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Subclass 494

Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

5-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia — transition to subclass 191 PR after 3 years.

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Pathway

Temporary

Processing time

Several months to a year (indicative)

Government fee

AUD 6,140

Visa duration

5 years

Overview

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Detailed legal content below is being updated. Contact VisaAffairs directly for an assessment of your specific circumstances.

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional — Provisional) is the regional counterpart of employer sponsorship: a 5-year provisional visa where a regional employer nominates you, leading to permanent residence via subclass 191 after 3 years.

Defining features:

  • Employer-driven: an approved business in designated regional Australia nominates the role.
  • 5 years provisional, working for the sponsor and living regionally.
  • 191 pathway: 3 years + income requirement → permanent residence (PR).
  • Same 191 exit as the subclass 491 — the two regional routes converge.

Detailed legal content (occupation lists, employer obligations, regional definitions) needs verification against current rules. Book a consultation if a regional employer is ready to sponsor you.

Key eligibility

  • Nomination by an approved employer operating in designated regional Australia
  • Occupation on the relevant eligible list
  • Positive skills assessment + around 3 years' relevant work experience
  • Usually under 45 at time of application
  • Competent English minimum; health and character requirements

Process

  1. 01

    Regional employer nomination

    An approved regional employer nominates you for an eligible occupation; the employer pays nomination costs and the SAF levy.

  2. 02

    Lodge the 494

    Apply within the nomination window with skills assessment, experience and English evidence.

  3. 03

    Work regional for 3 years

    Work for the sponsoring employer and live in the designated regional area as nominated.

  4. 04

    Transition to 191 PR

    After 3 years + the income requirement, lodge subclass 191 for permanent residence.

Estimated cost

Department of Home Affairs fee (per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) AUD 6,140
VisaAffairs service fee Quoted after initial consultation
Third-party costs (health, AFP check, translations, etc.) Varies by case
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All figures are indicative as of last update. Department of Home Affairs fees change periodically — verify on the official site before lodging. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au →

How VisaAffairs helps

Clear eligibility assessment

VisaAffairs reviews your full situation against current rules — no boilerplate templates.

Document set reviewed item-by-item

Every piece of evidence is checked before lodgement — minimising the risk of request for further information.

Case officer tracking

VisaAffairs monitors ImmiAccount and responds to case officer requests on time.

Frequently asked questions

How does 494 differ from 482?
Both are employer-sponsored, but the 494 is regional-only and exits to PR via subclass 191 (time + income), while the 482 exits via subclass 186 nomination (employer-controlled).
What if I change employers?
You need a new approved regional nomination — moving outside regional Australia or to a non-approved employer puts the visa and the 191 pathway at risk.
Can my family come?
Yes — family members can be included and also live, work and study in the regional area.

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