Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494 – Live & Work in Regional Australia
Visa Class
494
Length of Stay
Permanent
Cost
From AUD 4900
Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494 allows skilled workers nominated by regional Australian employers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory, or be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area
Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
Demonstrate at least competent English (minimum IELTS 6 or equivalent)
Be aged between 18 and 45 years at the time of application
Meet standard health and character requirements
Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test
For family sponsorship, the sponsor must be:
At least 18 years old
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Living in a designated regional area
A close relative (parent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, or first cousin) of the applicant or their spouse/partner
Application Process
Secure a valid job offer from an eligible regional employer.
Employer lodges a nomination application.
Prepare and submit your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Provide supporting documents (skills, qualifications, English test, health insurance, etc.).
Wait for assessment and approval.
If successful, live and work in regional Australia on a 5-year visa, with the option to apply for permanent residency later.
Understanding the Points Test
The Subclass 494 visa is not points-tested. Instead, it is based on:
Employer nomination
Regional occupation eligibility
Meeting visa criteria
This makes it an excellent option for those who may not meet the 65-point threshold under the General Skilled Migration program.
Common Issues Applicants Face
Employer not being an approved sponsor.
Skills assessment delays or mismatched occupations.
Misunderstanding of “regional areas” (must be outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).
Not meeting permanent residency requirements (working and living regionally for 3 years).
The Subclass 494 visa is a fantastic pathway for skilled workers to kickstart their career in regional Australia while gaining long-term residency benefits. With the right guidance, you can secure your place in Australia’s regional growth story.
Check Eligibility
FAQs
What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years, when sponsored by an approved regional employer.
What are the key eligibility requirements?
Applicants must:
Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
Have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt).
Have at least three years of relevant work experience.
Meet English language, health, and character requirements.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in your application. Family members will have the same visa conditions, allowing them to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
How long is the visa valid and can it lead to PR?
The Subclass 494 Visa is valid for five years. After three years, visa holders may become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) if they meet income, employment, and residency requirements.
What is considered a “regional area” in Australia?
All parts of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as regional. This includes Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, and regional NSW, VIC, and QLD.
How can Bay Migration help with my 494 Visa?
At Bay Migration, we assist you at every step — from eligibility assessment and skills verification to nominating employers, preparing documentation, and lodging applications. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and successful pathway toward regional work and eventual permanent residency.
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