At Tolic Lawyers, we help both employers and skilled professionals navigate the 494 visa process with expert legal support and compliance-focused solutions.

📍 What Is a Designated Regional Area?

Most locations of Australia outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) are classed as designated regional areas for migration purposes.

🔑 Key Features of the Subclass 494 Visa

Regional Employment Required

You must be nominated by an Australian employer located in a designated regional area for a position listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.

This visa provides a valuable opportunity for businesses in regional areas to fill workforce shortages and offers skilled migrants a pathway to Australian permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.

Employer Sponsorship

The sponsoring employer must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor and demonstrate that the position cannot be filled locally.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa

To apply for the Subclass 494 visa, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application
• Have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
• Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation
• Be nominated by an approved employer in a regional area

Meet the Competent English requirement:

• IELTS score of 6.0 in each band (or equivalent); or
• Hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland
• You must also satisfy standard health and character requirements.

🏠 Pathway to Permanent Residency – Subclass 191

After holding a 494 visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if:

• Evidence of tax return for last 3 consecutive taxable years (*There is not current set taxable income)
• You and your family have complied with all 494 visa conditions
• You have lived and worked only in designated regional areas

Subclass 191 visa benefits include:

• Permanent residency in Australia
• Access to Medicare and government services
• Ability to sponsor family to join you
• Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

🎯 Visa Entitlements with Subclass 494

• Live, work, and study in a designated regional area for up to 5 years
• Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
• Access to Medicare
• Include eligible family members in your visa

Apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.

📍 Book a consultation 

Book a consultation today and receive personalised advice on the Subclass 494 visa and your options for regional migration and permanent residency in Australia.