Stream
Employer Sponsored stream
Full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
View full detailsSubclass 494 · Provisional
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Live and work in regional Australia for 5 years with a regional employer sponsor, then apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 after 3 years.
Stay5 years
Visa costFrom AUD6,140
Work experienceAt least 3 years
PathwayPR via subclass 191
About the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lets regional employers sponsor skilled workers where they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian. It has an Employer Sponsored stream and a Labour Agreement stream, plus a Subsequent entrant stream for family members.
After 3 years, you may be eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study only in designated regional areas for 5 years
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- If eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years
You must
- Have a nomination in an occupation on the relevant skilled list
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Have a relevant skills assessment, unless exempt
- Work only for your sponsor or an associated entity, unless exempt
- Be under 45, unless exempt
- Meet minimum English language requirements
Streams of This Visa
Open a stream for its full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
Stream
Labour Agreement stream
Full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
View full detailsStream
Subsequent Entrant stream
Full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
View full detailsSponsors 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.
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.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
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A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
Yes. After 3 years, you may be eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
At least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
Only in designated regional areas of Australia.
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