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The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494, commonly referred to as the 494 visa, is designed to help regional employers across Australia address critical skill shortages. It allows them to sponsor skilled workers when no appropriately qualified Australian worker is available for the position.

Introduced on 16 November 2019, the visa subclass 494 replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 visa. Each year, the program has an allocation cap of 10,000 places, reflecting the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting growth in regional communities.

What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The 494 visa is a temporary provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. To be eligible, applicants must be sponsored by an approved regional employer for a position likely to exist for at least five years.

A Migration Agent Perth can guide both employers and applicants through the sponsorship, nomination, and visa application process, ensuring compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.

Key Eligibility Criteria for the 494 Visa

To apply for the subclass 494 visa, you must meet several important requirements:

• Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of application (some exemptions apply).

• English Language: Have at least competent English proficiency.

• Skills and Experience:

  • Hold a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.

  • Demonstrate at least three years of skilled employment relevant to your nominated role.

  • The experience should typically have been gained within the last five years (part-time work may count, but casual work does not).

• Regional Sponsorship: Must have sponsorship from a regional employer who has obtained approval from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB).

• Salary Compliance: The offered position must meet the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) to ensure fair pay.

• Visa Status: If applying from within Australia, applicants must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C.

It’s important to note that the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and doctor registration requirements do not apply to visa subclass 494 applicants.

Employer and Job Offer Requirements

For employers to nominate a skilled worker under the visa 494, several criteria must be met:

• The employer must be located in a designated regional area (all areas except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).

• Eligible regions include Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Illawarra, and Canberra.

• The nominated occupation must be listed on the 494 Visa Skilled Occupation List.

• The position must be full-time and available for at least five years.

• The employer must receive Regional Certifying Body (RCB) approval and comply with salary and sponsorship obligations.

Visa Duration and Conditions

The 494 visa is valid for five years. Visa holders must adhere to specific conditions that reinforce the government’s goal of supporting regional development:

• Condition 8579: Live, work, and study only in regional areas.

• Work only in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer.

• Commence employment within 90 days of visa grant.

Failure to comply with these conditions can result in visa cancellation.

Fortunately, Perth and the Gold Coast are officially classified as regional areas, making them attractive options for skilled migrants seeking opportunities under the visa subclass 494.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The 494 visa offers a pathway to Australian permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

To qualify for the 191 visa, 494 visa holders must:

• Hold their skilled regional visa (491 or 494) for at least three years.

• Have met all visa conditions.

• Earn a minimum taxable income for three consecutive years (based on the set income threshold).

This pathway ensures that skilled workers who contribute to regional Australia have the opportunity to build a permanent life there.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494 provides several advantages for both workers and employers:

• Pathway to PR via the Subclass 191 Visa after three years.

• Lower employer costs, as only one Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is required.

• Encourages population and economic growth in regional Australia.

• Provides skilled workers with long-term work stability.

• Offers access to regional incentives such as extra migration points and access to regional benefits.

494 Visa Fees

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) charges the following fees for the visa subclass 494:

• Main applicant: AUD 4,910

• Spouse or partner: AUD 2,455

• Dependent child under 18: AUD 1,230

• Second Visa Application Charge (VAC): AUD 4,890 (if the applicant does not meet the ‘functional English’ requirement)

SAF Levy for Employers

Employers nominating skilled workers under the 494 visa must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which depends on the business’s annual turnover and the number of years the visa applicant has held a 494 visa.

Discounts may apply when an existing 494 visa holder changes employers.

494 Visa vs 187 Visa

The visa subclass 494 replaced the Subclass 187 (RSMS) Visa and introduced more structured pathways and stronger compliance conditions.

The new system ensures greater transparency, regional focus, and stronger integrity across the sponsorship and nomination process.

494 Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the subclass 494 visa vary based on factors like application completeness, the complexity of the case, and employer documentation. On average, 50% of applications are processed within 6–12 months, while 90% are finalized within 15–18 months.

Consulting a Migration Agent Perth can help ensure that all documents are properly submitted to avoid unnecessary delays and improve the chances of approval.

Designated Regional Areas

All of Australia is considered regional except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Eligible regional areas include:

• Perth

• Adelaide

• Gold Coast

• Hobart

• Sunshine Coast

• Geelong

• Newcastle

• Wollongong

• Canberra

Living in these regions not only fulfills visa conditions but also provides access to a high quality of life, affordable housing, and excellent work opportunities.

Why Consult a Migration Agent in Perth?

Applying for the visa subclass 494 involves complex documentation, skill assessments, and employer obligations. A Migration Agent Perth can help you:

• Evaluate your eligibility and skills assessment requirements.

• Identify suitable regional employers and occupations.

• Prepare a compliant visa and nomination application.

• Ensure all conditions and timelines are met for a smooth transition to permanent residency.

Their expert advice ensures your 494 visa journey is accurate, compliant, and strategically planned for long-term success in regional Australia.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) is a golden opportunity for skilled professionals to build a stable career and life in regional Australia. It not only benefits regional employers facing labour shortages but also offers applicants a clear and achievable pathway to Australian permanent residency.

With professional guidance from a trusted Migration Agent Perth, applicants can navigate the process confidently and take the first step toward making regional Australia their new home.