Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Work & Live in Regional Australia
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
This visa is for employees nominated by an approved Australian employer and provides a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through Subclass 191.
What is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa?
✔️ The 494 Visa is a five-year provisional work visa for skilled professionals nominated by a regional Australian employer.
✔️ It replaces the previous RSMS Visa (Subclass 187) and encourages skilled workers to settle in regional Australia.
✔️ Provides full-time work rights, access to Medicare, and a pathway to PR through Subclass 191 after three years.
✔️ Applicants must work for at least 3 years in a regional area before applying for PR.
✔️ Covers both employer-sponsored and labour agreement streams.
Who Can Apply for a 494 Visa?
✔️ Skilled Professionals – Applicants working in an occupation listed on the 494 skilled occupation list.
✔️ TSS Visa Holders (Subclass 482) – Employees who have worked for an employer in Australia and want to transition to regional PR pathways.
✔️ Direct Entry Applicants – Candidates with skills assessment and three years of relevant work experience.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored Workers – Applicants with job offers from an approved regional employer.
✔️ Regional Skilled Workers – Applicants willing to work in regional areas for at least three years.
✔️ Labour Agreement Applicants – Workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between an employer and the Australian government.
Advantages & Benefits of 494 Visa
✔️ Direct Pathway to PR – After 3 years of regional work, 494 visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191).
✔️ Full Work & Residency Rights in Regional Australia – Live, work, and study in designated regional areas with unrestricted work rights.
✔️ Access to Medicare & Social Benefits – 494 visa holders can access Australia’s public healthcare system and other social security benefits.
✔️ Family Sponsorship Available – Spouses and dependent children can also obtain work and study rights in Australia.
✔️ Priority Processing for Regional Visa Applications – Faster processing times compared to urban employer-sponsored visas.
✔️ No Ongoing Visa Renewals – Unlike temporary work visas, the 494 visa leads to PR, eliminating the need for frequent visa renewals.
✔️ High Demand for Regional Workers – Skilled workers in regional areas have higher chances of securing PR pathways due to labor shortages.
Types of Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Streams
Employer Sponsored Stream – Skilled Workers with Job Offers
✔️ For skilled professionals nominated by an approved regional employer.
✔️ Requires at least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
✔️ PR pathway available via Subclass 191 after three years of work in a regional area.
Labour Agreement Stream – Special Employer Agreements
✔️ For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.
✔️ Covers specialized occupations outside the standard skilled lists.
✔️ May offer PR pathways through the agreement.
Eligibility & Requirements for 494 Visa
✔️ Job Offer from an Approved Regional Employer – Employer must be located in a designated regional area.
✔️ Skills & Work Experience – Minimum three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
✔️ English Language Proficiency – IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each band), PTE, or TOEFL.
✔️ Health & Character Requirements – Medical examination and police clearance certificate required.
✔️ Salary Compliance – Sponsored workers must be paid the Australian market salary rate.
✔️ Regional Commitment – Visa holders must live and work in regional Australia for three years before applying for PR.
Documents Checklist for 494 Visa Application
✔️ Valid Passport – Must be valid throughout the visa process.
✔️ Job Offer Letter – Official employment contract from a regional employer.
✔️ Skills Assessment Report – Required for Direct Entry applicants.
✔️ Educational Qualifications – Degree, diploma, or trade certificates.
✔️ Work Experience Proof – Employment references, contracts, or payslips.
✔️ English Test Results – IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL (if required).
✔️ Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) – Criminal background check.
✔️ Health Examination Report – Medical clearance from an approved panel physician.
✔️ Salary Evidence – Proof of salary meeting the Australian market rate.
494 Visa Fees & Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Fees (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) | 6-12 months | $4,640 |
| Labour Agreement Stream (Subclass 494) | Varies | $4,640 |
| Employer Sponsorship Application | 2-4 months | $420 |
| Nomination Fee (Employer Pays) | 2-4 months | $330 |
Occupations in Demand for 494 Visa Holders
✔️ Healthcare Professionals – Registered nurses, doctors, aged care workers, physiotherapists.
✔️ IT & Technology Experts – Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, network engineers.
✔️ Construction & Engineering Workers – Civil engineers, electricians, welders, plumbers.
✔️ Education & Teaching Roles – Early childhood educators, secondary school teachers.
✔️ Finance & Business Professionals – Accountants, financial analysts, HR managers.
✔️ Skilled Tradespeople – Mechanics, bricklayers, refrigeration technicians.
✔️ Mining & Energy Sector Jobs – Geologists, mining engineers, project managers.
✔️ Agriculture & Farming Workers – Fruit pickers, livestock handlers, dairy farm workers.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a 494 Visa
✔️ Step 1: Find an Approved Regional Employer – Secure a job offer from an employer registered as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) in a designated regional area.
✔️ Step 2: Employer Submits Sponsorship Application – The employer must apply for business sponsorship approval if not already registered.
✔️ Step 3: Employer Lodges Nomination for Position – The employer submits the nomination application for the position under the 494 Visa program.
✔️ Step 4: Gather Required Documents – Collect all necessary documents, including job offer letter, passport, skills assessment, qualifications, work experience records, and English test results.
✔️ Step 5: Submit 494 Visa Application – Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal with all required documentation.
✔️ Step 6: Complete Biometrics & Health Check – Attend a biometrics appointment and undergo a medical examination, if required.
✔️ Step 7: Wait for Visa Processing & Approval – Processing times vary but generally range from 6 to 12 months.
✔️ Step 8: Start Working in Regional Australia – Upon visa approval, relocate to the designated regional area and commence employment.
✔️ Step 9: Fulfill Regional Work Requirement – Work in the regional area for at least 3 years to become eligible for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191).
✔️ Step 10: Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) via Subclass 191 – After 3 years of regional work, apply for PR through the Skilled Regional PR Visa (Subclass 191) without needing employer sponsorship.
Australia Job Market Trends for 494 Visa Holders
✔️ IT & Tech Industry – Increasing demand for software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and IT support specialists.
✔️ Healthcare & Aged Care – Shortages in registered nurses, aged care workers, and general practitioners, especially in regional areas.
✔️ Construction & Infrastructure – High demand for civil engineers, project managers, electricians, and welders.
✔️ Mining & Engineering – Opportunities for mechanical engineers, geologists, and mining project managers.
✔️ Agriculture & Farming – Strong need for farmhands, fruit pickers, dairy farm workers, and livestock managers.
✔️ Hospitality & Tourism – Increased job availability for chefs, hotel managers, and restaurant staff in regional locations.
✔️ Education & Teaching – Early childhood educators, secondary school teachers, and vocational trainers needed across rural communities.
Salary Insights for 494 Visa Occupations
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineers | $90,000 - $140,000 |
| Registered Nurses | $75,000 - $110,000 |
| Civil Engineers | $85,000 - $130,000 |
| Accountants | $70,000 - $100,000 |
| Electricians | $65,000 - $90,000 |
| Chefs & Hospitality Managers | $60,000 - $85,000 |
| Construction Managers | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| Farm Workers | $50,000 - $75,000 |
Employer Sponsorship Opportunities for 494 Visa Holders
✔️ Employer Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) – For skilled workers with job offers from approved regional employers.
✔️ Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 494 to 191 PR Pathway) – Provides a direct route to permanent residency after 3 years of regional work.
✔️ Labour Agreement Stream (Subclass 494) – For employees in specialized occupations under a labour agreement.
✔️ State & Territory Sponsorship – Some regional states offer additional employer nomination programs.
✔️ Seasonal Worker Program & Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme – Sponsorship for farm workers and agricultural laborers.
✔️ Regional Healthcare Sponsorships – Employers in regional healthcare facilities actively sponsor doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
PR Transition Strategies for 494 Visa Holders
✔️ Permanent Residency via Subclass 191 – After living and working for 3 years in a regional area, 494 visa holders can apply for PR through Subclass 191.
✔️ Employer-Sponsored PR (Subclass 186) – If an employer is willing to nominate the worker for PR, applicants may transition earlier.
✔️ Skilled Independent PR (Subclass 189) – Visa holders can apply for independent PR after gaining additional skilled work experience.
✔️ State Nominated PR (Subclass 190) – Some states offer PR pathways for 494 visa holders in high-demand occupations.
✔️ Pathway to Australian Citizenship – Eligible for citizenship after four years of total residency, including one year as a PR holder.
Faster 494 Visa Processing Tips
✔️ Ensure Employer Completes Nomination Application Properly – Any errors in employer nomination can delay visa approval.
✔️ Submit a Complete Visa Application – Missing documents can lead to processing delays or refusals.
✔️ Use a Registered Migration Agent – Professional assistance increases approval chances and speeds up the process.
✔️ Apply for Priority Processing Streams – Some occupations and employer sponsorship categories receive priority processing.
✔️ Check Processing Times Before Applying – Apply under priority work streams for faster approvals.
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