- MARN 2519146
- Phone : +61 449 090 009
- Email : consult@7starsgm.com.au
Subclass 494 Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Helping regional Australian employers sponsor skilled overseas workers with a pathway toward permanent residency.
Quick Visa Overview
Visa Type
Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Visa Duration
Up to 5 Years
PR Pathway
Subclass 191 Visa
Family Inclusion
Spouse & Dependent Children
Regional Requirement
Designated Regional Areas
Employer Sponsorship
Required
About This Visa
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa — Subclass 494 — is an employer-sponsored regional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
2 Main Streams
1. Employer Sponsored Stream
2. Labour Agreement Stream
Employer Sponsored Stream
About this visa
-
This is the standard and most commonly used stream of the Subclass 494 visa. It is for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer located in regional Australia because the employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker for the role.
The visa is provisional and valid for up to 5 years. After meeting eligibility requirements, visa holders may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa pathway.
Benefits
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Full-time work rights in regional Australia
- Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years through Subclass 191
- No points test required
- • Can include eligible family members
- Access to Medicare for eligible reciprocal countries
- Broader occupation lists compared to some metropolitan visas
- Regional areas often provide better sponsorship opportunities and lower competition
Key Requirements
- Must be nominated by an approved regional employer
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Positive skills assessment required
- Usually at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Competent English required
- Age generally under 45 years
- Meet health and character requirements
- Position must be genuine and full-time
- Salary must meet market salary and TSMIT requirements
- Must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia
Labour Agreement Stream
About this visa
-
This stream is for skilled workers whose employer has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. These agreements are usually made to address labour shortages in specific industries or regional areas where standard visa programs may not meet workforce needs.
This stream may offer concessions or flexible requirements depending on the terms of the labour agreement.
Benefits
- Allows sponsorship in occupations not available under normal streams
- Possible concessions for:
-
- Age
- English language
- Salary
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Can include eligible family members
- Helps regional employers fill critical labour shortages
Key Requirements
- Must be nominated by an employer operating under an approved labour agreement
- Occupation must be listed in the labour agreement
- Must meet requirements specified in the agreement
- English, age, qualification, or salary concessions may apply
- Health and character requirements must be met
- Must work in designated regional Australia
Quick Comparison
| Stream | Best For | Main Requirement | Skills Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored Stream | Skilled workers with regional job offers | Nomination by approved regional employer | Usually required |
| Labour Agreement Stream | Workers under special industry agreements | Employer must hold labour agreement | Depends on agreement |
Visa Process
Skill Assessment
Position Nomination
Check Skilled Occupation List
Prepare Supporting Documents
Lodge Visa Application
Visa Grant Decision
Important Features of the 494 Visa
It is a regional visa, meaning holders must live and work in designated regional areas • Major metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are generally excluded from eligible regional areas for this visa • The visa provides a strong employer-sponsored pathway to Australian permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting income and regional residence requirements for at least 3 years
The information provided on this page is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute migration advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult us
Ready to Start Your Partner Visa Journey?
Our experienced migration experts are here to help you reunite with your loved one and build your future in Australia.