Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional — Subclass 494
494 Regional Employer Sponsored Visa
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional Australia. After three years of compliant regional employment, visa holders can apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191.
Two streams and the 191 pathway
The Employer Sponsored stream is the primary stream for regional employers holding Standard Business Sponsorship. Nominations are limited to occupations on the relevant occupation list for the 494 visa. The nominated salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate and applicable income threshold.
The Labour Agreement stream applies where the regional employer holds a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government, including Designated Area Migration Agreements that provide for 494 nominations.
After three years of compliant regional employment and earning at least $53,900 per year, 494 holders can apply for permanent residence via the subclass 191. During the first three years, holders are subject to visa conditions restricting where they may live and work in Australia.
Regional employer sponsored stream
For employers holding Standard Business Sponsorship in regional Australia. Covers occupations on the 494 eligible occupation list. Nominations must meet AMSR and applicable income threshold.
Labour Agreement stream
For regional employers with a formal labour agreement, including Designated Area Migration Agreements. Criteria are governed by the specific agreement.
Visa conditions
During the five-year provisional period, holders are required to live and work in regional Australia. They cannot apply for the 186, 189, or 190 visa for the first three years.
Pathway to 191 permanent residence
After three years of compliant regional employment earning at least $53,900 per year, 494 holders can apply for permanent residence via the subclass 191.
5 years
Provisional visa period
3 years
Employment for 191 pathway
$53,900
Annual income for 191 pathway
Regional
Must live and work regional
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 494 visa?
Stream and occupation eligibility
We confirm occupation eligibility on the 494 list and confirm that the employer and location qualify as regional before any nomination is lodged.
191 pathway planning
The 191 pathway requires three years of compliant regional employment. We advise on the employment record-keeping and income documentation required well before the 191 application is due.
End-to-end management
From Standard Business Sponsorship through the 494 nomination and visa application to the eventual subclass 191 permanent residence application, we manage every stage of the regional pathway.
494 visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Regional definitions, occupation lists, and income thresholds are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.