Employer sponsored
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Work for a regional employer and build a pathway to permanent residency.
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About the 494 visa
The 494 visa lets employers in designated regional areas sponsor skilled workers. It replaced the closed 187 visa.
After living and working in a regional area for 3 years and meeting the income requirement, you may apply for the permanent 191 visa.
Key requirements
- Nomination by an approved employer in a designated regional area
- Eligible occupation
- Positive skills assessment
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Under 45 (exemptions apply)
- Competent English
- Health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years
- Bring your family
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Move to permanent residency through the 191
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Employer sponsorship and nomination
- 02
Step 2
Skills assessment and English
- 03
Step 3
Visa application
- 04
Step 4
Live and work regionally for 3 years
- 05
Step 5
Apply for the 191
Common reasons applications fail
- Position or business not genuinely in a regional area
- Skills assessment or experience not meeting requirements
- Salary below market rate
- Not keeping the evidence needed for the 191
Download PDF
Employer sponsorship checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
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 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (494)?
The 494 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia. It replaced the 187 visa, which is closed to new applicants. After 3 years, 494 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Which areas count as regional for the 494 visa?
All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is a designated regional area. The job and your employer's business must be in a designated regional area.
How do I get permanent residency from the 494 visa?
Apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years on your 494 and meeting the minimum taxable income in each of those years.
Can I change employers on a 494 visa?
Yes. Your new employer must be in a designated regional area and lodge a new nomination for you. Your time on the 494 still counts towards the 191.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.