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Looking to live, work, and eventually settle in Australia? The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa could be your golden ticket.
This visa not only allows skilled foreign workers to take up employment in designated regional areas of Australia but also provides a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency (PR).
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In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about the 494 visa — eligibility, application process, employer sponsorship, and the benefits of working in regional Australia in 2025.
What Is the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa?
The Subclass 494 Visa is a provisional visa introduced by the Australian Government in November 2019 to address skill shortages in regional areas.
It replaced the previous Subclass 187 (RSMS) visa and encourages skilled workers to live and work outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
This visa lets Australian employers sponsor skilled foreign workers when they cannot find suitable local talent — particularly in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction.
Key Features of the Subclass 494 Visa:
- Valid for 5 years
- Allows work, study, and residence in regional Australia
- Offers a direct PR pathway after 3 years
- Lets you bring eligible family members
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Grants access to Australia’s healthcare (Medicare)
Why the Subclass 494 Visa Is in High Demand in 2025
The Australian government continues to prioritize regional migration to support economic development outside its capital cities.
Here’s why demand for the 494 visa has surged:
- Over 70,000 regional job vacancies as of 2025
- Fast-tracked processing times for sponsored applicants
- Lower cost of living compared to metro areas
- Permanent residency after 3 years of regional work
- Eligible family sponsorship and access to quality education
This visa is a top pick for skilled foreigners in engineering, health, ICT, agriculture, education, and trades, who want both career growth and immigration stability.
Streams of the 494 Visa
The Subclass 494 Visa is divided into two main streams:
1. Employer Sponsored Stream
- For skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area.
- Employer must be unable to find a suitable Australian worker.
- Applicants must have an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Provides a direct PR pathway after three years.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
- For workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.
- Designed for industries facing chronic shortages (like agriculture, aged care, and hospitality).
- Terms and eligibility vary depending on the specific labour agreement.
Subclass 494 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa, you must meet both applicant and employer requirements.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Be under 45 years of age (some exceptions apply).
- Have an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Hold a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Possess at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0 (each band) or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score.
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Employer Eligibility:
- Must be an approved standard business sponsor.
- The business must operate in a designated regional area.
- Must offer a genuine, full-time position for at least 5 years.
- The job must be on the Regional Occupation List.
- Must pay at least the market salary rate.
What Is Considered a “Regional Area” in Australia?
In 2025, the following areas are officially classified as regional for the Subclass 494 visa:
- Perth (WA)
- Adelaide (SA)
- Canberra (ACT)
- Darwin (NT)
- Gold Coast (QLD)
- Hobart (TAS)
- Geelong, Newcastle, and Wollongong (NSW)
These areas offer great employment opportunities, affordable housing, and access to regional migration benefits.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, 90% of Australia’s land area is designated as regional — meaning there are countless job opportunities waiting for skilled migrants.
High-Demand Occupations Under the Subclass 494 Visa (2025 List)
Here are some of the most in-demand jobs that qualify for employer sponsorship under the 494 visa:
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Visa Sponsorship Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $80,000 – $110,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Civil / Structural Engineer | $90,000 – $130,000 | ✅ Yes |
| ICT Business Analyst | $100,000 – $140,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Chef / Cook | $70,000 – $90,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Electrician | $75,000 – $100,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Secondary School Teacher | $85,000 – $120,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Agricultural Technician | $65,000 – $90,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Construction Project Manager | $95,000 – $140,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Early Childhood Educator | $70,000 – $95,000 | ✅ Yes |
Employers in healthcare, education, agriculture, and IT lead in visa sponsorships under this program.
Application Process for the 494 Visa
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process to apply successfully:
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
Search regional job portals, company career pages, or recruitment platforms like:
- Seek.com.au
- JobSearch.gov.au
- Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Jobs Australia
Step 2: Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
Get your qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, AHPRA, TRA).
Step 3: Submit Nomination by Employer
Your sponsoring employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa
Once the nomination is approved, submit your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
Step 5: Health & Character Checks
Provide medicals, police clearances, and other required documentation.
Step 6: Visa Decision & Grant
If approved, you and your family can move to regional Australia and start working immediately.
Processing Time & Visa Cost
| Category | Estimated Time | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored Stream | 6–9 months | From $4,640 |
| Labour Agreement Stream | 8–12 months | From $4,640 |
| Skills Assessment | 2–3 months | Varies by occupation |
Processing times are faster when applications are complete and employer documents are valid.
Family Members & Dependents
You can include eligible family members (partner and children) in your 494 visa application.
They receive the same visa duration and rights to work and study in regional Australia.
Family members must also meet health and character requirements.
Transition to Permanent Residency (PR) via Subclass 191
After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia on the Subclass 494 visa, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
Requirements for PR Transition:
- Hold a valid Subclass 494 visa for 3 years.
- Earn an annual taxable income of at least AUD $53,900 for 3 years.
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
Once granted, you and your family can live anywhere in Australia permanently — with full rights and access to social benefits.
Key Benefits of the 494 Visa
- Live, work, and study in regional Australia for 5 years
- Access Medicare (public healthcare)
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
- Low competition and high job demand in regional areas
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Opportunity to transition to Australian citizenship
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Visa Approval
- Secure a job offer from a trusted regional employer
– Apply only to companies with approved sponsorship licenses. - Get a recognized skills assessment early
– This speeds up your visa processing. - Avoid incomplete applications
– Missing documents cause delays or refusals. - Consider professional migration assistance
– Registered MARA agents can increase your success rate. - Prepare for relocation and settlement
– Research housing, schools, and transport in your target region.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa is one of the most promising Australian migration pathways in 2025.
It combines employment, residency, and family migration into one powerful opportunity for skilled workers worldwide.
With thousands of regional employers now offering sponsorships, this visa offers a clear route to Permanent Residency and a rewarding career in Australia.
Start your journey today — find an approved regional sponsor, prepare your documents, and take the first step toward a high-paying, secure future in Australia.
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