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The 494 visa Australia, officially known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), is a golden opportunity for skilled workers looking to live and work in regional Australia. This employer-sponsored visa helps regional employers fill labor shortages by sponsoring skilled foreign workers. Whether you are a professional eyeing long-term migration or an employer facing local skill shortages, this guide is crafted to help you understand the ins and outs of this powerful visa option. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through the 494 visa Australia requirements, 494 visa Australia processing time, eligibility criteria, application process, and much more. Let’s dive in.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It is designed to encourage skilled migration to regions outside of major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These regional areas include thriving communities with growing industries, offering excellent employment opportunities, a lower cost of living, and a higher quality of life.
The 494 visa promotes regional development by filling job shortages in less populated areas and providing a realistic path to permanent residency for foreign workers. With infrastructure development, regional incentives, and lifestyle benefits, the Australian government actively supports the growth of these regions through initiatives like the 494 visa.
This visa has three streams:
Employer Sponsored Stream – For workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer in a designated regional area. This is the primary stream and accounts for the majority of subclass 494 visa applications.
Labour Agreement Stream – For workers who are sponsored under a labor agreement between the Australian Government and an approved employer. These agreements are tailored to the specific needs of an industry or region and are used when standard visa programs cannot meet those needs.
Subsequent Entrant Stream – For family members of primary 494 visa holders who wish to join the main applicant in Australia. This stream ensures that family unity is maintained and provides access to similar rights and obligations as the primary visa holder.
The most common and widely used stream is the Employer Sponsored Stream, which we’ll focus on in this blog due to its widespread applicability and straightforward processing structure for both employers and applicants.
Allows you to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.
Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years.
Lets your family accompany you and access schooling, Medicare, and regional lifestyle benefits.
494 Visa Australia Requirements
To be eligible for the Australian visa subclass 494, both the sponsoring employer and the applicant must meet specific requirements.
Must be located in a designated regional area.
Must be an approved sponsor.
Must provide a genuine job offer in an eligible occupation.
The position must be full-time and likely to exist for at least five years.
Must be under 45 years of age.
Must have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
Must have at least three years of relevant work experience.
Must be nominated by an approved sponsor.
Must meet English language proficiency requirements.
Must meet health and character standards.
These 494 visa Australia requirements are crucial to your application’s success. It's also highly advisable to consult a migration agent to avoid common pitfalls.
You might be wondering where exactly you can work on this visa. The good news is, almost all of Australia is considered regional for the purpose of the 494 visa, except:
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Major cities such as Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra do qualify as regional under the 494 visa.
Ensure you meet the basic criteria mentioned in the 494 visa Australia requirements.
Undergo a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
Secure a full-time job offer from an approved regional sponsor.
Your employer submits a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs.
Once the nomination is approved, submit your application online.
Attend medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
During this time, stay updated about your 494 visa Australia processing time.
The 494 visa Australia processing time varies depending on the volume of applications and individual case complexity. However, as of current estimates:
75% of applications are processed in around 5 to 7 months.
90% of applications may take up to 11 months.
Processing time also depends on:
How complete your application is
Promptness in responding to any requests from the Department
Verification of documents
Being proactive and submitting a decision-ready application can significantly reduce delays.
Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) specific to the 494 visa. Some of the commonly eligible occupations include:
Registered Nurse
Civil Engineer
Chef
Motor Mechanic
ICT Business Analyst
Software Engineer
Always check the current list as it may be updated based on labor market needs.
Choosing the employer sponsored visa 494 offers several advantages:
Work and live in regional Australia with your family.
Access to Medicare and subsidized health services.
Clear pathway to Permanent Residency via the Subclass 191 visa.
Lower competition for jobs compared to metropolitan cities.
Support from local communities and state governments.
Transition to Permanent Residency (PR)
One of the strongest appeals of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa is its pathway to PR. You may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if:
You have held the 494 visa for at least 3 years.
You have complied with visa conditions (like living in the regional area).
You meet income and tax requirements.
494 Visa Conditions and Obligations
As a 494 visa holder, you must:
Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
Work only for your sponsor in the nominated occupation.
Notify the Department if there are changes in employment.
Non-compliance can affect your visa status and chances for PR.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without a skills assessment
Choosing the wrong regional area
Not meeting English requirements
Incorrect or missing documentation
This visa is ideal for:
Skilled workers outside Australia looking for PR pathways
Graduates who have work experience and want to settle regionally
Employers in regional Australia struggling to fill vacancies
If you're exploring options under the Australia work visa category, the 494 visa is a practical choice with long-term benefits.
Q1. Can I apply for PR directly after getting a 494 visa?
No. You must hold the 494 visa for at least 3 years and meet specific criteria to apply for PR under the subclass 191 visa.
Q2. Can I change employers on a 494 visa?
Yes, but the new employer must also be an approved sponsor and nominate you for a new position.
Q3. Is IELTS mandatory for the 494 visa?
Yes, you must prove competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) unless exempted.
Q4. What happens if I move to a metropolitan area?
You’ll be in breach of visa conditions, which may lead to cancellation.
Q5. Can I include my family members in the visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children.
The 494 visa Australia is more than just a work visa; it's a stepping stone to building a life in regional Australia. By meeting the 494 visa Australia requirements and understanding the 494 visa Australia processing time, you can plan a smoother migration journey.
Whether you're an individual applicant or a business seeking skilled talent, this employer sponsored visa 494 bridges skill shortages and opens doors to residency. For the best outcomes, consider consulting a migration agent to help you through the process.
Take your next step with confidence—your future in regional Australia awaits.
