Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)

What is it?

Visa 494 is the regional version of employer-sponsored migration, valid for 5 years. Your regional Australian employer nominates you for a role they can't fill locally. After 3 years of regional residence with sufficient income, you become eligible for permanent residence via visa 191. The 494 has lower competitive thresholds than the 482 and gives access to the full ROL (Regional Occupation List).

Key benefits

• 5-year visa with full work rights at the sponsoring regional employer
• Path to permanent residence (visa 191) after 3 years of regional living
• Access to the full ROL (Regional Occupation List)
• Bring spouse and dependent children
• Lower competitive thresholds than visa 482 in metro areas

Key requirements

Maximum age

45 years

Minimum English

competent

Occupation list

Varies

Who qualifies? Workers with a regional Australian employer nominating them, an occupation on the ROL or MLTSSL, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and a positive skills assessment.