| Visa length | Up to 5 years, provisional. |
|---|---|
| Location | Designated regional areas: all of Australia except the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas. |
| Occupation | On the regional occupation list. No caveats. |
| Worker requirements | Usually a positive skills assessment, 3 years of relevant experience, competent English and under 45. |
| Salary | At least the market salary rate and the TSMIT. |
| Labour market testing | Required, unless an exemption applies. |
| Pathway | Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after 3 years. |
How it works
- Your business becomes an approved standard business sponsor.
- You advertise the role (labour market testing) and lodge a 494 nomination.
- The worker gets a skills assessment and lodges the 494 visa application.
- The worker lives and works in a regional area for 3 years and meets the income requirement.
- The worker applies for the 191 permanent visa.
Employer sponsorship, nomination and levy
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application Approval usually lasts 5 years. | $420 |
| Skills in Demand (482) nomination For each nomination. | $330 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) nomination Nil for Temporary Residence Transition or labour agreement positions in regional Australia. | $540 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) nomination | Nil |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover under $10 million For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,200 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover $10 million or more For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,800 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover under $10 million Paid once, with the nomination. | $3,000 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover $10 million or more Paid once, with the nomination. | $5,000 |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $6,140 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | $1,535 |
Frequently asked questions
Which areas count as regional?
Designated regional areas are defined by postcode and cover all of Australia except the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas. We confirm the workplace postcode before you nominate.
Does the 494 have caveats?
No. Occupation caveats do not apply to 494 nominations.
Can the worker change employer?
Yes, with a new nomination from another regional sponsor. The worker must keep living and working in a regional area.
What is the SAF levy for a 494?
The Skilling Australians Fund levy is a one-off payment at nomination, based on your business turnover. See the Government fees table on this page.
Official sources
Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.