Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

✅ Why Select the Subclass 494 Visa?

• Five years of residency in regional Australia
• Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191 visa) after 3 years
• Bring immediate family members (partner & children)
• Full work rights with your sponsoring employer
• Access to Australia’s education & healthcare (Medicare) for dependents
• Regional lifestyle benefits: lower cost of living, career opportunities, and quality of life

📌 What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

A provisional skilled work visa for individuals sponsored by an approved employer in regional Australia.

• Replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187
• Purpose: Fill skill shortages in regional areas

🔑 Key Features

• Duration: 5 years
• Sponsorship: Must be nominated by an employer in regional Australia
• Occupation: Must be on the Skilled Occupation List
• Work & Location: Must live and work in regional areas only
• Pathway: Eligible for PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years

🛠 Streams under Subclass 494

Employer-Sponsored Stream – for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia

Labour Agreement Stream – for skilled workers under a formal labour agreement

📋 Eligibility Criteria (2025)

• Under 45 years of age
• Occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List
• Positive skills assessment required
• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience
• English proficiency: IELTS 6 (or equivalent) in all bands
• Must be nominated by an eligible regional employer
• Meet health and character requirements

🛠 Step-by-Step Visa Process

Step 1: Check requirements → confirm occupation, age, English, and health criteria
Step 2: Skills assessment → apply through the relevant assessing authority
Step 3: Secure an employer sponsor in regional Australia
Step 4: Employer lodges nomination application
Step 5: Gather required documents (see below)
Step 6: Lodge visa application online
Step 7: Complete biometrics & health checks
Step 8: Await decision (processing can take 7–12 months)

📑 Required Documents

For Applicant

• Passport
• Skills assessment result
• English test result
• Employment references & pay slips
• Educational certificates & CV
• Health exam results
• Police clearances

For Employer

• Nomination approval letter
• Job description
• Business registration documents
• Proof of labour market need

For Family Members

• Passports & birth certificates
• Marriage certificate (if spouse included)
• Health & character checks

📜 Visa Conditions

• Must live and work in regional Australia only
• Must work for sponsoring employer (cannot switch without approval)
• Start working within 90 days of arrival
• Maintain health insurance

🏡 Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)

Eligible if you:

• Hold Subclass 494 for at least 3 years
• Have lived & worked in regional Australia during that period
• Meet the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 years
• Follow all visa conditions

⏳ Processing Time

• 75% of cases: 7–9 months
• 90% of cases: ~12 months
  Delays if documents are incomplete, health/character issues, or nomination checks

💰 Visa Costs

• Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
• Spouse: ~AUD $2,320
• Child (under 18): ~AUD $1,160
  Additional costs: health exams, biometrics, police checks, translations

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Benefits

• Spouse can work or study full-time
• Children can attend public schools
• Access to Medicare healthcare
• Regional lifestyle: affordable housing, community support, better work-life balance

⚠️ Challenges

• Must stay in regional areas for at least 3 years
• Cannot change employer easily
• Some city services may be limited
• Heavy reliance on employer compliance

💡 Tips for a Successful Application

• Ensure skills assessment is correct
• Maintain clear communication with your employer
• Prepare documents early
• Consider hiring a registered migration agent
• Keep all Department of Home Affairs correspondence