If you are considering migrating to Australia and working there the Subclass 494 Visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional) is a strong option in 2025. This visa allows you and eligible family members to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years and gives you a pathway to permanent residence. In this article I will cover the types eligibility criteria and application process of the 494 visa in a clear way.
What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Subclass 494 is a provisional work visa for skilled overseas workers who are nominated by an approved employer in a regional part of Australia. It is valid for up to 5 years. The aim is to fill skill shortages in regional Australia outside the big metropolitan centres.
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Why Choose the 494 Visa?
There are several benefits:
- You can live work and study in a designated regional area for up to five years.
- You can bring your eligible family members (partner and children) with you.
- It provides a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa (Skilled Regional) after meeting certain conditions.
- It helps you live in less-crowded regional areas which often deliver a different lifestyle than major cities.
What are the Types or Streams of the 494 Visa?
The 494 Visa has two main streams plus a “subsequent entrant” category.
a) Employer-Sponsored Stream
In this stream your employer in a regional area must nominate you for a full time role which meets the requirements.
b) Labour Agreement Stream
This stream applies where your employer has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. It can open up more occupations or slightly different rules.
c) Subsequent Entrant Stream
This is for family members of the primary visa holder who apply to join later. They can use this stream to enter.
Eligibility Criteria – What You Must Meet
Here are key conditions you will need to satisfy to apply:
• Age Limit
Typically you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Occupation and Skills
Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 494 visa. You will likely need a skills assessment unless exempt.
• Work Experience
You usually must have at least three years of relevant skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.
• English Language
You must meet a minimum English language level for example competent English.
• Regional Employment and Employer Sponsorship
You need a job offer from an employer in a designated regional area and the employer must lodge a nomination for you.
• Salary and Conditions
From 1 July 2025 the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for new 494 nominations increased to around AUD 76 515.
• Health and Character Requirements
You must meet Australian health and character conditions including police checks.
How Long Can You Stay and What Happens After?
- The visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
- During that time you must live and work in the approved regional area.
- After 3 years of holding the 494 visa and meeting conditions such as income threshold and continuing in the regional area you may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
Application Process – Step by Step
Here is a simplified guide to how you apply:
- Check eligibility – Confirm your occupation age English skills and experience.
- Skills assessment – If required get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant assessing body.
- Find a regional job and employer nomination – Secure a job with an employer in a designated regional area who is willing to sponsor you and lodge nomination.
- Lodge your visa application – After nomination is approved you apply for the 494 visa.
- Provide required documents – Passports skills assessment English test results employment references health and police checks.
- Processing and decision – The application is processed and timing varies.
- Grant and arrival – If approved you can live work and study in the regional area with your family.
Designated Regional Areas – Where You Can Live
The “regional” definition for this visa covers most of Australia excluding major metropolitan zones like Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane. Specific states and territories have certifying bodies for their regional nominations for example Tasmania.
Fees and Processing Time
- Fees vary depending on whether you are the primary applicant or dependants.
- Processing time for the employer-sponsored stream of the 494 visa about 50% of applications are processed within 6 months and 90% within 7 months in many cases.
- Labour Agreement stream may have somewhat shorter processing in some cases.
Key Conditions and Obligations
- You must work in the nominated occupation and for the sponsoring employer in the regional area.
- If you change employer or occupation you often must lodge a new nomination.
- You must live in the regional area and satisfy the residence or work requirement towards the 3-year period if seeking PR.
- Include your family in the visa where eligible and ensure they also meet health or character requirements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Secure an approved regional employer sponsor early.
- Make sure your skills assessment is positive and aligned with your nominated occupation.
- Meet the salary threshold and ensure employment conditions align with market.
- Maintain all documents and keep your application organised – missing details delay processing.
- Plan ahead for the regional residence requirement if you aim for the permanent pathway via Subclass 191.
- Stay aware of rule changes – for example the TSMIT increase from July 1 2025.
Conclusion
The Subclass 494 Visa is a strong opportunity for skilled workers and their families to live work and settle in regional Australia with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. With up to 5 years stay full work and study rights and a direct pathway to PR after 3 years this visa is worth considering in 2025. Meeting all the eligibility criteria securing a proper employer sponsor and ensuring compliance with conditions is essential. With proper preparation and attention to detail you can make this pathway work for your future.