Immigration experts in Australia and NZ

Immigration experts in Australia and NZ

[gtranslate]

Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram
Subscribe
News
Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram
Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram
Subscribe
News
Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram
Regional Sponsorship 494 visa

Regional Sponsorship visa 494

The Australia Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is a specialized pathway designed to address skilled worker shortages in regional areas of the country. This visa category serves a dual purpose: it allows employers in designated regional areas to access skilled workers they need, while also offering a pathway to permanent residency for these skilled workers.

Schedule a Call
Email us
Regional Sponsorship 494 visa

Regional sponsorship visa 494

The Australia Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is a specialized pathway designed to address skilled worker shortages in regional areas of the country. This visa category serves a dual purpose: it allows employers in designated regional areas to access skilled workers they need, while also offering a pathway to permanent residency for these skilled workers.

Schedule a Call
Email us

Requirements to apply for a Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must have a job offer in a regional area of Australia and meet specific criteria related to their occupation, skills, and qualifications. The sponsoring employer must also meet certain requirements, including demonstrating a genuine need for the position and complying with labour market testing requirements.

One of the notable features of this visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After holding the Subclass 494 visa for at least three years and satisfying other criteria, individuals can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. This pathway underscores the Australian government’s commitment to supporting regional development by retaining skilled workers in regional areas.

The Subclass 494 visa not only benefits employers by addressing skill shortages but also provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live and work in Australia’s vibrant regional communities. It reflects the government’s recognition of the important role skilled migration plays in regional growth and development.

Types of 494 visas

Employer Sponsored
stream

All 494 visa applicants require an approved sponsored employer to first nominate them. Once nominated, the skilled workers can start the visa application process to work, live or study in regional Australia. 

Labour Agreement stream

This stream follows the same pathway as the Employer Sponsored Stream; however, the employer must have a labour agreement in place. This is best suited for applications that currently work or will work for an employer with a labour agreement. 

Subsequent
entrant stream

Family members can be included in the 494 visa application as subsequent entrants if they meet the Australian Government’s health and character requirements.

Apply for a Regional Sponsorship visa

If you want to apply for the 494 visa, book a discovery call with one of our visa and immigration experts. We’ll help you navigate the application process and support your journey to live, work or study in regional Australia as a skilled worker.

Step 1

Once you reach out to Absolute Immigration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

Step 2

From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

Step 3

Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Take the first step and schedule a call

Call us

You can reach our team via our support lines at 1300 227 658 or +61 3 9827 3721 or schedule a consultation through our Acuity Portal.

Schedule a Call

Email us

You can get in touch with the team through our support email: aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com

Email Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can study in designated areas of Australia on a 494 visa for up to five years. 

No. You can’t extend a 494 visa. However, if eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of having your visa. If you’re not eligible for permanent residency, you can explore our other visa options.

The 494 visa processing time varies from case to case and will depend on individual circumstances. According to the Australian Government, the average processing times for this visa type are: 

    • 25% of applications: 5 Months
    • 50% of applications: 10 Months
    • 75% of applications: 14 Months
    • 90% of applications: 16 Months

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you don’t miss an update.

Linkedin-in Facebook-f Instagram
Subscribe

Recent articles

NSW confirms closure of Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for 2025-26

The New South Wales Government has closed Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the 2025–26 migration program year. No new applications are being accepted. Applications already lodged will
Read More

New UK Entry Rules for British and Irish Dual Citizens in Australia

The UK will begin strictly enforcing entry rules from 25 February 2026, requiring dual British and Irish citizens to use their UK or Irish passport when entering the country. Australians
Read More

Changes to Australian citizenship evidence now in effect

The Australian Government introduced digital evidence of Australian citizenship on 5 December 2025 under the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2025. These changes modernise how citizenship evidence is issued, corrected and
Read More

State nomination places 2025 – 2026 and skilled migration settings

Australia has allocated 20,350 state nomination places for the 2025 to 2026 program year across subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. Each state and territory has confirmed its program settings,
Read More

Update on Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) processing times

Subclass 186 backlog acknowledged by the Department of Home Affairs; assessing applications lodged March 2024–April 2025 by occupation, sponsor status, and region.
Read More

National Innovation Visa update: what do the new priorities mean for you?

The Department of Home Affairs has outlined current priorities, invitation categories, and processing insights for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) program.
Read More
Read more resources
Subscribe
download

About Sleek

Sleek.com is your one-stop shop for everything back office related, from setting up your company to handling day-to-day accounting, taxes, ASIC/ATO compliance, payroll and more – all on a single platform.

We take a human-first approach, using technology to tackle the boring stuff so you can focus on building your business. Our expert team is always here to give you personalised advice, with in-house tax experts who can handle your big questions.

With a presence in Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, we’ve gained the trust of over 450,000+ modern businesses, and are a team of 500 strong devoted to your success.

Free initial consultation with Sleek experts:

Get your free initial consultation with Sleek experts. Mention ‘Absolute Immigration’ and enjoy a free initial consultation and subsequent discounting.

Find out more