Regional 494 Visa | Skilled Employer Sponsored | Wintr Consulting

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

Connecting regional employers with skilled talent. A pathway to permanent residency in regional Australia.

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is designed to support regional employers who cannot find qualified, experienced Australian staff for skilled positions. It allows Australian businesses in designated regional areas to sponsor overseas workers for up to five years, providing a valuable solution to regional skill shortages.

One of the key benefits of the subclass 494 visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After three years, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191, provided you have lived and worked in the regional area and meet income and other eligibility requirements.

In essence, it is similar to the subclass 482 visa in that it requires employers to be an approved Standard Business Sponsor. It operates in three stages and offers two streams.

Employer Sponsored Stream

For employers to source skilled workers in a regional area. You must nominate an occupation from a skilled occupation list.

Labour Agreement Stream

Where an employer has a work agreement with the Australian Government to source skilled overseas workers because there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met within the Australian labour market.

Notable differences with the subclass 482 visa are that you must be under 45 years of age, and you have received a positive Skills Assessment unless exemptions apply.

The 3 Stages

It operates in three stages and offers two streams. It is entirely possible to submit all three applications on the same day provided they meet validity and eligibility criteria.

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)

Application for the employer to become a recognised sponsor. The process is aimed at identifying key components such as lawful trade, and active trade of the Australian business. In certain cases, businesses may operate overseas and require the applicant to work in Australia. An SBS is valid for five years and can be renewed before its expiry.

Nomination

The business provides information relating to the position and how it aligns with the nature of the business. Requirements such as a valid employment contract, position description, business statement, and evidence of genuine position are among the evidence to prepare and gather. This stage of the subclass 494 visa process is arguably the stage which requires the most precision and persistent efforts particularly when evidencing the genuineness of the position within the business.

Visa Application

The final stage of the subclass 494 visa. Applicants are required to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, at least three years work experience in the nominated occupation, a positive Skills Assessment, English language requirement, good character, pass the health examination, and meet mandatory registration or licencing where applicable.

Each stage must precede the one before: sponsorship before nomination, and nomination before visa. It is entirely possible to submit all three applications on the same day provided they meet validity and eligibility criteria, and they are submitted in that order.

Other helpful information:

A common misconception is that a bridging visa is issued upon submitting a nomination application; a bridging visa can only be granted to you upon submitted the third stage, your 494 visa and if you are in Australia.

You may be in or outside of Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at time of application and decision.

You can add your family member to your 494 visa while the application is either pending decision or finalised (granted).

Fees and charges relating to applications update regularly, and most likely on 1 July of the year. Additional charges may incur depending on your location, and your immigration history. To search visa charges, use the visa estimating calculator. Please note, this calculator provides fees for visas; the cost of sponsoring can be found here.

Case Study: The Software Engineer

Scenario: You are a software engineer in Belgium offered a position in regional NSW. The company has struggled to find local staff.

Process: You hold a relevant degree and 7 years of experience. Wintr Consulting advises you to obtain a positive Skills Assessment from ACS.

Outcome: With guidance, you prepare for your skills assessment and visa application. You feel supported throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 494 visa and who is it for?

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa allows eligible employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers where suitable Australian workers are not available. It offers up to five years’ stay and a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Do I need a skills assessment for a 494 visa?

Yes. A positive skills assessment is mandatory for the 494 visa unless an exemption applies. The assessment must be valid at time of lodgement and align your nominated occupation.

How much work experience do I need?

You must have at least three years of full-time, skilled work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field at the time you apply.

Which areas are considered “regional”?

All postcodes in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory are regional areas. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have postcodes designated as regional areas.

Can I apply for permanent residency later?

Yes. After three years living and working in a regional area on a 494 visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if you meet income and residency requirements.

Do I need a new visa if I change employers?

If you change employers, the new employer must lodge a new 494 nomination before you can start work. You must continue working in your nominated occupation in a regional area.

Can my family work and study in Australia on a 494 visa?

Yes. Family members can live, work and study in regional Australia.

Can I lodge sponsorship, nomination and visa applications at the same time?

Yes. They must be lodged in order SBS → nomination → visa. This is common practice amongst immigration professionals.

Do I get a bridging visa when the nomination is lodged?

No. A bridging visa is only granted after you lodge the visa application, and only if you are onshore and hold an eligible visa. Different circumstances may mean the grant of different Bridging visas, contact us today to discuss further.

What are the main differences between the 482 and 494 visas?

The 494 visa requires a positive skills assessment, at least three years of skilled employment, and work in a designated regional area. The 482 visa generally does not require a skills assessment in most occupations and does not require the role to be regional. Both visas offer pathways to permanent residency.

Is there an age limit for the 494 visa?

Yes. You must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless an exemption applies. Applicants over 45 may be eligible only in limited circumstances.

Do I need to meet a minimum salary requirement on the 494 visa?

Yes. Your salary must meet market rate requirements and must not be lower than the minimum salary threshold (TSMIT) applicable at the time of nomination. Employers must demonstrate the salary is equivalent to what an Australian in the same role would receive.

Are there restrictions on applying for other visas while holding a 494 visa?

Yes. The 494 visa has restrictions to ensure holders remain committed to living and working in regional Australia. Unless you have held your 494 visa for at least three years, you cannot apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801) or be granted any of the following visas:

Subclass 132 — Business Talent

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

Subclass 188 — Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated

Subclass 191 — Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)

Subclass 858 — Global Talent

This restriction reinforces the 494 program’s purpose to support long-term regional settlement and employment before accessing permanent or alternative pathways.