Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
Live and work in regional Australia with employer sponsorship.
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa lets skilled workers live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. You must be sponsored by an approved employer who cannot find a suitable Australian worker for the role.
Streams under Subclass 494 Visa
1. Employer Sponsored Stream
This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia.
Key requirements:
- You must be under 45 years of age.
- You must have a relevant skills assessment.
- Your occupation must be on the 494 skilled occupation list.
- You must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- You must meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
- You must be nominated by an employer who is approved and located in a regional area.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for workers who are sponsored through a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
Key requirements:
- You must meet the terms and conditions outlined in the labour agreement.
- Skills, qualifications, and English requirements are based on the specific agreement.
- Labour agreements are used when the occupation is not on the standard skilled list, but there’s a genuine labour shortage.
3. Subsequent Entrant Stream
This stream is for family members of a primary Subclass 494 visa holder who want to join them in Australia.
Key requirements:
- You must be a partner or dependent of someone holding a 494 visa.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You must provide proof of relationship with the primary visa holder.
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like.
- Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years if you meet the eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
- Get a job offer from an approved regional employer.
- Lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest) or apply directly through your employer.
- Undergo a skills assessment (if required).
- Gather documents: identity, work experience, qualifications, health, and character.
- Apply online for the Subclass 494 visa.
Why Choose the 494 Visa?
✅ Fast-track to permanent residency
✅ Great pathway to settle in regional Australia
✅ Opportunity to bring family
✅ Strong job demand in regional areas
Need help with the Subclass 494 Visa?
Our expert migration agents can guide you through every step – from job sponsorship to permanent residency. Contact us today for a free eligibility check.