494 Visa Australia – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Explained
By Nilesh Nandan – Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa® Immigration Lawyers
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site.
Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
Table of Contents
- What Is the 494 Visa?
- Who Is the 494 Visa For?
- 494 Visa Eligibility Checklist
- Detailed Requirements Explained
- Step-by-Step 494 Visa Process
- 494 Visa Conditions and Restrictions
- Processing Time and Costs
- Pathway to PR: 494 Visa to 191 Visa
- 494 Visa vs 482 Visa
- Real-Life Scenarios
- 494 Visa FAQs
- When You Should Seek Advice
- Book a Consultation
What Is the 494 Visa?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is a five-year visa designed to bring skilled workers into Australia’s regional areas.
If you are nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area, you may be eligible to live, work, and study in that region.
The 494 visa also has a built-in pathway to permanent residency via the 191 visa, provided you meet income, work and regional residence conditions.
There are two streams:
- Employer Sponsored Stream – Standard pathway for most applicants.
- Labour Agreement Stream – For employers operating under a negotiated labour agreement or DAMA.
A third option, the Subsequent Entrant, allows eligible family members to join later.
Who Is the 494 Visa For?
The 494 visa typically suits:
- Skilled workers offshore who have a regional job offer.
- 482 visa holders wanting a more secure pathway to PR.
- Employers in regional Australia struggling to find local talent.
- Families wanting long-term stability rather than short-term visas.
This visa is best for people ready to make a genuine commitment to life in regional Australia. If flexibility is your top priority, the 494 might not be your best fit.
494 Visa Eligibility Checklist
For Applicants
- Under 45 years old (unless an exemption applies).
- 3+ years skilled work experience.
- Positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list.
- At least Competent English (IELTS 6 or PTE equivalent).
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Must live and work only in designated regional areas.
For Employers
- Must be located in a designated regional area.
- Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or have a Labour Agreement.
- Offer a full-time role lasting at least 5 years.
- Pay the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and meet TSMIT.
- Demonstrate genuine need for the position.
- Meet sponsorship obligations (records, notifications, compliance).
Detailed Requirements Explained
Regional Location
A designated regional area includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Always check the official postcode list before accepting any job.
Occupation & Skills Assessment
Your nominated occupation must align with the job duties and the assessing authority’s criteria.
A mismatched occupation is a common reason for refusal.
Most applicants must complete a positive skills assessment.
Experience Requirements
You need at least three years of full-time, relevant skilled experience.
Part-time experience can count, but only if it meets the standard.
English Requirements
Most applicants need Competent English.
Some labour agreements require higher scores, and exemptions are rare.
Salary Requirements
The employer must pay:
- The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
- At least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Underpayment or incorrect salary documents can cause refusal or sponsorship penalties.
Step-by-Step 494 Visa Process
- Confirm the regional postcode for the job.
- Match the occupation with the correct ANZSCO code.
- Skills assessment completed (if required).
- English test completed.
- Sponsorship application (employer).
- Nomination application (employer).
- Visa application (worker).
- Respond to Requests for Further Information (RFIs) if issued.
- Stay compliant once the visa is granted.
- Plan your 191 visa PR strategy.
494 Visa Conditions & Restrictions
- You must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
- You must work in your nominated occupation for your sponsor.
- Changing employers requires a new nomination first.
- Your family members share similar restrictions.
- Breaching conditions can affect both your 494 and your future 191 PR visa.
494 Visa Processing Time & Costs
The 494 visa processing times vary significantly. Many applications take several months, and complex cases may take longer.
Processing speed often depends on nomination strength, document completeness, and background checks.
Costs include:
- Government visa charges
- Nomination fees
- SAF levy
- Skills assessment costs
- English tests
- Health exams
- Police clearances
These costs change frequently — always check the latest figures before budgeting.
494 Visa to PR: The 191 Visa Pathway
The 494 visa is designed to lead to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191.
To qualify for the 191 visa, you must:
- Hold a 494 visa for the required minimum years.
- Have lived, worked and studied only in regional areas during that time.
- Meet the minimum taxable income requirement for the required number of years.
- Have complied with all conditions of your 494 visa.
Many refusals happen because of:
- Income shortfalls
- Working outside regional areas
- Incorrect employer changes
- Breach of conditions
494 Visa vs 482 Visa (TSS)
| Feature | 494 Visa | 482 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can work | Only in regional areas | Anywhere in Australia |
| Duration | Up to 5 years | 2–4 years |
| PR Pathway | Clear pathway to 191 | Depends on occupation/stream |
| Occupation | More regional occupation options | Short-term, Medium-term, Labour Agreement lists |
| Commitment | Strong regional commitment required | More flexible |
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: 482 Holder Moving to Regional for PR
A marketing specialist on a 482 visa in Melbourne struggles to find a PR pathway because their occupation isn’t eligible for 186 transition.
A regional employer in Adelaide offers a genuine long-term role.
By switching to a 494 visa, they secure a clearer PR pathway via the 191 visa.
Scenario 2: Regional Employer in WA
A childcare centre in regional WA cannot find local educators.
They sponsor a qualified overseas worker for a 494 visa.
The employer fills a critical skills shortage, and the worker gains a strong pathway to permanent residency.
Scenario 3: Offshore Skilled Worker With a Job Offer
A chef in the Philippines receives a regional job offer from a restaurant in Tasmania.
The occupation is eligible, salary meets AMSR, and the employer is approved.
The chef applies for a 494 visa with a clear PR strategy already in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 494 visa in Australia?
It is a provisional skilled visa for workers sponsored by regional employers. It lasts up to five years and leads to PR if you meet eligibility requirements.
What are the requirements for the 494 visa?
You need an eligible regional employer, skills assessment, 3 years experience, competent English, an eligible occupation, and must be under 45 (with limited exceptions).
How long does the 494 visa take to process?
There is no fixed processing time. Many cases take several months; complex cases take longer.
Can I change employers on a 494 visa?
Yes, but only if your new employer lodges a new nomination first.
If you switch without a nomination, you risk breaching visa conditions.
Does the 494 visa give access to Medicare?
Some applicants may be eligible depending on nationality or reciprocal healthcare arrangements.
Never assume — check your situation.
Is the 494 visa permanent?
No, it is provisional. But it leads to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa.
Can I buy property on a 494 visa?
Many 494 visa holders buy homes, but FIRB, state surcharges, and lender policies still apply.
When Should You Seek Immigration Advice?
- Rules change fast — occupation lists, income rules and policies shift frequently.
- Mistakes can lead to refusal or cancellation — especially employer changes, salary issues or regional breaches.
- You’re comparing 482 vs 494 vs 491 pathways and unsure which fits.
- Your employer is unsure about obligations or nomination requirements.
- You want a rock-solid PR plan before committing to a move.
I also recommend reviewing our guides on the 482 Visa and 485 Visa.
Book a Consultation
If you want a secure, strategic pathway to permanent residency through the 494 visa, the next step is simple:
I’ll walk you through:
- Your PR timeline
- Your occupation and skills assessment strategy
- Your employer’s nomination obligations
- Your risks and best options
- Your long-term migration plan
Immigration policies change without notice.
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site.
Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice
