subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
For employers operating in designated regional areas of Australia. Allows sponsorship of skilled workers for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional residence and work.
- Provisional — 5 Years
- Processing: 3–9 months
- Govt fee: ~$3,340
- Pathway: → 191 PR
What Is the SESR (494) Visa?
The Subclass 494 is the regional equivalent of the Subclass 482 — a provisional employer sponsored visa for businesses operating in designated regional areas of Australia. It allows regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers where the local workforce cannot fill the gap, using the same occupation matching framework as the 482 but restricted to regional locations.
The 494 is valid for 5 years and provides a direct pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 after 3 years of compliant regional residence and work. For workers willing to commit to regional Australia, it is one of the most accessible routes to permanent residence in the employer sponsored system.
Who Is It For?
Qualifying Employers
- Businesses operating in a designated regional area of Australia
- Must be an Approved Standard Business Sponsor
- Genuine business with a real skill gap in the nominated occupation
- Industries include healthcare, agriculture, construction, hospitality, education
Qualifying Workers
- Occupation on the relevant occupation list for the 494
- At least 3 years relevant work experience
- Relevant skills assessment (where required)
- At least competent English
- Under 45 years of age
What Counts as a "Designated Regional Area"?
Designated regional areas cover most of Australia outside the major metropolitan centres. For the 494, designated regional areas include all areas of Australia except:
- Sydney (Greater Metropolitan Area)
- Melbourne (Greater Metropolitan Area)
- Brisbane (Greater Metropolitan Area)
Worker Eligibility Requirements
- Have the nominated occupation as their primary role
- Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Meet skills, qualifications and registration requirements for the occupation
- Have competent English (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent, or higher for some occupations)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be genuinely needed by the sponsor to fill the nominated position
494 vs 482 — Quick Comparison
| Feature | 494 (Regional) | 482 (National) |
|---|---|---|
| Location requirement | Regional areas only | Anywhere in Australia |
| Visa duration | 5 years | Up to 4 years |
| Permanent pathway | 191 after 3 years | 186 after 2–3 years |
| Minimum experience | 3 years | 2 years |
| SAF levy | Same as 482 | Same as 494 |
| Age limit | Under 45 | No age limit (482) |
494 → 191 Permanent Residence Pathway
Work in Regional Australia for 3 Years
Worker must live and work in a designated regional area while holding the 494 for at least 3 years.
Meet the Income Threshold
Must have earned above the minimum taxable income threshold in at least 1 of the 3 years.
Apply for Subclass 191
After meeting the 3-year regional requirement and income threshold, apply for permanent residence via the 191 visa.