Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494
A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved regional employer to live and work in regional Australia.




Basic Eligibility
Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Be under 45 years of age (exemptions available)
Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Meet minimum English language standards
Hold a suitable skills assessment
Streams under Subclass 494 Visa
The 494 regional visa allows skilled individuals to live and work in designated regional areas while progressing toward permanent residency.
This stream allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find suitable Australian workers.
Requirements
Live, work and study only in designated regional areas
Must have worked full-time in the nominated occupation for at least 3 years at the required skill level
Must have Competent English
Can apply for permanent residence after 3 years
- Must be under 45 years of age (exemptions available for university
academics, scientists, and researchers) - Must meet health, character requirements by all applicants .
For skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
Requirements
- Employer must have an active Labour Agreement
- Must meet the English level specified in the Labour Agreement
- You must show that you have the skills, qualifications and work
- experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
- Unless the labour agreement states otherwise,you must show that you
have the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to perform the
nominated occupation.
Unless the labour agreement states otherwise ,must be under 45 years
of age (exemptions available for university academics, scientists, and researchers) - Unless the labour agreement states otherwise,you must show that you
have the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to perform the
nominated occupation. - Must meet health, character requirements by all applicants .
For family members of a Subclass 494 visa holder who are applying separately to join them in regional Australia.
Requirements
Must be a family unit member of a Subclass 494 visa holder
Employer with the most recent approved nomination must agree in writing to include the family member
Must show Functional English or pay the second instalment fee if unable
- Must meet health, character requirements by all applicants .