Last updated 9 Feb 2026

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The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years under employer sponsorship. This visa suits applicants who secure a job with an approved regional employer and plan to transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway after three years. If you're new to employer sponsored visas, start with our complete guide to employer sponsored visas to understand how the 494 visa compares to other options.

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This guide explains:

• What the 494 visa is

• 494 visa requirements

• The occupation list (ROL and MLTSSL)

• Processing times

• Conditions and compliance rules

• The permanent residency pathway

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If you plan to apply in 2026, you need to understand both employer and visa obligations before proceeding.

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What Is the 494 Visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is a temporary regional employer-sponsored visa. It allows skilled workers to:

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• Live in designated regional areas of Australia

• Work only for their sponsoring employer

• Include eligible family members

• Apply for permanent residency after three years through Subclass 191

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The visa supports regional workforce shortages outside major metropolitan areas. You cannot live or work in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane on this visa.

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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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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

• Age: Under 45 years old

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

• Salary: Must meet TSMIT (AUD 76,515 from 1 July 2025) and match the market rate (AMSR). See Department of Home Affairs salary requirements for details.

• Health and character: Must meet Australian standards

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Work Requirements

You must:

• Be nominated by approved regional employer

• Have relevant skills and experience for the position

• Work only in your nominated occupation

• Live in regional areas only

• Begin employment within 90 days of visa grant

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Employer & Job Requirements

The sponsoring employer and nominated position must also meet specific requirements:

• Employer must be an approved sponsor

• Employer must be located in a designated regional area

• The position must be genuine and full-time

• Salary must meet the Australian market salary rate (AMSR)

• Labour market testing may be required

• Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice is generally required

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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 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 Are Regional Areas?

Regional Australia includes everywhere except:

• Sydney

• Melbourne

• Brisbane

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Regional areas include:

• Perth

• Adelaide

• Gold Coast

• Sunshine Coast

• Canberra

• Hobart

• Darwin

• All rural and regional towns

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Important: You must live and work only in regional areas throughout your 494 visa.

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494 Visa Conditions

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 cannot:

✗ Apply for most other skilled or partner visas during first 3 years
✗ Work in excluded areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
✗ Work outside your nominated occupation

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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.

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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.

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494 Visa Costs

Main visa application fee: Check current fees

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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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.