The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find a suitable Australian worker. It is a five-year provisional visa with a clear pathway to permanent residence.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 494.
Who is the 494 for?
The 494 suits skilled workers who have a job offer from a business in regional Australia, which includes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Employers in Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Geelong, Newcastle and many other areas can use it.
The two streams
Employer Sponsored stream
An approved work sponsor nominates you for a skilled position in regional Australia. The employer must show genuine need, pay market salary and test the local labour market where required.
Labour Agreement stream
For employers that have a labour agreement with the Australian Government, including Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) in regions such as South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Key requirements
- A nomination by an approved work sponsor for a regional position
- An occupation on the relevant list, or covered by the labour agreement
- A suitable skills assessment (unless exempt) and usually at least three years of relevant work experience
- Under 45 years of age unless an exemption applies
- At least Competent English unless an exemption applies
- Health and character requirements
Living and working regionally
While on the 494, you must live, work and study in a designated regional area and work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated role. If the job ends, you may find a new regional sponsor, but time limits apply, so seek advice early.
Pathway to permanent residence
After three years on the 494, meeting the regional and income requirements, you may apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa, without needing a new sponsor.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 494 better than the 482?
It depends. The 494 has a built-in PR pathway through the 191 but requires regional living. The 482 can be used anywhere but usually relies on the employer for a 186 PR nomination.
Can I change employers on a 494?
Yes, but a new approved regional sponsor must nominate you. Until then you must not breach your visa conditions.
Is Adelaide classed as regional?
Yes. All of South Australia, including Adelaide, is a designated regional area for migration purposes.
Can my family work and study?
Yes. Included family members can work and study, but they must also live in a designated regional area.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
