The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lets an employer in regional Australia sponsor a skilled worker for 5 years. After 3 years, holders who meet the requirements can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
It is the regional counterpart of the 482, but with stricter entry rules: 3 years' experience, a skills assessment and an age limit.
The 494 visa charge is A$6,140 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
At a Glance
| Requirement | 494 Employer Sponsored stream |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Provisional (5 years) |
| Sponsor | An approved employer, for a position in a designated regional area |
| Work experience | At least 3 years full time in the nominated occupation |
| Skills assessment | Required, unless an exemption applies |
| Age | Under 45 when you apply (some exemptions) |
| English | At least Competent |
| Path to PR | Subclass 191 after 3 years |
| Visa charge (main applicant) | A$6,140 |
There is also a Labour Agreement stream for employers with a labour agreement.
Where You Can Live and Work
Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That includes Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The position must be located in a designated regional area, and you and your family can live, work and study only in those areas.
Who Can Get a 494 Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- be nominated by an approved employer for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation at the required skill level, generally within the last 5 years
- have a positive skills assessment obtained before you apply, unless exempt (a skills assessment done for a 485 visa does not count)
- work only for your sponsor or an associated entity, unless exempt
- be under 45 when you apply, unless exempt
- have at least Competent English
What the 494 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,535 |
The employer pays the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy separately. Positions also need to pay at least the market rate and the applicable income threshold.
From 494 to Permanent Residence
After holding the 494 for 3 years, you may be eligible for the subclass 191 if you have lived and worked in a designated regional area and met the minimum taxable income requirement.
Until you have held the 494 for 3 years, you can't be granted other skilled permanent visas such as the 186, 189 or 190, and you can't apply for an onshore partner visa (subclass 820).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 482 and the 494?
The 482 can be for any location and needs 1 year of experience, with no age limit. The 494 is only for regional positions, needs 3 years of experience, a skills assessment and an age under 45, but leads to permanent residence through the 191 after 3 years.
Is Perth regional for the 494?
Yes. Every location except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is a designated regional area, including Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart.
How much does the 494 visa cost?
A$6,140 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,535 for each child under 18.
Get Help With a 494 Visa
The 494 needs an eligible regional employer, a valid nomination and a skills assessment, all lined up before you apply. A registered migration agent can check whether you and the employer qualify. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), Department of Home Affairs.