Nearly all of Australia is considered regional except the major metropolitan cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and stay long-term in a designated regional area of Australia through employer sponsorship. This is a provisional pathway that leads to permanent residency after meeting specific regional work and residence requirements.
To qualify, applicants must be nominated by an approved employer, hold a positive skills assessment, be under 45 years of age, meet the English requirement, and have their occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
The Australian Government allocates approximately 9,000 places annually to this visa, offering skilled workers and their families a strong opportunity to transition to permanent residency after three years of regional employment.
Main Requirements of the Subclass 494 Visa
Positive Skills Assessment
Applicants must hold a full, positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation. Exemptions exist but only in very limited situations.
Three Years of Skilled Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of full-time work experience in their nominated occupation at the required skill level. Experience can be from Australia or overseas.
English Requirement
Applicants must meet Competent English on an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
Employer Requirements
Employers sponsoring a 494 applicant must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor and lodge a nomination for the skilled worker.
Basic Criteria for Employers:
- • The job must be located in a designated regional area
- • The occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- • The position must be genuine, full-time, and likely to exist for at least five years
- • The worker must be paid the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Applicant Requirements
- • Hold a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation
- • Have three years of full-time relevant experience
- • Be under 45 years old
- • Meet Competent English requirements
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Transition to Permanent Residency via the Subclass 191 Visa
The Subclass 494 visa is granted for five years. Visa holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after fulfilling the following conditions:
1) Eligibility for the Subclass 191
- • Regional Living Requirement: You must have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years.
- • Work Requirement: You must have worked for your sponsoring employer in the regional area during this period.
- • Income Threshold: You must show taxable income of at least $53,900 per year for three consecutive years.
- • Partner Income Option: If a partner is included, only one partner needs to meet the income requirement.
- • Main Applicant Switch: Your partner may become the main applicant for the Subclass 191 if they meet the income criteria.
- • No Nomination Required: No new employer nomination is required, and the SAF levy does not apply to the Subclass 191 application.
2) What Is a Designated Regional Area?
- • Definition: Most parts of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are considered designated regional areas.
- • Eligible Regions Include: South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island.
- • Postcode Based: Only approved postcodes qualify as regional, and these may change over time as per government legislation.
- • Purpose: These areas are prioritised by the Government to attract skilled workers and support regional growth.
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Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. Where are the regional areas in Australia?
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2. Can I get permanent residency with a 494 visa?Yes. You can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after meeting the three-year regional residence, employment, and taxable income requirements.
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3. Does casual work count toward the 3-year work requirement?No. Casual work does not count. Only full-time, skilled employment at the required level is accepted toward the three-year requirement.
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4. Can the 494 visa be extended?No. The 494 visa cannot be extended. However, eligible applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after fulfilling the required criteria.