- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Subclass 494 Visa – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Australia
The Subclass 494 visa allows Australian employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker for the position.
It is granted for five years and can provide an important pathway towards permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa, generally after holding an eligible regional visa for at least three years.
For skilled professionals with a regional employer willing to sponsor them, the Subclass 494 can provide an alternative to points-tested skilled migration.
5 yrs
Visa duration
3 yrs
Before Subclass 191 PR
~650
Regional eligible occupations
No
Points test
98%
Visa success rate
On this page
Subclass 494 visa at a glance
At GIEC Global, we assist skilled workers and Australian employers with understanding the Subclass 494 process — including occupation eligibility, skills assessments, employer sponsorship, nomination and regional requirements, visa documentation and the potential pathway to permanent residence.
It can also be valuable for employers in regional Australia experiencing genuine difficulty finding suitably qualified workers locally.
The Department of Home Affairs currently states that the standard Subclass 494 visa starts from AUD 6,140. Additional charges can apply for family members and other circumstances. Visa charges can change and should always be confirmed before lodgement.
Requirement
Current position
Visa type
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Visa duration
Up to 5 years
Employer sponsorship
Required
Regional requirement
Yes
Main age requirement
Under 45 at application, unless exempt
Work experience
Generally at least 3 years relevant experience
Skills assessment
Usually required for Employer Sponsored stream
English
At least Competent English for standard Employer Sponsored stream
Eligible occupations
Relevant Subclass 494 occupation list
Visa application charge
From AUD 6,140 for the main application
TSMIT from 1 July 2026
AUD 79,423
PR pathway
Potential Subclass 191 pathway after at least 3 years
Points test
No
What is the Subclass 494 visa?
The Subclass 494 visa is an employer-sponsored regional visa designed to help businesses outside Australia’s three major metropolitan areas address genuine skills shortages.
Instead of requiring a state nomination or competing through a points-tested invitation system, the applicant must normally have an eligible job with a regional Australian employer willing and able to sponsor them.
The visa allows the holder to live, work and study in designated regional Australia for up to five years, and to travel to and from Australia while the visa remains valid.
~650
Eligible occupations under regional arrangements
A major advantage of the program is its range of occupations. Home Affairs states that Subclass 494 has access to substantially more eligible occupations than many metropolitan skilled migration pathways.
Eligibility still depends on the specific occupation, stream and legislative instrument in force at the time of application.
What is considered regional Australia?
One of the most common misunderstandings about the Subclass 494 visa is the meaning of “regional Australia”. For migration purposes, it does not simply mean small towns, rural communities or remote areas.
For the Subclass 494 program, designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You do not necessarily have to move to a remote part of Australia to qualify.
However, the nominated employment location must genuinely satisfy the regional requirements, and the visa holder must comply with the regional conditions attached to the visa.
Treated as regional — examples
Perth
Adelaide
Canberra
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
Newcastle / Lake Macquarie
Wollongong / Illawarra
Geelong
Hobart
Excluded from the regional definition
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Subclass 494 visa streams
There are two main streams under the Subclass 494 program, together with provisions for eligible family members who apply later.
Main pathway
Employer Sponsored stream
Allows an approved employer operating in regional Australia to nominate an overseas worker for an eligible skilled occupation.
The applicant normally needs at least three years of relevant skilled employment, a suitable skills assessment, Competent English, and must be under 45 at application. The position must be in a designated regional area.
Agreement-based
Labour Agreement stream
Applies where the employer has an appropriate labour agreement with the Australian Government. Concessions may sometimes be available for age, English, salary, occupation or work experience — they are not automatic and depend entirely on the agreement.
This can include certain DAMAs. An individual cannot access a DAMA independently — an eligible employer in the designated area must sponsor them.
Family
Subsequent Entrant
Eligible family members who did not apply with the main Subclass 494 applicant may potentially apply later as subsequent entrants.
Their visa normally expires at the same time as the primary holder’s visa, and they are subject to regional residence, work and study requirements.
Subclass 494 visa requirements for skilled workers
Meeting the visa requirements involves considerably more than simply finding an employer willing to provide a job offer.
01
Employer nomination
You must normally be nominated by an eligible employer. The business must be lawfully operating, and the nominated position must be in a designated regional area.
The employer generally needs to be an approved Standard Business Sponsor, or have applied for approval. Sponsorship normally remains valid for five years.
A job offer by itself does not amount to an approved nomination.
02
Eligible occupation
Your nominated occupation must be eligible under the relevant skilled occupation legislation. Selecting the correct occupation is extremely important.
Home Affairs does not assess eligibility from your job title. Your qualifications, employment history, responsibilities and the actual duties of the Australian position must correspond with the nominated occupation.
Two people titled “Manager” could fall under completely different occupational classifications.
03
Relevant work experience
Generally at least three years of relevant full-time employment in the nominated occupation at the required skill level, usually within the previous five years. It need not be continuous, and equivalent part-time work may be considered.
Casual work is not counted for this requirement.
Evidence can include contracts, detailed references, salary records, payslips, tax documents and bank statements — a reference with a title and dates may not be enough.
04
Skills assessment
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is normally required for the Employer Sponsored stream unless an exemption applies — and must generally be obtained before the visa is lodged.
A skills assessment completed for the Subclass 485 visa is not accepted for the Subclass 494.
Assessing authorities differ in requirements and methodology, so start early rather than waiting for the nomination.
05
Age requirement
The primary applicant must generally be under 45 when applying.
Exemptions can apply in limited circumstances — certain academics, medical practitioners, scientists or researchers, qualifying New Zealand-related visa holders, and some Subclass 457 or 482 holders meeting employment and earnings requirements.
Being over 45 does not automatically rule you out, but you must fit a recognised exemption or an applicable Labour Agreement concession.
06
English requirement
Competent English is generally required. Approved testing arrangements changed on 7 August 2025 — be careful comparing older information online.
For tests from that date, this can include IELTS Academic or General Training of at least 6 in each component. PTE Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and MET are also accepted at the required scores.
A valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK or the US can also evidence Competent English. Check transitional rules for older results.
Requirements for the sponsoring employer
The Subclass 494 is not only an assessment of the visa applicant. The sponsoring business and the nominated position are also examined.
The employer must demonstrate that it is a genuine operating business with a genuine need for the position. For the standard Employer Sponsored stream, the employment is intended to be available for at least five years from visa grant.
The nomination can consider
- Business structure
- Financial capacity
- Workforce
- Proposed duties
- Employment conditions
- Salary
- Work location
- Fit with the selected occupation
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
In applicable cases, the employer must undertake appropriate labour market testing before nominating an overseas worker — advertising the position in Australia for at least four weeks through at least two advertisements, subject to detailed requirements and exemptions.
The purpose is to show a genuine attempt to recruit an appropriately skilled Australian worker first.
Common LMT problems
- Incorrect advertising dates
- Insufficient advertising periods
- Advertisements missing mandatory information
- Nomination lodged outside the required timeframe
- Subclass 494 salary requirement in 2026
AUD 79,423
TSMIT for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 — up from AUD 76,515 and now aligned with the Core Skills Income Threshold, with future annual indexation.
The threshold is not the whole test
Offering AUD 79,423 does not automatically satisfy the salary requirement. The nominated salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) — where the market rate for an equivalent Australian worker is higher, the higher figure becomes relevant.
For a standard Employer Sponsored nomination, a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) must also assess the market salary rate for the position.
Employers should assess salary before commencing the nomination.
Can you include your family?
Eligible members of your family unit can generally be included in the Subclass 494 application, including your spouse or de facto partner and eligible dependent children.
Family members who join later may be able to apply under the Subsequent Entrant arrangements.
Keep in mind
- Included family members must satisfy health and character requirements
- Additional visa application charges apply to family members
- A second instalment may apply where an adult dependent does not have Functional English
Pathway to permanent residence
Subclass 494 to PR – Subclass 191
One of the most attractive features of the Subclass 494 is its potential pathway to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191, Regional Provisional stream.
You generally need to have held an eligible Subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least three years and complied with its conditions throughout.
Once granted, the Subclass 191 is a permanent visa.
494
Provisional regional visa
3 yrs
Comply with regional conditions
191
Permanent residence
No minimum taxable income
There is currently no minimum taxable income amount for the Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream. Older online information may incorrectly suggest otherwise.
Applicants must provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years of their eligible regional visa.
Subclass 494 application process
A typical Employer Sponsored application involves several connected stages.
STEP 01
Assess employer, position & applicant
Before costs are incurred, check the location is regional, the occupation is eligible, the salary satisfies requirements, and the applicant meets skills, experience, age and English criteria.
STEP 02
Sponsorship approval
The employer obtains or confirms its Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
STEP 03
Prepare the nomination
Evidence covering the business, genuine position, labour market testing, occupation, employment arrangements, market salary and regional certification.
STEP 04
Applicant documents
Meanwhile, the applicant obtains the required skills assessment, English evidence and other supporting documents.
STEP 05
Nomination lodged — TRN
Once lodged, the employer receives a Transaction Reference Number, which the applicant uses to link the visa application to the nomination.
STEP 06
Visa application
Lodged with evidence of identity, qualifications, skills assessment, employment history, English, character, health and family relationships.
STEP 07
Nomination approval & grant
Home Affairs must approve the employer nomination before the Subclass 494 visa can be granted.
Documents commonly required
The exact documents depend on the applicant, occupation, employer and stream. Occupation, duties, dates, hours and salary in an employment reference should not materially conflict with payslips, bank records, tax documents or previous visa history.
Passport & identity documents
Qualification documents
Skills assessment results
Professional registrations or licences
Detailed employment references
CV or résumé
Salary & employment evidence
English-language evidence
Police certificates
Health examinations
Family relationship documents
An Australian Federal Police certificate is required in certain circumstances, and overseas police certificates where residence thresholds are met.
Important visa conditions
The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa and carries important conditions.
1
Work in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer in regional Australia
2
Commence employment within 90 days of entering Australia (offshore grant) or of visa grant (onshore grant)
3
The holder and family members comply with regional requirements
4
Keep records of employment, residence and taxation — compliance matters for a later Subclass 191 application
Subclass 494 vs Subclass 482 vs Subclass 491
The right visa depends on the person’s circumstances. Assess the complete picture rather than choosing a visa simply because one pathway appears faster.
494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
A person may first receive a Resident Visa through pathways such as:
- Employer sponsored, regional only
- Generally 3 years’ relevant experience
- Skills assessment required
- Granted for 5 years
- Potential Subclass 191 PR pathway
482
Skills in Demand
- Employer sponsored
- Not limited to regional Australia
- At least 12 months’ relevant experience
- Stay of 1–4 years depending on stream
491
Skilled Work Regional
- Points tested
- State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- SkillSelect invitation required
- Sufficient points needed
Common problems with Subclass 494 applications
Problems can also arise where information in the Subclass 494 application conflicts with information previously provided to Home Affairs.
Assess the employer, occupation, nomination and visa applicant as one connected application strategy.
Applications become difficult where
- The occupation does not match the person’s duties
- Work experience cannot be independently verified
- The skills assessment is incorrect or obtained too late
- Labour market testing does not satisfy requirements
- Salary does not satisfy market salary rules
- The business cannot establish the nominated position
- The employment location does not meet regional requirements
- FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Subclass 494 visa
Is the Subclass 494 visa permanent?
No. The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa normally granted for five years. However, eligible holders may later apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream.
Do I need 65 points for the Subclass 494 visa?
No. The Subclass 494 is not a points-tested visa. You do not need to obtain 65 points or receive a SkillSelect invitation for the standard Employer Sponsored stream.
Do I need an employer?
Yes. An eligible employer nomination is fundamental to the Subclass 494 program.
Can I apply for a Subclass 494 visa from outside Australia?
Potentially, yes. Subject to meeting the applicable requirements, applicants can apply from within or outside Australia.
Do I need three years of work experience?
For the standard Employer Sponsored stream, applicants generally require at least three years of full-time relevant employment at the required skill level. Equivalent part-time employment may sometimes be considered, but casual work is not counted towards this requirement.
Is a skills assessment compulsory?
It is normally required for the Employer Sponsored stream unless a specific exemption applies. Different rules can apply under a Labour Agreement.
Can I apply if I am over 45?
The standard age requirement is under 45 at the time of application, but specific exemptions and certain Labour Agreement concessions can apply. Your circumstances should be assessed before assuming you are ineligible.
Is Perth regional for the Subclass 494 visa?
Yes. Perth is within the designated regional migration framework, as are Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart and other qualifying areas. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are excluded.
What is the Subclass 494 salary requirement in 2026?
For relevant nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, the TSMIT is AUD 79,423. The applicable Annual Market Salary Rate must also be considered, so AUD 79,423 should not be treated as an automatic salary figure for every occupation.
Do I need to earn a minimum amount to get PR through Subclass 191?
There is currently no minimum income requirement for the Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream. However, applicants must provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible regional visa and satisfy the other Subclass 191 requirements.
How GIEC Global can help with your Subclass 494 visa
Employer-sponsored migration involves both an employer-side and an applicant-side assessment. We review your circumstances before the process begins — the aim is to identify issues early, before significant time and money is spent.
For skilled workers, we assess
- Proposed occupation
- Qualifications
- Employment experience
- Skills assessment
- English requirements
- Age
- Regional location
- Future PR pathway
For Australian employers, we assist with
- Sponsorship eligibility
- Occupation selection
- Labour market testing
- Nomination documentation
- Salary and market salary
- Regional requirements
- Coordinating nomination and visa
- Free consultation
Looking for Subclass 494 visa assistance?
If you have a job offer from a regional Australian employer, are already working in regional Australia, or are an employer struggling to recruit a suitably skilled worker locally, the Subclass 494 visa may be worth considering.
Speak with the GIEC Global team
Arrange a consultation about your Subclass 494 visa, employer sponsorship, regional skilled migration or permanent residence pathway.