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Provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

EMK Global Education & Migration   →  Provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

Provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

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Benefits of the visa 494

  • Live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years
  • Include eligible family members in your application and travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
  • Apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after holding the 494 for 3 years
  • If you stop working for your sponsor, you have up to 180 days at a time (365 days in total) to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or depart

Requirements

  • Be nominated by an approved sponsor for a genuine position in a designated regional area (anywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
  • Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa
  • A positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience, unless exempt
  • Under 45 when you apply, unless exempt
  • Competent English (generally IELTS 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in another accepted test), unless exempt
  • The salary must be at least the annual market salary rate and the applicable income threshold (AUD 79,423 from 1 July 2026)
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Visa Application Charge

  • Main applicant: AUD 6,140 (Employer Sponsored, Labour Agreement and Subsequent Entrant streams)
  • Each additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD 3,070
  • Each additional applicant under 18: AUD 1,535
  • A second instalment is payable for each applicant aged 18 or over who does not have functional English
  • Your employer separately pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
  • Charges as at 1 July 2026. Check the Home Affairs visa pricing page before lodging

Last Updated: 26 October 2026 

Processing Time

  • Employer Sponsored Stream 50% of applications are processed within 4 months. 90% of applications are processed within 12 months. The visa is currently within the standard processing timeframe.
  • Labour Agreement Stream 50% of applications are processed within 3 months. 90% of applications are processed within 11 months. The visa is currently within the standard processing timeframe.
  • Important Information
  • Processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
  • Applications may take longer if required documents or information are missing.
  • Applicants can check their application status and submitted documents through ImmiAccount.
  • The Department of Home Affairs may contact applicants if further information is required.

Last Updated: 26 October 2026 

Your Obligations

  • 8515: Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entering Australia.
  • 8578: Must notify the Department if your passport or contact details change.
  • 8579: Must live, study and work only in a designated regional area.
  • 8580: Must provide evidence of your living, study, or work address if requested.
  • 8608: Must work only in the nominated occupation

Last Updated: 26 October 2026 

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How to Apply for an Australian visa?

  • Step 1: Complete the Visa Application Form for sponsor via the online IMMI Account
  • Step 2: Employer approved to be a sponsor
  • Step 3: Employer nominates overseas worker (the applicant) for a skilled position
  • Step 4: Submit your skill assessment and get a positive outcome
  • Step 5: Gather your documents (identity, Skills assessment documents, etc)
  • Step 6: Complete the Visa Application Form
  • Step 7: Pay the Visa Application Fee
  • Step 8: Complete the biometrics collection and health examination

Not sure if you qualify? Talk to our registered migration agent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your question below, feel free to get in touch with one of our agents, they will be more than happy to share their wisdom.

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How long is a visa 494 valid for?

Visa 494 is valid only for five years. You cannot extend this visa, but you may apply for permanent residence after three years if you meet the eligibility criteria

Can I get permanent residence with visa?

While the visa 494 doesn’t get you permanent residency automatically in Australia, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of residing in Australia via191.

Can I change my sponsor after applying for visa 494?

A new employer must lodge a new nomination for you. If you already hold the 494 and stop working for your sponsor, you have up to 180 days at a time (365 days in total over the life of the visa) to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or leave Australia.

Can I provide a skill assessment outcome after submitting a visa 494 application?

No. You have to submit them at the same time.

I’m holding visa 482. Can I submit the skills assessment when applying for visa 482 to apply for visa 494?

Yes. You can also consider whether you meet the requirements to apply for the Subclass 186 visa to become an Australia permanent resident

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