Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

Work and build your future in regional Australia with trusted employer-sponsored migration guidance.

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa introduced in November 2019 to replace the former Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa. It provides eligible skilled workers with the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to five years from the date the visa is granted.

This temporary visa allows skilled workers to work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years when sponsored by an approved Australian employer.

Applicants must have the relevant qualifications, professional skills, or work experience in an occupation included on the applicable skilled occupation list.

Subclass 494 visa holders can work in their nominated occupation within the applicable regional area and may have a pathway to permanent residency if they satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements.

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The Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) is a regional employer-sponsored visa designed for skilled workers nominated by approved Australian employers in designated regional areas. Our migration experts provide complete guidance throughout the sponsorship and visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

To qualify for employer nomination under the Subclass 494 visa:

  • The employer must be located in a designated regional area of Australia, excluding employers based in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
  • The nominated position must be included on the relevant occupation list.
  • The sponsoring employer must meet the requirements to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor and be legally established and actively operating in Australia.
  • The position must be genuine, full-time and expected to be available for at least 5 years.
  • The employer must offer remuneration that meets the applicable Australian market salary rate.
  • The business must demonstrate that it has tested the local labour market by advertising the position locally.
  • Employers must meet applicable non-discrimination requirements and demonstrate a genuine commitment to employing local workers.
  • The employer must pay at least the applicable Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) plus superannuation, with the salary also being competitive for the nominated occupation.
  • The employer may also be required to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, depending on the applicable sponsorship requirements.

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants generally need to:

  • Be nominated by an Australian business that meets the sponsorship requirements and has been approved as a sponsor.
  • Demonstrate the skills, qualifications and relevant work experience required for the nominated occupation.
  • Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation, where required.
  • Be employed in a designated regional area of Australia.
  • Have an occupation included on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Generally be under 45 years of age, unless an applicable exemption applies.
  • Demonstrate the required English language proficiency, such as the applicable IELTS standard, unless exempt.
  • Meet the required health and character criteria.

The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa that can allow eligible skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. Eligible visa holders may later have a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Subclass 191 visa.

Eligibility for Subclass 191 Visa

Applicants seeking permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway generally need to:

  • Hold an eligible visa and have held it for the required period before applying.
  • Comply with the conditions attached to their eligible visa while living in Australia.
  • Meet the applicable health and character requirements.
  • Provide the required Australian Taxation Office (ATO) income notices for the relevant income years.
  • Meet the applicable income and other eligibility requirements for the Subclass 191 visa.

Unlike the Subclass 494 nomination process, applicants generally do not require employer nomination to apply for the Subclass 191 visa.

Get Help with Your Subclass 494 Visa Application: Professional Guidance from Start to Finish

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. For applicants planning a long-term future in Australia, this visa can also provide a pathway towards permanent residency. At Sarab Migration, we offer personalised assistance throughout the application process, helping applicants and employers understand the requirements and avoid common errors that may result in delays or refusal.

Subclass 494 Visa Requirements and Conditions: Prepare Your Application Correctly

Applicants for the Subclass 494 visa must satisfy a range of eligibility criteria, including:

  • Approved Employer Nomination – You must be nominated by an eligible employer for a position located in a designated regional area.
  • Eligible Occupation – Your nominated occupation must meet the applicable skilled occupation requirements for the selected stream.
  • Skills and Qualifications – You must have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience, together with a positive skills assessment where required.
  • Age and English Requirements – Applicants generally need to be under 45 years of age and meet the required English language standard, subject to applicable exemptions.
  • Health and Character – Applicants must satisfy the relevant medical and character requirements.

Visa Conditions:

Subclass 494 holders are generally required to live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia. Certain visa applications may also be restricted during the applicable 494 visa period. Employers must meet their sponsorship obligations, including providing genuine employment and complying with applicable salary and workplace requirements.

At Sarab Migration, we help both employers and applicants understand the applicable requirements and prepare their applications carefully.

Subclass 494 Streams and Employer Nomination: Select the Appropriate Pathway

The Subclass 494 visa has two main streams:

  • Employer Sponsored Stream – Designed for skilled workers nominated by an eligible employer operating in a designated regional area.
  • Labour Agreement Stream – Available to workers nominated under an approved labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

Each stream has specific eligibility requirements and conditions. Selecting the appropriate pathway is particularly important for applicants planning to progress towards permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Employers may need to complete Labour Market Testing (LMT) to demonstrate that suitable Australian workers are not available for the position. Sarab Migration can assist regional employers with the nomination and supporting documentation process.

Subclass 494 Visa Cost, Processing Time & Future Options

Understanding the potential costs and processing periods can help applicants plan their migration journey effectively.

  • Visa Cost:
  • Main applicant: approximately AUD $4,640
  • Additional applicants, including partners and children: additional fees may apply depending on age and circumstances.
  • Processing Time:
  • Processing periods can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, documentation, nomination requirements and Department of Home Affairs processing volumes.
  • Future Options:
  • The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa. Depending on eligibility, holders may later apply for another appropriate visa or progress towards permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway after satisfying the relevant requirements.

Sarab Migration helps clients organise supporting documents, understand application requirements and minimise avoidable administrative delays.

Pathway to Permanent Residency Through Subclass 494

A major advantage of the Subclass 494 visa is its potential pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Subclass 191 visa.

Generally, applicants seeking this pathway need to:

  • Hold the Subclass 494 for the required period before applying for the 191 visa.
  • Meet the applicable income requirements for the required period.
  • Continue satisfying the regional residence and other visa conditions.
  • Meet all health, character and other eligibility requirements applicable to the Subclass 191 visa.

Sarab Migration can provide ongoing guidance to help visa holders understand their future PR requirements and prepare for the next stage of their migration journey.

Family, Refusals & Professional Support for Subclass 494 Applicants

Eligible Subclass 494 applicants may be able to include family members in their application or apply for eligible family members to join them later.

This may include:

  • Partner or spouse – The relationship must satisfy the applicable relationship requirements.
  • Dependent children – Eligible children may be included subject to age and dependency criteria.

Common issues that can affect a Subclass 494 application include:

  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Failure to meet health or character requirements
  • Insufficient Labour Market Testing evidence
  • Incorrect stream selection or occupation mismatch
  • Failure to satisfy nomination or visa requirements

Working with an experienced migration professional can help identify potential issues before submission. At Sarab Migration, each case is assessed individually so that potential risks can be identified early and the application can be prepared according to the applicable requirements.

Need Help with Your Subclass 494 Visa?

Whether you are an employer looking to sponsor a skilled worker or an applicant planning to relocate to regional Australia, Sarab Migration can assist throughout the process — from the initial consultation and eligibility assessment through to visa application and future migration planning.

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