Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa lets employers in regional Australia sponsor skilled workers for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 after three years. For workers willing to live and work in regional Queensland (or elsewhere in regional Australia), the 494 opens roles, and a PR pathway, that the city-based 482 does not. Nationwide Migration and Education helps regional employers and skilled workers navigate it.
What Is the 494 Visa?
Introduced on 16 November 2019, the 494 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer to fill a position in a designated regional area. The common stream is Employer Sponsored (there is also a Labour Agreement stream), and it uses the same Standard Business Sponsor framework as the 482.
Where Can You Work on a 494?
Almost all of Australia counts as a designated regional area. The only excluded areas are metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That means roles on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns and Townsville and most of regional Queensland qualify, as do all of SA, WA, NT, Tasmania, the ACT and major regional centres like Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Among the regional Queensland locations that qualify
Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville
Plus most of regional Queensland and regional Australia
Metro Brisbane
Not eligible for the 494. That is where the 482 comes in instead
Important: A position physically located in metro Brisbane is not eligible for the 494. That is where the 482 comes in instead.
How the 494 Works
Like the 482, it is a three-part process.
Sponsorship
The employer is approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (the same approval used for the 482, with no separate regional sponsor status needed).
Nomination
The nominated position must:
- Be located in a designated regional area
- Be in an occupation on the 494 occupation list (broader than the 482 list)
- Be genuine and likely to exist for at least 5 years
- Pay at or above the market salary rate and the threshold (TSMIT, $79,423 from 1 July 2026)
- Have Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice on the market salary
- Pass Labour Market Testing. Note the international-trade-obligation exemptions that apply to the 482 do not apply to the 494
Visa Application
The worker must be under 45 (limited exemptions), have at least 3 years of relevant full-time experience, a positive skills assessment, Competent English (IELTS 6.0 per band or equivalent), and meet health and character requirements.
494 Visa Conditions
The 494 carries more conditions than the 482 because it is a regional visa:
You must live, work and study only in a designated regional area.
Notify the Department of changes to your address, contact details, passport, employer or work location within 14 days.
Work only in your nominated occupation for your sponsor.
Provide evidence and attend an interview if requested.
Maintain adequate health insurance.
Note: You also cannot apply for most other visas (including 186, 189, 190, 191, 820 and 801) in the first 3 years. The visa is designed to keep you in the region during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 5-year provisional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 after 3 years.
No. Metropolitan Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are excluded. The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and most of regional Queensland do qualify.
After 3 years on the 494, and complying with its conditions, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. There is no minimum income requirement. You just provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years showing you earned income while living and working in your regional area.
Up to 5 years.
No. Condition 8579 requires you to live, work and study only in a designated regional area, and you cannot apply for most other visas in the first 3 years.
The Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
After 3 years holding the 494 and substantially complying with its conditions (especially living in the region), you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. There is no minimum income requirement to meet. You provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years showing you earned income while living and working in your regional area.
Hold the 494 for 3 Years
Substantially comply with its conditions, especially living in the region
Apply for the Subclass 191
Provide ATO notices of assessment showing income earned while living in your regional area
494 vs 482: Which One?
Choose the 482
- Position in metro Brisbane
Choose the 494
- Position in regional Queensland or regional Australia, with a worker happy to commit to the region for 3 or more years
- Can be a strong PR pathway, sometimes with a broader occupation list
Why Choose Nationwide Migration and Education?
Registered Migration Agents
Suman Dua, MARN 1800859, bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
We Confirm You Qualify
We confirm your location and occupation qualify before you commit.
RCB and LMT Coordination
We coordinate RCB advice and Labour Market Testing for regional employers.
494 to 191 PR Planning
We plan your 494 to 191 PR pathway from the start.
Our Google Reviews
Government fees and thresholds are current as at 1 July 2026 and subject to change. This page is general information, not personal migration advice.
Talk to a Brisbane
Employer-Sponsored Visa Specialist
With policies and allocations changing across states, clear guidance is essential.
Whether you are sponsoring talent or seeking sponsorship, our Brisbane team manages the full process and plans your pathway to permanent residency.
Contact
Phone: +61 7 37265183
Email: [email protected]
Address: 320 Adelaide St Brisbane QLD 4000
Nationwide Migration and Education
(Appointment-only service in all our offices)
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