Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) Australia Guide
Understanding the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) is a temporary Australian visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer that is unable to find suitably skilled Australian workers, allowing them to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Overview
Visa Name → Skilled Employer Sponsor Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Common Name → 494 Visa
Who Can Apply → Skilled worker with an employer seeking to sponsor them, or an employer seeking to sponsor a skilled worker
Stay Period → 5 years
Work Rights → Full work rights in designated regions
Study Rights → Yes, in designated regions
Include Family → Yes, in designated regions
Pathway to PR → 3 years after your Visa is granted
494 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a 494 Visa, applicants generally must:
Be under 45 years of age
Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
Have an occupation on the relevant SOL.
Have a relevant Skills Assessment
At least 3 full time years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
You must have gained your experience within the last 5 years
Meet English language requirements
Meet health & character requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Sign the value statement
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
494 Visa Documents Required
Common documents required for a 494 Visa application include:
Passport
Age exemption documents
Licencing, registration or membership
Skills and qualifications documents
English test results
Health documents
Character documents
Partner documents (if applicable)
Dependants documents (if applicable)
Non-English documents translated into English
Scan or photograph all documents (in colour)
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in visa processing.
How to Apply for a 494 Visa
The 494 Visa application process generally includes the following steps:
Be nominated by your prospective employer
Have a relevant skills assessment
Complete English language testing
Organise health exams
Gather Your Documents
Lodge the Visa application online
Complete health exams or biometrics
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
494 Visa Cost
Visa cost: From AUD $6,140.00
494 Visa Processing Time
Employer Sponsored current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 5 months
90% of applications are processed within 11 months
Labour Agreement current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 89 days
90% of applications are processed within 10 months
Processing may take time, particularly during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested.
Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays.
Applicants should refer to the latest processing information from the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
494 Visas Benefits
How Can a 494 Benefit You?
You may be elegible for Permanent Residency after 3 years your Visa was granted
Work in Australia for up to 5 years
You can travel, work or study in Australia (designated regions0
Become eligible to seek Australian citizenship after PR
Book an appointment today to discuss your Skills in Demand Visa application and take the next step towards living and working in Australia
Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and submitting strong evidence of your relationship.
Our Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa requirements clearly
Navigate the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa application process
Avoid common mistakes or delays
Improve your chances of a successful outcome
Professional guidance may help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
494 Visa FAQs
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Yes.
The Subclass 494 Visa provides a pathway to Permanent Residency. Generally, you may become eligible after holding your 494 Visa and meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, including the required period of regional residence and work.
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To be eligible, you generally must:
Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Have a positive skills assessment (if required).
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Be under 45 years of age (unless an exemption applies).
Meet the English language, health, and character requirements.
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Employer Sponsored current processing times:
5 to 11 months
Labour Agreement current processing times:
89 days to 10 months
Processing times vary depending on your individual circumstances, the completeness of your application, health and character checks, and Department processing volumes.
The Department of Home Affairs recommends using its Visa Processing Time Guide for the most up-to-date estimate rather than relying on fixed timeframes.
Ready to apply for a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)?
Check your eligibility today and let our Registered Migration Agent guide you throughout your 494 Visa application.
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