Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. This employer-sponsored visa replaced the former Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187).
The visa helps regional Australian employers fill skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers for genuine full-time positions. It also offers an eligible pathway to Australian permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
Whether you are an employer looking to sponsor overseas talent or a skilled worker seeking regional employment, the Subclass 494 visa provides an excellent opportunity to build your future in Australia.
Does the Subclass 494 Visa Grant Permanent Residency?
No. The Subclass 494 Visa is a 5-year provisional visa and does not provide permanent residency immediately.
Eligible visa holders can later apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after meeting all required conditions.
Employer Requirements for Subclass 494
To sponsor a skilled worker under the Employer Sponsored stream, employers generally must:
- Be located in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Obtain Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice where required.
- Nominate an occupation listed on the eligible occupation lists (MLTSSL or ROL).
- Offer a genuine full-time position.
- Provide employment conditions that meet Australian workplace standards.
- Pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Workers
- Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
- Hold a positive skills assessment (where required).
- Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience.
- Be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.
- Meet the Competent English requirement.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Does the Subclass 494 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes. The Subclass 494 Visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa for eligible applicants.
Pathway from Subclass 494 to Subclass 191
- Hold an eligible regional provisional visa, such as Subclass 494.
- Live, work, or study in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
- Meet the minimum taxable income requirement for 3 income years.
- Comply with all visa conditions.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Only the primary applicant needs to meet the income requirement.
- Partners are not required to meet the income threshold.
- Either partner may apply as the primary applicant if eligible.
- Eligible family members included in the Subclass 494 Visa can also be included in the Subclass 191 application.
- Income is assessed individually using ATO records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 494 Visa is a five-year employer-sponsored regional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
Applicants generally must:
- Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
- Have an eligible occupation.
- Hold a positive skills assessment (if required).
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Be under 45 years of age unless exempt.
- Meet English, health, and character requirements.
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) contains occupations that are eligible for regional employer-sponsored visas, including the Subclass 494 Visa. It works alongside the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Yes. You must have a genuine job offer and an approved employer nomination before applying.
Applicants generally need Competent English, such as:
- IELTS score of 6.0 in each band, or
- An accepted equivalent English test.
Some applicants may qualify for exemptions.
Yes. You may include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner.
- Same-sex partner.
- Dependent children, including eligible stepchildren.
All family members must satisfy health and character requirements.
Processing times vary depending on the application and occupation. Most applications are processed within 6 to 9 months, although individual cases may take longer.
Yes. Eligible Subclass 494 Visa holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Visa after meeting the residence, income, and visa requirements.
The visa is generally valid for up to 5 years.
Yes. However, you must obtain a new approved employer nomination before starting work with another regional employer.
Yes. In certain circumstances, eligible family members may be added later if they meet the visa requirements.
Yes. Subclass 494 visa holders can study in Australia. However, they are generally not eligible for domestic tuition fees or government student assistance.
You must:
- Find another approved regional employer.
- Obtain a new nomination within the permitted timeframe.
Failure to do so may affect your visa status.
Yes. Eligible applicants can apply either from within Australia or outside Australia, provided all visa requirements are met.
Yes. Eligible applicants can apply for the Subclass 191 Visa after:
- Living in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
- Meeting the required taxable income threshold.
- Complying with visa conditions.
- Meeting health and character requirements.
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