Understanding Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa: Eligibility, Streams, and Pathway to PR

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa allows regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. This provisional visa lets you live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years, with the potential to apply for permanent residence after three years.

What Is the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa?

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa designed to help regional employers address labour shortages by sponsoring overseas workers in occupations where no appropriately skilled Australian workers are available. The visa is valid for five years and requires the holder to live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia.

Streams Under the Subclass 494 Visa

Employer Sponsored Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by a business that is an approved work sponsor. The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list. The visa holder must work only for their sponsor or an associated entity unless an exemption applies.

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Labour agreements allow for sponsorship where standard visa programs do not apply, and the terms are set out in the agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, applicants must:

• Be nominated by an approved sponsor

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

• Have at least three years of relevant work experience

• Hold a suitable skills assessment, unless an exemption applies

• Be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies

• Meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency

• Work only for the nominating sponsor or associated entity, unless exempt

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

• Stay in Australia for up to five years

• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas

• Travel to and from Australia freely during the visa validity

• Eligible family members can apply to join the primary visa holder

• Apply for permanent residence after three years if eligibility criteria are met

Skilled Visa Income Threshold Changes from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will be indexed annually in line with changes to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This may affect both nomination requirements and permanent residency eligibility for future applicants.

Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Take the Next Step

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa is a key option for skilled workers looking to live and work in regional Australia. With a five-year stay and the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after three years, it offers a structured pathway for eligible applicants.

If you're considering applying or need assistance understanding the process, contact a us for more details.

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