The 494 regional visa, officially known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 visa, allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia through employer sponsorship.
This visa was introduced to address skill shortages in regional Australia and provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements.
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What Is the 494 Regional Visa?
The 494 regional visa is a provisional visa valid for up to five years. Applicants must be nominated by an approved employer operating in a designated regional area.
Visa holders must live and work in regional Australia while complying with sponsorship conditions.
Streams Under the 494 Visa
Employer Sponsored Stream
- Requires nomination by an approved regional employer
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Requires at least three years of relevant work experience
Labour Agreement Stream
- For employers with a formal labour agreement
- Conditions vary according to agreement terms
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 494 regional visa, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Meet English language requirements
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience
- Pass health and character checks
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility criteria at the time of application.
Employer Requirements
Employers sponsoring under the 494 regional visa must:
- Be actively operating in a designated regional area
- Offer a genuine full-time position
- Meet market salary rate requirements
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy
- Demonstrate labour market need
The employer nomination must be approved before the visa can be granted.
Regional Residence Obligation
Visa holders must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas. Most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualify as regional.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After holding the 494 regional visa for at least three years and meeting minimum taxable income requirements, visa holders may apply for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa.
Application Process
- Step 1: Employer applies for sponsorship approval
- Step 2: Employer lodges nomination application
- Step 3: Applicant submits visa application
- Step 4: Complete medical and police checks
- Step 5: Await Department of Home Affairs decision
Processing times vary depending on occupation demand and application complexity.
Costs Involved
- Visa application charge
- Nomination application fee
- Skilling Australians Fund levy (employer)
- Skills assessment fees
- Medical examination costs
Employers are responsible for certain sponsorship-related charges.
Common Challenges
- Meeting salary thresholds
- Obtaining positive skills assessment
- Maintaining regional residency compliance
- Changes to occupation lists
Accurate documentation and compliance with visa conditions are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 494 visa permanent?
No. It is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Eligible dependents may be included in the application.
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. Employer nomination is mandatory for the 494 regional visa.
Final Thoughts
The 494 regional visa offers skilled workers a structured pathway to employment and eventual permanent residency in regional Australia. Meeting employer nomination and eligibility requirements significantly increases approval success.