Last updated 9 Feb 2026

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The 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.

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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 Subclass 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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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

• Salary: Must meet Skilled Visa Income Threshold (CSIT) – currently $76,515 (may be lower under Labour Agreement stream)

• 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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Two 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

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

Suitable for: Specialised industries or unique regional 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.

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Regional Occupation List (ROL)

The ROL contains occupations eligible for 494 visa sponsorship in regional areas.

Covers industries like:

• Healthcare (nurses, allied health professionals)

• Trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters)

• IT and technology

• Engineering

• Education and childcare

• Agriculture and farming

• Hospitality and tourism

Key difference: ROL often has broader coverage than CSOL, particularly for regional-specific roles.

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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 Permanent Residency?

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)

Employer costs:

• Sponsorship application

• Nomination application

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

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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.

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Why Choose RACC for Your 494 Visa

RACC's registered migration agents (MARA 1572961) specialise in regional visa applications:

• Check if your occupation is on ROL

• Connect you with regional employers (where possible)

• Assess your eligibility for 494 visa

• Prepare sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications

• Guide you through the 191 PR pathway

• Monitor your progress towards permanent residency

20+ years experience | Regional visa specialists | Multilingual support

 

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