Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) · Work and skilled visas · Stream of Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
Subsequent entrant
Employer-sponsored visa for regional Australia. Five years, with a path to the permanent 191 after three years.
This visa is for members of the family unit of a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) holder who wish to join the primary SESR visa holder in Australia. They are applying separately for their SESR visa.
- Stay
Up to 5 years
- Government charge
From AUD6,140.00
- Visa type
Temporary
Official information from the Department of Home Affairs
The material below reproduces English-language information from the Department of Home Affairs about this visa. Requirements may have changed since it was added to this website. Use the source link to check the latest information; I can explain relevant provisions in Vietnamese or English during a consultation.
Overview
Stay
Up to 5 years
Government charge
From AUD6,140.00
Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Cost Concession
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application. See About this visa.
To see what your visa will cost use the Visa pricing estimator. The estimator does not consider the second instalment or other costs.
Processing times
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.
With this visa, you can
- stay in Australia while this visa is valid
- live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years
- travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years.
You must
- be a member of the family unit of a primary SESR visa holder
Help with your visa
If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help with your visa application.
About this visa
About this visa
Usually, you apply for this visa at the same time as the primary visa applicant. In some instances, this may not be possible. This may occur where the composition of the family changes after:
- the primary visa applicant has already submitted their SESR visa application and it is still pending a decision
- a SESR visa has already been granted to the primary visa holder
When this occurs and you want to join your family member on their visa, you must apply separately by submitting a visa application in your own right. This is known as subsequent entrant.
When you submit your visa application for a subsequent entrant, you are required to attach a written letter from your family member’s work sponsor (employer) extending their sponsorship obligation to include you as a family member in the nomination.
This requirement is intended to ensure the employer is aware of all the family members to whom their sponsorship obligations will extend.
Discuss this matter with the work sponsor in the first instance before lodging your subsequent entrant visa application.
With this visa, you can
- stay in Australia while the visa is valid
- live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
Specified region
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.
How long you can stay
This is a provisional visa. You can stay in Australia for a period of up to 5 years. Your visa will expire at the same time as your family member who is the primary SESR visa holder.
Stay longer
You can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. Explore your visa options.
If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence with the primary SESR visa holder after 3 years from the time their visa is granted.
Subsequent entrant
Cost
This visa costs AUD6,140.00. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
It costs an additional AUD4,890 if the subsequent entrant is 18 years and over and does not have functional English. This extra charge is called a second instalment.
To work out what your visa will cost use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not take into account the second instalment or other costs.
You will have to pay other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Cost concession for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste visa applicants
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.
Apply from
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.
Processing times
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.
Your obligations
You must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
You must live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia. If you do not, we might cancel your visa.
Travel
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.
Visa label
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
Eligibility
Have a family member who is a primary SESR visa holder
You must have a family member who is a primary SESR visa holder, or main applicant for a SESR visa, to be able to lodge a subsequent entrant visa application.
Be nominated by the primary SESR visa holder's work sponsor
The work sponsor (employer) with the most recent approved nomination in relation to the primary SESR visa holder, or main applicant for a SESR visa, must agree (or have agreed) in writing to include you as a family member in the nomination.
Have this level of English language
You must show that you have Functional English. If you can’t show that you have Functional English, you will need to pay the second instalment.
Meet our health requirement
You must meet our health requirement.
Meet our character requirement
If you are aged 16 years and over you must meet our character requirement.
Important: if the primary SESR visa holder, or main applicant for a SESR visa, is sponsored by an accredited sponsor, you are not required to obtain police certificates from countries other than Australia provided you attach a reference from the accredited sponsor confirming that you are of good character and that you have not been convicted of any criminal offences. You must still, however, provide any required Australian police clearances where applicable or when requested to do so.
Have paid back your debt to the Australian government
If you owe the Australian government money, you must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.
Sign the Australian values statement
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
Step by step
1Before you apply
Things you will need to arrange before you apply could include discussing with the work sponsor to include you as a family member in the nomination or undertaking a health assessment. You might also want to get help with your application.
Discuss extension of nomination with the work sponsor
When you apply, you must attach a written letter from the work sponsor (employer) extending their nomination to include you as a family member. This requirement is intended to ensure the primary SESR visa holder's, or main applicant for a SESR visa, employer is aware of all the family members to whom their sponsorship obligations will extend.
Discuss this with the work sponsor before you apply.
Organise health exams
You need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply or you can wait until after you apply.
Get help with your application
Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance they must be:
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.
Get the nomination Transaction Reference Number
Ask the work sponsor for the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) of the nomination application. You need it to apply for the visa.
2Gather your documents
Documents you may have to provide could include documents for your identity, character, health and English language skills.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Identity documents
Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide:
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of change of name
Documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Sponsor documents
Attach a written letter from the work sponsor (employer) extending their sponsorship obligation to include you as a family member in the nomination.
English language documents
You must show that you have Functional English.
If you can’t show that you have Functional English, you will need to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge when we ask you to.
Health documents
You do not need to provide health documents. If you have had medical exams, the results are sent to us by your doctor.
Character documents
Provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16 years. We only accept complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police . We do not accept standard disclosure certificates or national police certificates issued by Australian state or territory police. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Also provide:
- an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
- if required, penal check letters are available by contacting espd@homeaffairs.gov.au and include the words “Front end load – Penal Check Letter” in the subject line of your email.
- military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country
Further information is available at: Character requirements for visas
Partner documents
Provide:
- identity documents
- character documents
Provide either:
- your current marriage certificate or
- enough documents to prove you have been in a de facto relationship with the primary SESR visa holder, or main applicant for a SESR visa, for at least 12 months before you apply
Documents that prove a de facto relationship include:
- joint bank account statements
- billing accounts in joint names
- joint leases or mortgages
- documents that show you have both lived at the same address
Dependants under 18 documents
For every dependant under 18 years who is applying with you provide:
- identity documents (if your child is under 5 years old you can include them in the application without a passport)
- character documents, if applicable.
Parental responsibility documents
You must get consent for the child to come to Australia from anyone who:
- has a legal right to decide where the child lives and
- is not coming to Australia with the child.
They must complete either:
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years
- a statutory declaration giving their consent for the child to visit Australia on this visa.
Include a document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a:
- passport
- driver’s licence.
Dependants over 18 documents
For every dependant 18 years and over who is applying with you provide:
- identity documents
- documents about other relationships, if applicable
- character documents.
You need to prove that this person is a family member and/or dependent on you. Provide:
- a completed Form 47a Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over
- proof of your relationship with the family member and/or dependant such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate
You must also prove this person has been financially dependent on you for at least 12 months before you apply. You could provide:
- proof they live with you
- their tax records
- proof they are currently studying
You must show that your family member and/or dependant has Functional English.
If you can't show that your family member and/or dependant has Functional English, you will need to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge when we ask you to.
Tell us you are getting help
To nominate someone to:
- receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
Prepare your documents
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
These details must be in English.
Scan or photograph
Scan or photograph all documents (English and non-English) in colour.
The scans and photos must be clear.
If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
3Apply for the visa
You apply for this visa online in ImmiAccount.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide accurate information.
Apply online in ImmiAccount
- Login or create an ImmiAccount.
- Attach documents.
- Pay the application charge. We will not process your application until you pay.
- Note the Transaction Reference Number.
4After you apply
We will let you know when we have received your application. See what you can and must do after you apply.
Status updates
We can’t give updates on applications within the standard processing time.
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.
Travel after you apply
If you are in Australia, you don't have to tell us if you want to travel outside Australia while we process your application. This is because you can be outside Australia when we decide on your application.
But if you leave Australia, make sure you have a valid visa to return.
Learn about visa expiry.
Learn about travel on a Bridging visas.
Health exams
If you didn't have health examinations before you applied, we will let you know if you need them. Check ImmiAccount.
Biometrics
We might ask for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). We will let you know if you need to provide them.
Attach more information
We might ask you to provide more information. Attach any additional documents we ask you for as soon as possible in ImmiAccount.
Stay lawful
If you are in Australia, make sure you stay lawful by holding a valid visa while we process your application. You must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C for your visa application to be processed.
If you were in Australia when you applied for this visa, you may have been granted a Bridging visa. If your current visa expires before we decide on your application, the Bridging visa will start. You can stay in Australia on the Bridging visa while we process your new visa application.
Do not ask us to cancel your current visa. If your visa is cancelled, you will:
- be staying in Australia unlawfully
- not be eligible for a Bridging visa.
Pay the second instalment
If you need to pay a second instalment of the visa application charge we will send you an invoice after you have met all other requirements for the visa. Pay the instalment after you get the invoice. Do not ask for the invoice.
Mistakes on your application
Let us know as soon as you can if you made a mistake on your application.
Help with your application
Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
- receive your correspondence - complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- provide immigration advice - complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
For more information see Who can help you with your application.
Tell us if things change
Tell us if things change after you submit your application but before we decide on your application.
Things you need to let us know about include:
- you want to withdraw your application
- changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
See what to do if your situation changes.
5Visa outcome
You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your visa application.
About visa outcome
We must have granted your family member's SESR visa before we can grant you this visa.
We will let you know our decision about your visa application in writing.
If we grant your visa, we will tell you:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts
- your visa conditions
Keep a copy of the decision.
If we refuse your visa, we will tell you:
- why we refused the visa
- whether you have a right to a review of the decision
We will not refund the visa application charge if we refuse your application.
When you have this visa
Coming to Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have:
- a valid visa to enter Australia
- a valid 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.
In Australia
What you can do when you have this visa
- live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for a permanent residence visa with the primary SESR visa holder
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 must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
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 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 designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.
To see when you must leave, see your grant letter or use VEVO.
Staying longer
You can’t stay longer by extending the visa.
If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) with the primary SESR visa holder.
This visa does not come into effect until 2022.
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
You can work only in designated regional areas of 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.
Leaving Australia
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.
Proving you have been to Australia
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
All streams of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
Official source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. © Commonwealth of Australia. Refer to the source website for its copyright and conditions of use.
Open the official page
Next step
Have a visa question or need help getting started?
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.