Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia through sponsorship by an approved employer.
The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can provide a pathway to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), provided the relevant requirements are met.
Visa Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary / Provisional — up to 5 years |
| Pathway to Permanent Residence | Yes — through Subclass 191, subject to meeting the applicable requirements |
| Employer Sponsorship | Required (by an approved Standard Business Sponsor in regional Australia) |
| Regional Employment | Required (must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas) |
| Family Inclusion | Eligible family members may be included, subject to the visa requirements |
| Skills Assessment | Generally required for the Employer Sponsored stream unless an exemption applies |
Eligibility Requirements — Subclass 494
Occupation Framework: The current Subclass 494 occupation framework is specified through dedicated legislative instruments, rather than simply relying on the older MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL terminology. Home Affairs currently lists 650 eligible occupations for Subclass 494.
Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa
Live & Work Regionally
Live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
Work for Your Sponsor
Work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated position.
Stay for Up to 5 Years
Stay in Australia for up to five years under the provisional visa.
Include Family
Include eligible family members, subject to the applicable visa requirements.
Study in Australia
Study in Australia, subject to applicable visa conditions.
Travel Internationally
Travel to and from Australia freely during the visa period.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Potential pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Home Affairs confirms that employment under Subclass 494 is regional and that the nominated employment is expected to continue for at least five years after visa grant.
Designated Regional Areas — Subclass 494
Subclass 494 requires the nominated position to be located in a designated regional area.
Postcode Verification: The definition of a designated regional area is based on the applicable Australian Government regional classifications and should be checked using the relevant postcode or location at the time of application.
Salary & Employment Requirements
Annual Market Salary Rate
The employer must meet the applicable salary requirements for the nominated position, including the relevant Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirements.
For Subclass 494 Employer Sponsored nominations, a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) assesses the Annual Market Salary Rate for the nominated position.
Current Salary Thresholds
Salary thresholds and related requirements are subject to government updates and should be checked against current Department settings before lodging a nomination or visa application.
Important Notice: The old AUD $73,150 TSMIT figure has been removed from this page and should not be presented as the current Subclass 494 threshold.
Pathway to Permanent Residence — Subclass 191
Permanent Residence Pathway
The Subclass 494 visa can provide a pathway to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191). Eligible Subclass 494 holders may be able to apply for Subclass 191 after meeting the relevant requirements, including the applicable three-year regional residence and other requirements.
Requirements Must Be Met
The pathway is not automatic. Your visa history, regional residence, work circumstances, income and other requirements need to be assessed before applying.
Meeting the Subclass 494 requirements does not by itself guarantee eligibility for Subclass 191. The applicable requirements should be reviewed based on your individual circumstances before making an application.
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FAQs About Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
What is the Subclass 494 visa?
The Subclass 494 is a 5-year provisional employer-sponsored regional visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
What areas are considered regional for the 494 visa?
All of Australia outside the major metropolitan cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane is classified as designated regional Australia under current Department definitions.
How do I transition from 494 to permanent residence?
After holding the Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years and complying with all regional work and residence conditions, holders can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Does the 494 visa allow family members?
Yes. Eligible family members, including your partner and dependent children, can be included in the nomination and visa application with full regional work and study entitlements.
What is the minimum salary for the 494 visa?
The nominated salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the specific regional location and occupation, verified by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
