Subclass 494 · Employer Sponsored stream
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494): Employer Sponsored stream
A regional employer sponsors you to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years, with permanent residence possible after 3 years.
About the 494 visa
A 5-year regional employer visa with a pathway to PR.
- Live, work and study only in designated regional areas for 5 years
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Apply for permanent residence after holding the visa for 3 years, if eligible
From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members.
You can include members of your family unit in your application.
This visa cannot be extended.
Eligibility for applicants
Your requirements.
You must be under 45 when you apply, unless an exemption applies.
Your employer must be lawfully operating in Australia and nominate you for a position in a designated regional area.
Show you have the skills, qualifications and at least 3 years of relevant work experience to perform the occupation.
Your skills must be assessed as suitable by the relevant assessing authority, unless exempt.
You need at least Competent English. For example, at least IELTS 6 in each of the four components, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. Other accepted tests have equivalent scores, and holders of certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland) are treated as having Competent English.
You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
Step by step
How the application works.
Before you apply
Your employer's nomination must be approved. Organise your skills assessment (if needed), English test and health checks.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Provide accurate evidence of identity, skills, employment, English and character, plus documents for family members.
Apply online
Lodge in ImmiAccount after your nomination is lodged or approved, using the nomination reference number.
After you apply
Respond quickly to any requests and keep your details up to date.
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
Life on the 494.
You and your family must live, work and study only in a designated regional area.
Work in your nominated occupation for your sponsor or an associated entity, unless your occupation is exempt.
After 3 years, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
You must begin your employment within 90 days of entering Australia (if granted outside Australia), or of your visa grant date (if granted in Australia).
About nominating a regional worker
For employers in designated regional areas.
Sponsor a skilled worker to work in a designated regional area in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
There is no application fee to nominate for this stream. The Skilling Australians Fund levy applies.
Sponsors also pay a one-off Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy of AUD3,000 (annual turnover under AUD10 million) or AUD5,000 (AUD10 million or more). The levy is paid with the nomination, cannot be passed on to the worker, and is only refundable in limited circumstances.
12 months from approval, or earlier if it is withdrawn, the visa is decided, or your sponsor approval ends or is cancelled.
Eligibility for employers
What your business must show.
You must be approved, or have applied, as a standard business sponsor.
You must be unable to find a suitably skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident.
For salaries under AUD250,000, show you will pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate. A Regional Certifying Body must also assess the market rate.
The position must be genuine, in a designated regional area, and the worker engaged under a written contract to work only for your business or an associated entity, unless exempt.
Step by step for employers
How to nominate a worker for permanent residence.
Before you nominate
Check your business and the position meet the requirements.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare evidence of your business, the genuine position and the employment terms.
Lodge the nomination
Complete the nomination in ImmiAccount, attach documents, pay the fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy if required, and give your employee the reference number.
After you nominate
Respond to any requests. Your employee must apply within 6 months of approval.
After the visa is granted
Your obligations continue while the worker is in Australia.
Pay the nominated salary, keep records and notify Home Affairs of certain changes. Employer compliance support.
After 3 years, the worker may apply for permanent residence through the 191 Regional Provisional stream.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) Streams
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494): Employer Sponsored stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
A 5-year regional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area.
No application fee for the nomination. The Skilling Australians Fund levy applies.
A body that assesses the market salary rate for the regional position as part of the nomination.
Yes. After holding the 494 for 3 years, you may apply for the subclass 191.
Hiring or Working in Regional Australia?
We prepare the nomination and visa together for regional employers and workers.
