Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is a 5-year provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia when sponsored by an approved regional employer.

Applicants generally must:

• Be nominated by an approved regional employer
• Have an occupation on the relevant eligible occupation list (MLTSSL or ROL)
• Hold a positive skills assessment (where required)
• Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience
• Be under 45 years of age (unless an exemption applies)
• Meet Competent English
• Meet health and character requirements

The Regional Occupation List (ROL) identifies occupations that are eligible for regional employer-sponsored visas, including Subclass 494.

It works alongside the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and is updated by the Australian Government.

Yes. You must have a valid job offer and nomination from an approved regional Australian employer before you can apply for the Subclass 494 visa.

Applicants must generally demonstrate Competent English, typically:

• IELTS overall 6.0, with at least 6.0 in each band, or an accepted equivalent, some exemptions may apply.

Yes. You can include:

• Your partner or spouse (including de facto and same-sex partners)
• Dependent children, including stepchildren All family members must meet health and character requirements.

Processing times vary based on occupation, employer compliance, and application quality. Most Subclass 494 applications are processed within 6 to 9 months, though timelines may vary.

Yes. Subclass 494 holders may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) after meeting the required residence, income, and compliance conditions.

The Subclass 494 visa is valid for up to 5 years from the date of grant.

Yes, but only with a new approved regional employer.

A new nomination must be lodged and approved before you start working for a different employer.

Yes. In limited circumstances, eligible family members can be added after visa grant, subject to meeting visa criteria, health, and character requirements.

Yes. Subclass 494 visa holders are permitted to study in Australia, but they are not eligible for domestic student fees or government study assistance.

If employment ends, you must:

• Find a new approved regional employer
• Have a new nomination approved within the allowed timeframe Failure to do so may affect your visa status.

Yes. You can apply for the Subclass 494 visa from inside or outside Australia, provided you meet all eligibility and visa conditions.

Yes. Subclass 494 visa holders can transition to Subclass 191 permanent residency after:

• Living in designated regional Australia for at least 3 years
• Meeting the minimum taxable income requirement for those years
• Complying with visa conditions
• Meeting health and character requirements