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Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa 

(Subclass 494)  

 

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia. It allows you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for up to five years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency. This visa supports regional development by addressing local labour shortages through employer sponsorship..

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

The Subclass 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved employer for an eligible occupation. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years. This visa has two main streams:

 

1. Employer Sponsored Stream

  1. Requires nomination by an employer located in a designated regional area
  2. Position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
  3. The employer must be an approved standard business sponsor

From 1 July 2025, the annual salary must be at least AUD 76,515 or the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.

2. Labour Agreement Stream

 

  1. For employers who have entered into a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government
  2. Designed to address specific regional skills shortages not covered by standard occupation lists

From 1 July 2025, the annual salary must be at least AUD 53,900 or the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.

 

Pathway to PR- Subclass 191 Visa

The Subclass 494 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. To qualify:

    • Live and Work Regionally: You must live, work, or study in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.

    • Meet Income Threshold: Show evidence of taxable income at or above the required level for 3 years.

    • Partner Rules: If a partner was included, only one needs to meet the income threshold, but both must meet the regional residence requirement.

Visa Class

Employer Sponsored Visa

Australia’s employer sponsored visa program is designed to meet the specific business needs of Australian employers 

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Visa Subclass

Benefits of Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

Holding a Subclass 494 visa grants you and your included family members significant benefits:

  • Live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years with growing job markets and vibrant communities
  • Provide a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years (if eligible)
  • Include eligible family members in the application
  • Travel in and out of Australia during the visa period

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for  Applicant

To qualify for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must:

  • Be nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia
  • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions may apply)
  • Have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation (unless exempt)
  • Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience
  • Meet English language proficiency requirements
  • Meet health and character requirements

 

Eligibility Criteria for Nominating Employers

  • Must be located in a designated regional area of Australia.
  • The nominated position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Must obtain Regional Certifying Body (RCB) approval before lodging the nomination.
  • The position must be genuine, full-time, and available for at least five years.
  • The offered salary must match the market salary rate for the role.


English Language Requirements

All stream requires an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band score below 6.0 or equivalent unless exempted.

 

Need Help with Your Visa Application?

Navigating Australia’s visa process can be complex but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team of MARA-registered migration professionals is here to offer expert advice and step-by-step support throughout your Expression of Interest (EOI) and visa application journey.

 

Disclaimer: This information is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494

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