Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
- Employer Sponsored Visas
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Who is this Visa for?
You (the applicant) are a skilled worker who has been nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
You have the skills, qualifications, and work experience required for the regional position.
Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you have a positive skills assessment (where required).
You want to live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled Visas
Everything you need to know about this visa
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in designated regional areas of Australia. It is designed to help address genuine skill shortages in regional Australia. Visa holders must live and work in a designated regional area and meet specific employment and income requirements. After meeting these requirements for the required period, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Key Points at a Glance
- Provisional regional visa – Valid for up to five years with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
- Employer nomination required – You must be nominated by an approved regional employer to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills and experience needed – A positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience are generally required (unless an exemption applies).
- Age requirement – You must usually be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.
- English language requirement – You must meet the minimum English language proficiency standards.
- Work limitations – You can only work for your sponsoring employer or their associated entity, unless an exemption applies.
- Family included & PR pathway – Eligible family members can be included, with full regional work and study rights and a pathway to permanent residency.
You can read more about the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)on the Department of Home Affairs website
