Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494
A five-year provisional visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an approved sponsor for a position in designated regional Australia.
494 at a glance
The location, sponsor, occupation, position, salary and worker requirements must all support the regional nomination.
The TSMIT figure shown applies to relevant nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Permanent residence is not automatic.
Regional position requirements
The role must be based in a designated regional area and remain consistent with the approved nomination.
- Confirm the work location is within a designated regional area.
- Confirm the nominating employer is an approved sponsor or has a suitable sponsorship strategy.
- Check the occupation against the relevant skilled occupation settings.
- Establish AMSR, guaranteed earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.
- Prepare recruitment and labour market evidence where required.
Worker eligibility review
The Employer Sponsored stream generally includes the following checks, subject to exemptions and detailed criteria.
Occupation
Hold a nomination for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Experience
Usually show at least three years of relevant full-time work experience.
Skills assessment
Obtain a suitable skills assessment unless an exemption applies.
Age and English
Usually be under 45 and have at least Competent English, unless exempt.
Health and character
Meet health, character and other general visa requirements.
Pathway to subclass 191
An eligible 494 holder may later apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191 after holding the 494 for at least three years and meeting the applicable requirements.
- Track the 494 grant date and the required holding period.
- Comply with regional living, work and study conditions.
- Work only as permitted by the visa conditions and nomination.
- Review subclass 191 eligibility before relying on the pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Is Western Sydney regional for subclass 494?
Sydney is excluded from the current designated regional area definition. A position in Seven Hills, Blacktown or Parramatta would therefore not be a regional 494 position under that definition.
Can I change employers on a 494 visa?
Subclass 494 carries conditions about the nominated occupation and employer. Obtain advice before changing employment because a new sponsorship, nomination or visa application may be required.
Is three years of experience always required?
The Employer Sponsored stream generally requires at least three years of relevant work experience, but exemptions and Labour Agreement settings can affect the assessment.
Need a subclass 494 review?
Send the regional worksite, employer, occupation, salary and worker history.