Understanding the Subclass 494 Visa: Your Pathway to Regional Work in Australia
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is designed for employers in regional Australia who are unable to source skilled Australian workers locally. It allows them to sponsor qualified overseas workers to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years. Successful 494 visa holders may later be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Key Benefits of the 494 Visa
- Valid for 5 years
- Pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191)
- Includes your partner and dependent children
- Live, work and study in regional Australia
Employer Requirements for the 494 Visa
To sponsor a skilled worker under the 494 visa, the employer must:
- Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
- Have no adverse information (e.g., legal non-compliance, insolvency, false documents)
- Offer a genuine, full-time position likely to exist for at least 5 years
- Provide a salary that meets the annual market salary rate (AMSR) and exceeds $73,150. This will increased to a minimum salary threshold of $76515 plus superannuation from 1st July 2025.
- Undertake Labour Market Testing (LMT), unless an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies
- Have the nomination certified by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
Nominated Position Criteria
- Must be listed on the 494 Skilled occupation list (https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2019L01403/latest/text)
- Cannot be excluded under a Labour Agreement unless that stream applies (contact us for details)
- Must be in a designated regional area
- Must not include exclusion clauses in the employment contract limiting extensions
Applicant Requirements for the Subclass 494 Visa
You must:
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Hold competent English (e.g., IELTS 6 in all bands or equivalent)
- Have at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold a valid licensing/registration, if required by your occupation
Step-by-Step 494 Visa Process with Tolic Lawyers
Step 1: Book a Consultation
Book a video consultation with our experienced team to:
- Assess your background and eligibility
- Review your employer’s suitability
- Receive a fixed-fee quote and explore payment plan options
Step 2: Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your:
- Work experience, qualifications and English level
- Potential for skills assessment and nomination
- Prospects for Subclass 191 permanent residency
Step 3: Skills Assessment
We will:
- Identify the correct assessing authority for your occupation
- Lodge your application with full supporting documentation
Step 4: Sponsorship Application
We assist your employer in:
- Applying for standard business sponsorship (valid for 5 years)
- Ensuring compliance with DOHA obligations, including the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Step 5: Nomination Application
We prepare and lodge your nomination, ensuring:
- Compliance with salary benchmarks
- Regional Certifying Body (RCB) approval
- Labour Market Testing and contract compliance
Step 6: Visa Application
Finally, we prepare your visa application, ensuring:
- You meet all criteria
- Submission occurs before nomination expiry
- Full legal compliance throughout
Important Conditions and Next Steps
Once granted the 494 visa, you must:
- Only work for your sponsoring employer in the approved occupation
- Notify DOHA of changes to personal or employment details
After 3 years on this visa, you may apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) if:
- You have lived and worked in regional Australia
- You have met income requirements
- You have complied with visa conditions
Why Choose Tolic Lawyers?
Tolic Lawyers are leading experts in employer-sponsored visas, including the 494 visa. We provide:
- Tailored advice and compliance support for employers
- Step-by-step assistance for visa applicants
- Competitive, transparent fees and flexible payment plans
Need help with the 494 visa? Book a consultation today and let us help you start your migration journey.
Any information on this website is general in nature and should not be taken as personal legal advice. We recommend that you speak to a lawyer about your personal circumstances.
