Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)

A provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.

Subclass 494

Subclass 494 is a provisional regional visa. It is not a permanent visa.

A subclass 191 permanent visa may be available later if the residence and income conditions of that visa are met.

An employer in a designated regional area, and an approved sponsorship.
A nomination in an occupation that is eligible for this regional program.
Under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies.
Competent English, unless an exemption applies. The Department explains that English level.
A skills assessment where the occupation requires one.
The salary meets the market salary rate and the threshold that applies to this visa.
Health and character requirements.

The holder lives and works in regional Australia.
The visa is provisional. Permanent residence is not granted at this step.
Subclass 191 is the later permanent visa, if the residence and income conditions are met. Department of Home Affairs — subclass 191.

Subclass 186 is the permanent employer visa, where the employer and the worker meet a permanent stream.
Subclass 494 is the regional provisional visa, where the employer is in a designated regional area.
We advise which of the two the occupation and the work location actually support.

Plain-language explanations so you can make informed decisions about your migration options.

Tailored strategies that reflect your unique circumstances, goals and timeframe.

Focused on achieving the strongest available outcome through ethical, evidence-based practice.

Costs explained upfront before work begins — no surprises, ever.

We will tell you whether the regional provisional visa is the right sponsorship, and what subclass 191 would later require.