Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)
A provisional regional work visa sponsored by an employer, leading to PR.
About this visa
The subclass 494 visa lets employers in designated regional areas sponsor skilled workers for a five-year provisional visa. It is designed to direct skilled migration to regions that need workers.
It is a provisional visa, meaning it is temporary but built as a stepping stone: after living and working in the region and meeting the income requirements, holders can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
For workers who are open to regional life, it can be a faster and more accessible route to permanent residency than the metropolitan alternatives, while giving regional employers a way to fill genuine skill shortages.
This may suit you if
- You have a regional employer willing to sponsor you
- Your occupation is on the relevant list
- You are willing to live and work in a designated regional area
- You want a clear pathway to permanent residency
Eligibility & key requirements
- Nomination by an approved employer in a designated regional area
- An occupation on the relevant regional occupation list
- A positive skills assessment
- Relevant work experience and competent English
- A commitment to live and work in the region
- Health, character and age requirements (with exemptions)
Key features
- A five-year provisional visa
- Sponsored work in a designated regional area
- A pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191
- Work and study rights for eligible family members
How the process works
Every application follows the same disciplined path, so you always know the next step.
Assess
We review your full profile, confirm the visas you realistically qualify for and recommend the strongest route for your goals.
Plan
You receive a clear written plan setting out timelines, costs, the documents needed and any gaps to close before lodging.
Prepare
We draft your submissions, complete every form and assemble your evidence so the application is accurate and decision-ready.
Lodge
We lodge your application, track its progress and respond on your behalf to any request from the authorities.
Outcome
We see you through to the decision, and support you afterwards with arrival, conditions, renewals and future permanent residency or citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer before I apply?
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?
How long will my application take?
Can I include my family?
Do I have to visit your office in Jalandhar?
From first question to grant
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant list and check any caveats
- Manage the skills assessment and English requirements
- Prepare the nomination and visa together, decision-ready
- Plan the pathway from a temporary visa to permanent residency
Questions about this visa?
Book a consultation or request a free assessment. We will give you a clear, honest view of your options.