Employer Sponsored stream

• live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
• travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
• if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time we grant your visa.

You can live, work and study only in a designated regional area. Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after you have held your 494 visa for 3 years.

Unless you have held your subclass 494 visa for 3 years, holders of the subclass 494 visa are unable to:

• make a valid application for a subclass 820 (Partner) visa
• 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 (Skilled Regional) (Regional Provisional Stream)
  • Subclass 858 (Global Talent).

This is a provisional visa. You can stay in Australia for a period of 5 years from when we grant your visa.

You can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. Explore your visa options.

If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time we grant your visa.

You can include members of the family unit in your application. You can:

• include them when you submit your visa application
• add a dependent child after you submit but before we decide on your visa application.

Family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our health and character requirements.

Family members who do not apply for the visa with you might also have to meet our health and character requirements.

If you do not include your partner or dependent children in this application, you must tell us the reason why. For example, they already hold Australian citizenship or are a permanent resident.

This visa costs:

• AUD6,140.00 for the main applicant
• AUD3,070.00 for each dependent 18 years and over
• AUD1,535.00 for each dependent under 18 years.

Concessions apply in limited circumstances.

To see what your visa will cost use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not consider the second instalment or other costs.

You will have to pay other costs including:

• English language tests
• health checks
• police certificates
• Biometrics.

From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application.

We will charge eligible applicants the lower visa application cost during the application process in ImmiAccount. We will recognise eligible applicants by the valid passport from the specified countries used in the application when they apply.

Family members are also eligible for the lower visa cost. We base this on the passport of the primary applicant (or visa holder who satisfies the primary visa criteria).

The primary applicant must hold a valid passport issued by one of the following countries:

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Republic of the Marshall Islands
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu.

You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa, but not in immigration clearance.

If you are applying in Australia, you must hold a:

• substantive visa or
• Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C.

You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your application.

For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.

We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

• whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
• how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
• how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
• how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements

We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided. It is your responsibility to ensure all relevant supporting/evidentiary documentation is attached to your application.

You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

You must begin your employment within 90 days of:

• entering Australia, if you are outside Australia when we grant the visa
• the visa grant date, if you are in Australia when we grant the visa

You must only work in your nominated occupation and only work for your nominating employer in regional Australia. If you do not, we might cancel your visa.

You can travel out of Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.

The time you spend outside Australia does not extend the visa.

We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.

You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for the visa.

You are exempt from this criteria if any of the following applies to you:

• You are nominated as an academic (University Lecturer or Faculty Head at Academic Level A , B, C, D or E) by a university in Australia
• You are nominated as a medical practitioner and in the 3 years immediately before you apply have worked in that occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for 2 years as the holder of a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) or subclass 482 visa. The nominated position is in a designated regional area of Australia
• You are nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical (scientific) specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or Australian university
• You have held a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) visa for the last 3 years immediately before you apply and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated occupation, for at least 2 years during that time.
• As a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder, you have been working in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer for a period of at least 2 years during the 3 years ending immediately before you apply, and your earnings for each year of that period were at least as much as the Fair Work High Income Threshold.

You must be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in Australia.

You must be employed to work in the nominated occupation and in a position within the sponsoring business or an associated entity of that business, located in a designated regional area of Australia.

Before you can apply for the visa, your employer will need to lodge a nomination application for you. They will only be able to do this if they are an approved work sponsor or have at least lodged an application to become a standard business sponsor.

If you are the primary visa applicant, you must show that you have the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.

You must undertake a skills assessment to show this – see Have a positive skills assessment below.

If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment, you are still required to provide other evidence to show that you meet this requirement – see 'Skills and qualifications documents'.

You must have been employed in the nominated occupation for at least 3 years on a full-time basis and at the skill level required for the nominated occupation.

Generally, you should have gained your experience within the last 5 years. The period does not need to be continuous. We might consider equivalent part-time work. We do not consider casual work.

You must have your skills assessed as suitable for the nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority. The assessment will show us you have the skills to work in the nominated occupation.

The skills assessment must be undertaken before your application is lodged. A skills assessment obtained for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is not a valid assessment for this visa.

You do not need to complete a skills assessment if at the time of application you held a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) or subclass 482 for the nominated occupation and in order to be granted that visa, you were required to demonstrate your skills by providing a suitable skills assessment.

You are exempt from this criteria if any of the following applies to you:

• you are nominated as an academic (University Lecturer or Faculty Head at academic Level A, B, C, D or E) by an Australian university
• you have held a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) visa for the last 3 years immediately before you apply and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated occupation, for at least 2 years during that time.

You must have at least Competent English to be granted this visa.

You and any family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our health requirement.

If requested, family members not accompanying you to Australia might also need to meet our health requirement.

You and your family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa with you must meet our character requirement.

Family members not accompanying you to Australia must also meet the character requirement.

If you or any family members (including those who don't apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.

If you are 16 years of age or older, you must:

• have read, or had explained to you, the Life in Australia booklet and
• sign an Australian Values Statement that confirms you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws

Before you leave

Check your travel documents

You must have a valid:

• visa to enter Australia
• passport or other travel document.

At the border

Completing an Incoming Passenger Card

All people arriving in Australia must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. You will be given this card during your flight.

Leaving the airport faster

We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.

What you can do when you have this visa

• Work for up to 5 years for your sponsor only in regional Australia
• Live and study for up to 5 years only in regional Australia
• Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
• If eligible, apply to become a permanent resident

Your visa will come with conditions attached to it. To see your conditions, see your grant letter or use VEVO.

What you must do when you have this visa

You and your family must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.

You must begin your employment within 90 days after your:

• entry to Australia if you were granted the visa outside Australia
• visa grant date if you were granted the visa in Australia.

Learn more about visa details and conditions.

Tell us if things change

Things you need to let us know about include:

• changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
• changes to your employer
• changes to your employment status including promotions and changes in hours
• changes to your relationship status
• the birth of a child.

See what to do if your situation changes.

See how long you can stay

This is a provisional visa. You can live, work and study only in regional Australia for up to 5 years.

To see when you must leave, see your grant letter or use VEVO.

Staying longer

If your visa is expiring and you want to keep working in Australia for your employer:

• your employer will need to submit a new nomination
• you must apply for a new visa.

You can’t stay longer by extending the visa.

After holding a subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years, you may apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Travelling on your visa

You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.

Time spent outside Australia does not extend your length of stay in Australia.

Proving you have a visa

To prove you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.

Working

Usually you can only work for the business that sponsored you. If your sponsor is an Australian business, you can work for that business or one of its associated entities as long as it is in regional Australia.

When you work in Australia, you are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.

Learn more about visa details and conditions.

Bringing family

Secondary applicants can apply for this visa as a subsequent entrant.

Before you leave

Check your travel documents

You must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.

Ensure your visa is still valid

Check your conditions and the expiry of your visa in VEVO.

See what you can and must do if your visa has expired or is about to expire.

At the border

Leaving the airport faster

We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.

After you leave

Get your superannuation (if you are leaving Australia and do not intend to return)

You are likely to have some money in a superannuation fund if you worked in Australia and:

• you were 18 years or older
• you were paid AUD450 or more (before tax) in a month

See how to access your superannuation after you leave Australia.

Proving you have been to Australia

To prove you have been to Australia, request your travel records.

You can sponsor and nominate a skilled worker to work in a designated regional area in a skilled occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

You can also sponsor eligible family members of the skilled worker who apply for the visa with them or apply later as subsequent entrants.

You must be or have applied to be a Standard Business Sponsor. Your sponsorship must be approved, for your nomination to be approved.

You must lodge the nomination for the skilled worker you wish to sponsor before, or at the same time as, their visa application.

A Standard Business Sponsor can apply to become an Accredited Sponsor.

Holders of this visa can live, work and study only in a designated regional area. Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Không thu lệ phí đề cử đương đơn theo diện visa này.

Bạn phải đóng khoản đóng góp vào Quỹ Đào tạo Kỹ năng cho người Úc.

Approved nominations last for 12 months from the approval date and cease on the earliest of:

• the day on which we receive written notification of the withdrawal of the nomination by the approved work sponsor
• 12 months after the day on which the nomination is approved unless, at the time, there is a visa application made by the nominee on the basis of the nomination that has not been finally determined
• if a visa application made by the nominee on the basis of the nomination is finally determined or withdrawn after 12 months after the day on which the nomination is approved – the day on which the visa application is finally determined or withdrawn
• the day on which the nominee is granted the visa
• the day 3 months after your approval as a standard business sponsor ceases unless you have reapplied
• the day on which your approval as a standard business sponsor is cancelled

For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.

We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

• whether you are an approved work sponsor
• whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
• how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information

We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided. It is your responsibility to ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

You must meet your obligations as a standard business sponsor under this visa program.

You are responsible for meeting these obligations even if you appoint someone, such as a migration agent, to act for you. Learn more about your sponsorship obligations.

You must be, or have applied to become a standard business sponsor.

See how to:

• become a standard business sponsor
• become an accredited sponsor

You must nominate the skilled worker. The occupation you nominate must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

You must be unable to find an Australian citizen or permanent resident with the skills and experience needed to fill the nominated position.

You must do labour market testing to show us you can't find an Australian to do the work, unless an exemption applies.

If the nominee will be paid an annual salary of less than AUD250,000, you must determine and show us that you will pay the nominee at least the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the nominated position.

A Regional Certifying Body must also assess the annual market salary rate.

The position associated with the nomination must be genuine. This means that the position must exist and be what it says it is. Things we consider for genuineness include:

• whether the skills and duties of the position are consistent with the skill level and the tasks of the nominated occupation as listed in ANZSCO
• whether the position is consistent with the nature of your business (for example, whether it fits clearly within the scope of the activities of the business and the scale of your business)
• whether the position was created just to help your nominee stay in, or migrate to Australia.

The position must also be full-time and likely to exist for at least 5 years.

Your nominee must be engaged under a written contract of employment to work only for your business or an associated entity of your business, unless the occupation is exempt.

A copy of the contract signed by the nominee and the employer must be provided with your nomination.

The terms and conditions of the nominee’s employment must not include an express exclusion of the possibility of extending the period of employment.

You must not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices. We will investigate any allegations which raise concerns about the composition of the sponsor's workforce and recruitment practices. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously

The employment conditions that will apply to the nominee must not be less favourable than those that apply/ would apply to an Australian worker performing equivalent work at the same location.

There must be no adverse information known about your business or any person associated with your business, unless it is reasonable for us to disregard known adverse information. See more about adverse information

Sponsorship of the visa holder and their family lasts as long as they hold a valid Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) and continue to work for you.

You must meet your obligations as a standard business sponsor.

You are responsible for meeting these obligations even if you appoint someone, such as a migration agent, to act for you.

Learn more about your sponsorship obligations.

Things you need to let us know about include:

• if you terminate the visa holder's employment or they cease working for you
• if you change the visa holder's hours, duties or pay
• if the visa holder's visa is expiring

See what else you must let us know and what you can do if there is a change in situation.