The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) allows regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions they cannot fill with local workers. With 650 eligible occupations and a clear pathway to permanent residence, the 494 visa is an excellent option for skilled workers with employer sponsorship in regional Australia.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the 494 visa in 2026, including eligibility requirements, employer obligations, the application process, and the pathway to permanent residency.

What Is the 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 is a provisional employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.

Key Features:

• 5-year provisional visa
• Must be sponsored by approved regional employer
• Must live and work in regional Australia
• Pathway to permanent residence after 3 years
• Can include family members
• 650 eligible occupations
• No points test required

Pathway to Permanent Residence: After working for your sponsor in regional Australia for at least 3 years on a 494 visa, you become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).

Two Streams of the 494 Visa

The 494 visa has two distinct streams:

Employer-Sponsored Stream

This stream allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill genuine positions they cannot fill with Australian workers.

Requirements:

• Employer must be approved sponsor
• Position must be in regional Australia
• Occupation must be on combined skilled occupation list
• Regional Certifying Body must assess salary
• Labour market testing required (unless exempt)

Eligible Occupations: 650 occupations

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for workers nominated under a labour agreement between an employer (or industry) and the Australian Government.

Types of Labour Agreements:

• Company-specific agreements
• Industry labour agreements
• Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

Requirements:

• Must meet conditions specific to the labour agreement
• Position must align with agreement terms
• May have different occupation lists

Eligibility Requirements for 494 Visa

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, you must meet these requirements:

Nomination Requirement

You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position in regional Australia.

Employer Requirements:

• Business must operate in designated regional area
• Must be approved as Standard Business Sponsor
• Must demonstrate genuine need for position
• Cannot fill position with Australian workers

Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age when the employer lodges the nomination.

Important: Unlike skilled independent visas, age is assessed at nomination lodgment, not invitation.

Skills and Qualifications

You must have skills, qualifications, and employment experience for the nominated position.

Skills Assessment: Required for most occupations. You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

Common Assessing Authorities:

• Engineers Australia for engineering occupations
• ACS for IT occupations
• VETASSESS for general professionals
• TRA for trade occupations
• ANMAC for nurses and midwives
• AITSL for teachers

Work Experience Requirement

You must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation (or a related field) within the last 5 years.

Exemptions:

• If your skills assessment authority has assessed you as having suitable employment experience
• If you hold certain qualifications relevant to the nominated occupation
• If specified in a labour agreement

English Language Requirement

To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must demonstrate at least Competent English. It is important to note that the Department of Home Affairs updated the PTE score requirements on August 7, 2025.

If you are using a PTE result from a test taken on or after this date, you must meet the new component-specific scores.

English Language Requirements: Before vs After August 7, 2025

Salary Requirement

The position must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirement.

AMSR Assessment: A Regional Certifying Body (RCB) must assess that the salary offered meets the market rate for the occupation in that regional area.

Purpose: Ensures sponsored workers are not paid less than Australian workers in similar positions.

Health and Character Requirements

You and all family members must meet health and character requirements.

Health Requirements:

• Health examinations by panel physicians
• Additional checks for healthcare and childcare workers
• Must meet Australian health standards

Character Requirements:

• Police certificates from all countries lived 12+ months since age 16
• No substantial criminal record
• Not a risk to Australian community

What Are Designated Regional Areas for 494 Visa?

Regional Australia includes all of Australia except:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane

Major Regional Cities Included:

• Adelaide (entire South Australia is regional)
• Perth (entire Western Australia is regional)
• Gold Coast (Queensland)
• Canberra (ACT)
• Hobart (Tasmania)
• Darwin (Northern Territory)
• Newcastle and Wollongong (NSW)
• Geelong (Victoria)

Check the official designated regional areas list to confirm specific locations.

494 Visa Application Process

The 494 visa application involves both employer and employee responsibilities:

Step 1: Employer Becomes Approved Sponsor

Before nominating you, your employer must become an approved sponsor.

Sponsorship Requirements:

• Business actively operating in regional Australia
• Lawfully established
• Good business record
• No adverse information
• Commitment to local employment

Sponsorship Validity: 5 years

Cost: AUD $420 (Standard Business Sponsorship)

Step 2: Employer Conducts Labour Market Testing

The employer must demonstrate they tried to fill the position with Australian workers.

Labour Market Testing Requirements:

• Advertise position in Australia for at least 4 weeks
• Advertisements within 4 months before lodging nomination
• Must use at least 2 methods (national job board, industry-specific website, etc.)

Exemptions:

• International trade obligations apply
• Position is highly specialized
• Intra-company transfer
• Specified in labour agreement
• Position pays above high income threshold

Step 3: Employer Lodges Nomination

The employer nominates you for the specific position.

Required Information:

• Position details and duties
• Salary and employment conditions
• Skills required
• Evidence of labour market testing (unless exempt)
• Regional Certifying Body assessment

Regional Certifying Body (RCB) Assessment: The RCB must certify that:

• Position is genuine
• Salary meets AMSR for the region
• Duties align with nominated occupation

Cost: AUD $420 (nomination application charge)

Processing Time: Varies by state and RCB

Step 4: You Lodge Visa Application

After the employer lodges nomination, you can lodge your visa application.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Police certificates
• Health examinations
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Evidence of de facto relationship (if applicable)
• CV/resume
• Employment references
• Qualifications and transcripts
• Passport photos
• Evidence of work experience

You must lodge within:

• 6 months of nomination approval (if offshore)
• Before current visa expires (if onshore)

Step 5: Wait for Decision

Priority Processing: The 494 visa receives priority processing as it supports regional Australia.

Current Processing Times: Check the processing times guide for current timeframes.

Step 6: Visa Grant

Once granted, you receive:

• 5-year provisional visa
• Permission to live, work, and study in regional Australia
• Medicare access
• Must work for sponsoring employer
• Pathway to PR after 3 years

494 Visa Costs (2026)

Main Applicant: AUD $4,910

Additional Applicant over 18: AUD $2,455

Additional Applicant under 18: AUD $1,230

Employer Costs:

• Sponsorship: AUD $420
• Nomination: Nil
• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (one-off payment):
  • Small business (turnover under $10 million): $3,000
  • Large business (turnover $10 million+): $5,000

Other Costs:

• Skills assessment: $300-$1,500
• English test: $350-$400
• Police certificates: $40-$200 per certificate
• Health examinations: $300-$500 per person
• Regional Certifying Body assessment: Varies by RCB (e.g., $0 in some areas, $200-$770 in others)
• Migration agent fees: Varies (optional)

Employer Obligations for 494 Visa

Employers sponsoring 494 visa holders have ongoing obligations:

Pay Market Salary Rate

The employer must pay at least the AMSR for the position throughout employment.

Verification: Regional Certifying Bodies and the Department can audit salaries to ensure compliance.

Provide Terms and Conditions

Employment terms must be no less favorable than those provided to Australian citizens or permanent residents in the same position.

Must Include:

• Salary
• Working hours
• Leave entitlements
• Superannuation
• Other benefits

Cooperate with Department

Employers must:

• Respond to Department requests
• Allow workplace inspections
• Provide employee information if requested
• Notify changes in business circumstances

Keep Records

Employers must keep records for:

• Recruitment efforts (labour market testing)
• Salary payments
• Working hours
• Position details

Retention: At least 2 years after sponsorship ends

Not Recover Costs

Employers cannot ask sponsored workers to pay:

• Visa application costs
• Nomination costs
• Sponsorship costs
• Migration agent fees
• Recruitment costs

Notify Department of Changes

Employers must notify within 28 days if:

• Business ceases operating
• Nominated worker’s employment ends
• Position no longer exists
• Business changes ownership

Pathway from 494 to Permanent Residence

The 494 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa.

Subclass 191 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 191 visa, you must:

Residence Requirement:

• Hold a 494 or 491 visa for at least 3 years
• Live in designated regional area for entire 3-year period

Employment Requirement:

• Work for your sponsoring employer (or in your nominated occupation if employer relationship ends)
• Earn at least minimum taxable income threshold for 3 years

Income Threshold: Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current minimum income requirement.

Compliance Requirement:

• Comply with all visa conditions
• No breaches of 494 visa conditions

Timing: You can apply for the 191 visa from 3 years after your 494 visa grant date.

494 Visa Conditions

When you receive the 494 visa, you must comply with these conditions:

Condition 8607: Work Only for Sponsoring Employer

You must work only in the position for which you were nominated, for your sponsoring employer.

Exceptions:

• If employment ends through no fault of yours
• If you find another approved sponsor willing to nominate you for 494 visa

Changing Employers: If you want to change employers on the 494 visa, the new employer must nominate you for a new 494 visa.

Condition 8579: Live and Work in Regional Australia

You and your family members must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.

Consequences of Breach:

• Visa cancellation
• Affects future PR application
• May be barred from future visas

Condition 8580: Notify Change of Address

You must notify the Department within 14 days of changing your residential address.

Condition 8523: Maintain Health Insurance

You must maintain adequate health insurance while you hold this visa.

Note: You can access Medicare, but some services may not be fully covered.

Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs)

Regional Certifying Bodies assess nominations for the 494 visa to ensure positions are genuine and salaries meet regional market rates.

RCB Functions:

• Certify Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
• Verify position is genuine
• Confirm occupation aligns with regional needs
• Assess regional labor market

Major RCBs Include:

• State and Territory governments
• Regional Development Australia (RDA) organizations
• Local government bodies

Each regional area has designated RCBs. Check the list of Regional Certifying Bodies for your location.

494 vs 482 vs 186: Which Visa Is Right?

Here’s how the 494 compares to other employer-sponsored visas:

Choose 494 if:

• You want to work in regional Australia
• Your occupation is on the list
• You want PR pathway after 3 years
• Lower living costs appeal to you

Choose 482 if:

• You want to work in metropolitan cities
• Your employer has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
• You need temporary visa first

Choose 186 if:

• You want immediate PR
• You meet TRT stream requirements (held 482 for 2+ years)
• Your employer can sponsor Direct Entry stream

Advantages of the 494 Visa

Pathway to Permanent Residence: Clear route to PR after 3 years through the 191 visa.

5-Year Validity: Longer validity than most temporary visas, providing stability.

More Occupation Options: 650 occupations compared to 456 for the 482 visa.

Family Inclusion: Include partner and dependent children in your application.

Medicare Access: Full access to Australia’s public healthcare system.

Study Rights: You and your family can study in Australia.

Regional Living Benefits:

• Lower cost of living
• Less competition for jobs
• Better lifestyle in many areas
• Stronger community connections

Priority Processing: Regional visa applications receive processing priority.

Challenges and Considerations

Must Work for Sponsor: You cannot freely change employers. New employer must sponsor new 494 visa.

Regional Restriction: Cannot live or work in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.

3-Year Wait for PR: Unlike 186 visa which grants immediate PR.

Employer Dependency: If employment ends, you may need new sponsor or must leave Australia.

Income Requirement for PR: Must meet minimum taxable income threshold for 3 consecutive years.

SAF Levy for Employer: Employers must pay Skilling Australians Fund levy, which some may be reluctant to do.

What If My Employment Ends on a 494 Visa?

If your employment with your sponsor ends, you have options:

Find New Employer

You can find another approved employer willing to sponsor you for a new 494 visa.

Process:

• New employer lodges sponsorship (if not already approved)
• New employer lodges nomination
• You lodge new 494 visa application

Timing: Try to secure new employer before current employment ends.

Apply for Different Visa

You may be eligible for other visa types:

• Skilled Work Regional (491) if you meet state nomination criteria
• Partner visa if you have Australian partner
• Student visa to continue studies

Return to Home Country

If you cannot secure another visa, you must leave Australia before your 494 visa is cancelled.

Need Help With Your 494 Visa Application?

Think Higher Consultants specializes in employer-sponsored visas including the 494 visa. Our MARA registered migration agents provide:

• Employer sponsorship and nomination assistance
• Skills assessment support
• Complete visa application preparation
• Document verification and translation coordination
• Regional Certifying Body liaison
• 191 PR pathway planning
• Employer obligation compliance advice

We work with both employers and visa applicants to ensure smooth processing.

Contact us today or complete our free online assessment to discuss your 494 visa options.

FAQs: 494 Visa

Can I change jobs on a 494 visa? Only if your new employer sponsors you for a new 494 visa. You cannot freely change employers like permanent residents can. If your employment ends, you should find a new sponsor or apply for a different visa.

Is the 494 visa better than the 482 visa? It depends on your circumstances. The 494 offers more occupations (650 vs 456), 5-year validity, and clear PR pathway after 3 years. However, you must work in regional Australia. The 482 allows metropolitan work but offers shorter validity (2-4 years).

Do I need a skills assessment for the 494 visa? Yes, for most occupations you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Some occupations may be exempt if specified in a labour agreement or if your qualifications clearly demonstrate your skills.

Can my family work on a 494 visa? Yes, your partner and eligible dependents included in your application receive work rights in regional Australia. They are not restricted to working for your sponsor.

What salary must my employer pay for 494 visa? Your employer must pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) assessed by the Regional Certifying Body for your occupation and location. This ensures you’re paid fairly compared to Australian workers in similar positions.

How long does the 494 visa take to process? Processing times vary. The 494 visa receives priority processing for regional positions. Check current timeframes on the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure your application is decision-ready to speed up processing.

Can I live in multiple regional areas on a 494 visa? Yes, you can live anywhere in designated regional Australia. You’re not restricted to the specific region where your employer is located, as long as you can fulfill your employment obligations.

What happens if my employer goes out of business? If your employer ceases operating, your employment ends through no fault of yours. You should try to find a new employer willing to sponsor you for a new 494 visa. Notify the Department of your change in circumstances.