Need help with the Subclass 494 Visa? Book a telephonic consultation with our MARA-registered agents (Reg# 2217775).
What Is the Subclass 494 Visa?
Regional Employer Sponsored
Allows employers operating in designated regional areas of Australia to sponsor overseas skilled workers for genuine full-time roles they cannot fill with local workers.
5-Year Temporary Visa
The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa valid for up to 5 years. Holders must live and work in the sponsoring employer's designated regional location during this period.
PR Pathway via Subclass 191
After 3 years of work and regional residence under the 494 visa, meeting taxable income thresholds and other conditions, holders become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.
Designated Regional Areas
Eligible areas include all of regional and remote Australia, as well as certain low-population metropolitan areas. The sponsoring employer must operate within a qualifying regional area.
Key Features
Employer Sponsorship Required
You cannot apply independently. The employer must hold or apply for approved regional employer-sponsor status and nominate you for a genuine, ongoing full-time skilled position.
Work in Regional Australia
You must live and work in the designated regional area specified in your employer's nomination. Working outside this area without approval may breach visa conditions.
Skills Assessment Required
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required for most applicants. The assessment must confirm that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
Family Can Join
Partners (married or de facto) and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on the same visa application, with full work and study rights.
Eligibility
Age Under 45
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless an exemption applies (e.g., certain academic, medical, or research occupations).
Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body is required, confirming your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.
English Proficiency
You must meet the English language competency requirement for your nominated occupation via an approved test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL etc.), unless an exemption applies.
Occupation on RSMS List
The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant regional occupation list (RSMS list or equivalent legislative instrument) for the Subclass 494 visa stream.
Employer Sponsorship
A regional employer must sponsor and nominate you. The employer must be based in a designated regional area, meet labour market testing requirements, and offer market-rate salary conditions.
Health & Character
All applicants and included family members must undergo health examinations and provide police clearances from all countries of residence over the past 10 years.
How ABEE'S Consultancy Helps
Regional Eligibility Assessment
We confirm whether the employer's location qualifies as a designated regional area, verify the occupation against the RSMS list, and assess whether the applicant meets age, skills, and English requirements.
Sponsorship & Nomination Preparation
We prepare the employer's regional sponsor application and nomination submission, including genuine position evidence, labour market testing documentation, and market salary analysis.
Visa Application & 191 Planning
We compile and lodge the complete visa application, and advise on the ongoing obligations needed to qualify for the Subclass 191 PR pathway after 3 years of regional residence and work.
Documents Required
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Academic qualifications, trade certificates, and transcripts
- Employment references and work history evidence for the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment outcome from the relevant assessing authority
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent)
- Signed employment contract with the regional sponsoring employer
- Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence (past 10 years)
- Completed health examinations via an approved panel physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a transfer is possible. However, the new employer must be an approved regional sponsor located in a designated regional area, and must lodge a new nomination for you before you commence work. This process takes time, so plan ahead.
Not automatically. To apply for the Subclass 191 PR visa, you must complete 3 years of lawful work and residence in a regional area under the 494 visa and meet minimum taxable income thresholds for each of those 3 years.
Yes. Partners (married or de facto) and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on the same application. Secondary applicants receive the same work and study rights as the primary visa holder.