Last updated: 22 May 2026

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The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years under employer sponsorship. The visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting regional work and income requirements. For official legislative requirements and visa conditions, refer to the Department of Home Affairs Subclass 494 Visa page.

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The Subclass 494 visa is designed to help regional Australian businesses address skilled labour shortages when suitably qualified Australian workers are unavailable.

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494 Visa Quick Facts

• Visa Type: Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

• Visa Subclass: Subclass 494

• Stay Period: Up to 5 years

• Permanent Residency Pathway: Eligible for the Subclass 191 visa

• Age Limit: Generally under 45 years old

• English Requirement: Competent English

• Sponsorship Required: Yes

• Regional Requirement: Mandatory regional work location

• Family Inclusion: Partner and dependent family members can be included

• Processing Time: Usually around 6–12 months

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What Is the 494 Visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is a regional employer sponsored visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer located in regional Australia.

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With a 494 visa, you may:

• Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years

• Include eligible family members

• Travel freely in and out of Australia

• Access a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa

• Work in an approved skilled occupation

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The visa replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 Direct Entry stream in November 2019.

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The 494 visa is one of four employer sponsored visa options in Australia. If you are comparing your options, see our Employer Sponsored Visas guide.

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Who Can Apply for a 494 Visa?

You may be eligible for a 494 visa if you:

• Are nominated by an approved regional employer

• Have an occupation on the eligible occupation list

• Hold a positive skills assessment

• Are under 45 years old unless exemptions apply

• Meet English language requirements

• Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience

• Meet health and character requirements

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Three 494 Visa Streams

Employer Sponsored Stream

Standard pathway for regional employer sponsorship.

Requirements:

• Occupation on MLTSSL and ROL

• Positive skills assessment

• Meet salary threshold

• Approved regional employer sponsor

Stay: Up to 5 years
Cost: From AUD 4,910
Processing Time: 8–11 months. See our 494 visa processing time guide or use official processing time guide.

What you can do:

• Live, work and study in regional Australia

• Pathway to PR after 3 years, read 494 visa to pr for better understanding.

Suitable for: Most skilled workers with regional job offers

 

Labour Agreement Stream

For positions under specific government-employer agreements.

Requirements:

• Position covered by approved labour agreement

• May have lower salary threshold

• Customised requirements per agreement

Stay: Up to 5 years
Cost: From AUD 4,910
Processing Time: 8-9 months. See our 494 visa processing time guide or use official processing time guide.

What you can do:

• Work under agreed occupation and conditions

• Live in designated regional areas

Suitable for: Specialised industries or unique regional needs

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Subsequent Entrant

For family members joining a 494 visa holder.

Requirements:

• Must be part of the family unit

• Apply separately

Stay: Up to 5 years
Cost: From AUD 4,910
Processing Time: Varies based on application. See our 494 visa processing time guide or use official processing time guide.

What you can do:

• Join primary visa holder in Australia

• Live, work and study in regional areas

Suitable for: Partners and dependants

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494 Visa Requirements

Basic Eligibility

• Occupation: Listed on both Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL)

• Skills assessment: Positive assessment required, The assessing authority depends on your occupation and ANZSCO code.

• Age: You must generally be under 45 years old at the time of application.

• English: IELTS 6.0 OR PTE 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing, 54 speaking, See Full 494 Visa English Requirement

• Health and character: Must meet Australian standards

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• Work Experience Requirement

• You must usually demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.

• The experience should generally:

• Be at the required skill level

• Be completed within the last 5 years

• Be genuine and verifiable

• Exclude casual work

• Equivalent part-time employment may sometimes be accepted.

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• Employer Requirements for 494 Visa

• The sponsoring employer must:

• Operate lawfully in regional Australia

• Become an approved sponsor

• Offer a genuine full-time position

• Pay at least the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

• Meet Labour Market Testing requirements where required

• Obtain Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice in most cases

• The nominated position must generally be available for at least 5 years.

• For more details about sponsorship eligibility: Who Can Sponsor You for a 494 Visa?

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494 Visa Salary Requirements

The nominated salary must:

• Meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• Match the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

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From 1 July 2025, the TSMIT threshold is AUD 76,515. Employers must demonstrate that overseas workers are paid fairly compared with Australian workers performing equivalent roles. read more regarding 494 salary requirement.

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What Is AMSR?

AMSR stands for Australian Market Salary Rate.

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This means the employer must show that the sponsored worker will receive a salary equivalent to what an Australian worker would normally earn for the same role and location.

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The Department assesses whether the proposed salary is genuine and consistent with Australian market conditions.

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What Is Labour Market Testing?

Labour Market Testing (LMT) is a requirement where employers must demonstrate they attempted to recruit Australian workers before sponsoring an overseas applicant.

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This usually involves advertising the position in Australia before lodging the nomination.

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What Is a Regional Certifying Body (RCB)?

A Regional Certifying Body (RCB) is an organisation that provides advice regarding regional employer nominations.

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The RCB generally assesses whether:

• The nominated position is genuine

• The salary is appropriate for the occupation and region

• The nomination aligns with regional labour needs​

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494 Visa Occupation List (ROL & MLTSSL)

To qualify for the Subclass 494 visa under the Employer Sponsored stream, your occupation must appear on:

• The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and

• The Regional Occupation List (ROL)

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Each occupation aligns with an ANZSCO code. You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

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Important Points

• Some occupations appear on ROL but not on MLTSSL.

• Labour Agreement stream occupations follow separate agreements.

• If your occupation is removed after nomination, your application remains valid.

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Before applying, confirm:

1. Your ANZSCO code

2. The correct assessing authority

3. Skills assessment requirements

4. English score requirements for your occupation

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Always check the latest occupation list before proceeding, as updates occur regularly.​​

 

494 Visa Application Process

Step 1: Employer Sponsorship

Your regional employer becomes an approved sponsor.

Must demonstrate:

• Operating lawfully in regional Australia

• Genuine business need

• Financial capacity

• Compliance history

Validity: Up to 5 years

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Step 2: Nomination

Employer nominates you for specific regional position.

Includes:

• Position details and salary

• Evidence you meet occupation requirements

• Labour Market Testing (if required)

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Step 3: Visa Application

You submit your 494 visa application.

You must provide:

• Positive skills assessment

• English test results

• Work experience evidence

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

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What Counts as Regional Australia?

For the Subclass 494 visa, regional Australia includes all areas except:

• Sydney

• Melbourne

• Brisbane

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Examples of eligible regional areas include:

• Perth

• Adelaide

• Gold Coast

• Sunshine Coast

• Canberra

• Hobart

• Darwin

• Newcastle

• Wollongong

• Geelong

You must live and work only in designated regional areas while holding the visa.

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494 Visa Conditions and Restrictions

You must:

✓ Work only in nominated occupation
✓ Work only for nominating employer (unless you change sponsors)
✓ Live only in regional areas
✓ Notify Department of address changes
✓ Maintain adequate health insurance

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You generally cannot:

• Live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane

• Apply for most other skilled visas during the first 3 years

• Work outside your approved occupation without a new nomination

Failure to comply with visa conditions may affect your visa status.

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Condition 8579 Explained

Condition 8579 requires Subclass 494 visa holders to:

• Live only in designated regional areas

• Work only in regional Australia

• Comply with employer sponsorship obligations

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Breaching this condition may lead to visa cancellation issues.

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Can You Change Employer on a 494 Visa?

Yes, but the new employer must lodge and receive approval for a new nomination.

You cannot simply move employers without proper sponsorship arrangements.

If employment ends, you generally have limited time to secure another eligible sponsor.

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Can the 494 Visa Lead to PR?

Yes. After holding the Subclass 494 visa for at least three years, you can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.

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Subclass 191 Requirements

You must:

• Hold a 494 visa for at least three years

• Comply with all visa conditions

• Meet the minimum taxable income requirement for three income years

• Continue living and working in regional Australia

For the 2024–25 income year, the minimum taxable income threshold is $70,000. The Department indexes this amount annually.

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You do not need:

• A new skills assessment

• A new English test

Failing to meet income requirements delays eligibility for permanent residency. Learn more about 494 Visa to PR Pathway

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191 Visa Requirements for 494 Holders

To apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, you generally must:

• Hold a 494 visa for at least 3 years

• Comply with all visa conditions

• Meet taxable income requirements

• Continue living and working in regional Australia

The Department updates income thresholds periodically.

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494 Visa vs 491 Visa

Both visas are regional pathways to permanent residency, but they operate differently.

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494 Visa

• Employer-sponsored regional visa

• Does not require a points test

• Requires an approved employer sponsor

• Pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa

• Regional work and living requirement applies

• Occupation must match an eligible employer-sponsored occupation

491 Visa

• State-sponsored or family-sponsored regional visa

• Requires a points test

• Employer sponsorship is not required

• Pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa

• Regional work and living requirement applies

• Occupation must be on the skilled occupation list

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Read the full comparison 494 vs 491 Visa Comparison

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494 Visa Processing Time (2026 Update)

Processing times depend on both nomination and visa stages.

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Nomination Stage

The employer submits the nomination application first. Processing times vary depending on business documentation and labour market testing requirements.

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Visa Application Stage

After nomination approval, you lodge the visa application. Most applications process within 6 to 12 months. Delays occur when:

• Documents are incomplete

• Skills assessment issues arise

• Health or character checks require further review

• The Department requests additional information

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Submitting a complete and decision-ready application reduces delays significantly. read our 494 Visa Processing Time Guide.

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494 Visa Costs

Main visa application fee:

• Main Applicant: AUD 4,910

• Additional Applicant (18 years and over): AUD 2,455

• Additional Applicant (Under 18 years old): AUD 1,230

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Additional costs:

• Skills assessment: $300-$1,200 (varies by assessing authority)

• English tests: $300-$400

• Health examinations: $300-$500

• Police certificates: Varies by country

• Migration agent fees (if using)

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Employer costs:

• Sponsorship application

• Nomination application

• Skilling Australians Fund levy: $1,200-$1,800 per year

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Employer Costs (SAF Levy)

Employers sponsoring a worker under the Employer Sponsored stream of the Subclass 494 visa must pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy to the Department of Home Affairs.

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This levy is paid at the nomination stage and is separate from the visa application fee.

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SAF Levy amount:

• AUD 3,000 → businesses with annual turnover under AUD 10 million

• AUD 5,000 → businesses with annual turnover of AUD 10 million or more

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In some cases, a reduced (pro-rata) SAF levy may apply if the visa holder changes employer, depending on the remaining visa period.

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Your Rights on 494 Visa

✓ Work in regional Australia
✓ Study without restrictions
✓ Travel in and out of Australia
✓ Bring eligible family members
✓ Access Medicare (Australia's public health system)
✓ Apply for permanent residency after 3 years

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Living in Regional Australia

Regional areas offer:

• Lower housing costs

• Reduced competition for employment

• Community-focused lifestyle

• Direct pathway to permanent residency

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Growing regions: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, regional Victoria, NSW, and Queensland

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Common Reasons for 494 Visa Refusal

Applications may be refused due to:

• Incorrect occupation selection

• Insufficient work experience

• Skills assessment issues

• Inadequate evidence

• Salary below market rate

• Employer compliance concerns

• Failure to meet English requirements

Decision-ready applications with strong supporting evidence may help reduce delays and complications.

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Frequently Asked Questions – 494 Visa Australia

Can I change employer on a 494 visa?

Yes, but your new employer must lodge a new nomination. You cannot work for a new employer until nomination approval.

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Can I include family members?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can live, work, and study in regional Australia.

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Is the 494 visa permanent?

No. It is a provisional visa valid for five years.

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What happens if I earn below the income threshold?

You cannot apply for Subclass 191 until you meet the income requirement for three eligible income years.

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Can I move to Sydney after receiving the visa?

No. You must live and work in designated regional areas.

 

Does the 494 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. The Subclass 494 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

To be eligible, you must:

• Hold the 494 visa for at least 3 years

• Meet the income requirement for 3 eligible income years

• Comply with visa conditions

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See full overview for 494 visa to pr.

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Can I apply for PR while on a 494 visa?

Yes, but only after meeting the requirements for the Subclass 191 visa.

You cannot apply immediately after receiving the 494 visa. You must first complete the required period and meet the income criteria.

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What is the difference between the 491 and 494 visas?

The Subclass 494 visa is an employer-sponsored visa, while the Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested visa.

Key differences:

• 494 requires employer sponsorship

• 491 requires state nomination or family sponsorship

• Both are regional visas with a pathway to permanent residency

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Can I apply for a 190 visa after holding a 494 visa?

Yes, it may be possible to apply for a Subclass 190 visa if you meet the eligibility requirements, including state nomination and points criteria.

However, this is a separate visa pathway and is not directly linked to the 494 visa.

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Can I buy a house while on a 494 visa?

Yes, but you may be subject to restrictions.

Temporary visa holders may need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and may be limited to purchasing new properties or vacant land.

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What is the age limit for 494 to PR?

There is no specific age limit for applying for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa.

However, to apply for the Subclass 494 visa, you must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

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Related 494 Visa Guides

You may also find these guides useful:

• Understanding 494 Visa Streams & Pathways

• Who Can Sponsor You for a 494 Visa?

• 494 Employer Sponsored Stream

• 494 Labour Agreement Stream

• 494 Subsequent Entrant Stream

• 494 Visa Processing Time

• 494 Visa to PR Guide