.

They must meet health and character requirements.

If granted, family members will have the same visa conditions as the main applicant.

After Visa Grant

Live, work and study in designated regional Australia for up to 5 years.

Partner and children can also work and study with no restrictions (in regional areas).

Apply for Permanent Residence (Subclass 191) after 3 years if income and residence criteria are met.

Travel freely to and from Australia while the visa is valid.

Required Documents What You’ll Need

For your Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Stream visa application, you will need: 

Primary Applicant:

Passport Copy ​

English language test results

Skills assessment (if applicable)

Health and character documents,

Police clearance certificates

Partner / Dependents

Proof of relationship

Health and character documents.

📥 Download Visa Requirement Checklist

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa FeeApprox. AUD 4,910
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+AUD 2,455
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18AUD 1,230
⏳ Processing TimeTypically 3–7 months (post-invitation)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Download Complete Subclass494 ES Visa Pack
Download Complete Subclass494 ES Visa Pack
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❓Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Stream visa allows skilled workers nominated by an employer in a designated regional area to live and work in Australia for up to 5 years. 

You must be nominated by an approved regional employer, have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, hold a skills assessment, have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, and meet English language proficiency standards.

Yes, eligible family members can be included in your application. 

Once granted, you’ll receive provisional residency status with work rights in regional areas. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.