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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494
Regional Australian Employer-Sponsored Visa

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SUBCLASS 494)

The Subclass 494 visa allows employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled overseas workers. Valid for 5 years, it provides a direct pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa.

Visa Type

Temporary (5 years)

Pathway to PR

Yes — via Subclass 191

Min. Salary

AUD $73,150 (TSMIT)

Family Inclusion

Yes

Multiple Entries

Yes

Skills Assessment

Required

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Eligibility Requirements (Subclass 494)

Be nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area (postcode zones).
Hold a positive Skills Assessment from the relevant Australian skills assessing authority.
Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
Nominated in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL for the 494 visa.
Meet Competent English requirements (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent).
Be under 45 years of age at time of application.
Satisfy health and character requirements.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

  • Work for your sponsoring employer in your nominated regional area for 5 years.
  • Pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191 (after 3 years living/working in the region).
  • Include your spouse/partner and dependent children on the same visa.
  • Access Medicare health benefits as a temporary resident.
  • Enrol dependent children in Australian state schools at domestic rates.
  • Multiple travel in and out of Australia for the duration of the visa.

Designated Regional Areas (Subclass 494)

Regional Western Australia (excluding Perth Metro)
Parts of Queensland (excluding Brisbane Metro)
South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania
Regional New South Wales (excluding Sydney Metro)
Regional Victoria (excluding Melbourne Metro)
ACT (Australian Capital Territory)

Note: The definition of "regional" is based on postcode and is subject to updates from the Australian Government.

Pathway to PR — Subclass 191

After holding a Subclass 494 and working in regional Australia, you may be eligible to apply for Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) if you meet:

  • Hold a valid Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years.
  • Have worked in regional Australia for a specified period.
  • Meet the income threshold for the relevant year(s).
  • Continue to meet health and character requirements.

FAQs About Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SUBCLASS 494)

The Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) is a temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional Australia. It is valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191.

Visa Class

Employer Sponsored Regional

Employer sponsored visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to PR.

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Visa Subclass

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa – Subclass 494Training Visa (Subclass 407)

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For any Subclass 494 query — our registered migration agents are here to help you.

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