494 Visa Australia – Complete Guide 2025

(Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa)

Overview

The Subclass 494 Visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. It is employer-sponsored and designed to address skill shortages in regional communities. After 3 years, visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency (PR) through the Subclass 191 Visa.

This guide covers requirements, eligibility, step-by-step process, costs, benefits, and pathways to PR — everything you need to know in 2025.

Key Facts – 494 Visa at a Glance

  • Visa Type: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

  • Stay Duration: Up to 5 years

  • Work Rights: Must work for the sponsoring regional employer

  • Location: Regional Australia only (not Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

  • PR Pathway: Eligible for Subclass 191 Visa after 3 years

  • Processing Time (2025): 6–9 months (average)

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 494 visa, applicants must meet the following:

1. Sponsorship

  • You must have a job offer from an approved employer in a designated regional area.

2. Skills & Occupation

  • Occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

  • Skills Assessment required (by the relevant assessing authority).

3. Age Limit

  • Must be under 45 years old at time of application (some exemptions apply).

4. English Language Requirement

  • At least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent in PTE/TOEFL).

5. Health & Character

  • Medical examination required.

  • Police clearance certificate from all countries lived in 12+ months over the past 10 years.

Regional Areas Eligible for 494 Visa

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except:

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

✅ Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart, Geelong, Darwin — all counted as regional.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Employer Sponsorship

  • Employer applies to become a standard business sponsor.

  • They must prove no local Australian can fill the role.

Step 2: Nomination by Employer

  • Employer nominates the position through the Department of Home Affairs.

  • Labour Market Testing (LMT) often required.

Step 3: Visa Application

  • Applicant lodges visa application online with documents:

    • Skills Assessment

    • English test results

    • Medicals

    • Police checks

    • Employment contracts

Step 4: Processing & Outcome

  • Department assesses the application.

  • If approved, visa valid for 5 years.

Costs in 2025

  • Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640

  • Additional Adult (18+): AUD $2,320

  • Child (Under 18): AUD $1,160

  • Other Costs: Skills assessment ($500–$1,000), English test ($400), medicals (~$350/person).

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The 494 Visa is provisional but has a clear pathway to PR:

  • After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia, you may apply for the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

  • No need for a new skills assessment at PR stage.

  • Must have complied with all 494 conditions (lived & worked regionally).

Benefits of 494 Visa

  • Live, work, and study in regional Australia for 5 years.

  • Bring eligible family members.

  • Lower competition than 482/186 visas (as regional jobs are prioritized).

  • Direct PR pathway through the 191 Visa.

  • More regional cities now eligible (Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, etc.).

Challenges & Things to Note

  • Must remain with sponsoring employer in regional area.

  • Changing jobs requires a new nomination.

  • Visa can be canceled if you breach conditions (e.g., move to Sydney/Melbourne).

  • Processing times vary depending on demand and employer compliance.

Documents Checklist (2025)

  • Passport & ID documents

  • Job offer letter & employment contract

  • Skills assessment outcome letter

  • English test result (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

  • Health examination certificates

  • Police clearance certificates

  • Marriage/birth certificates (for family applicants)

Who Should Consider the 494 Visa?

  • Skilled professionals unable to secure permanent 186 visas.

  • International students in regional Australia seeking PR pathway.

  • Nurses, engineers, tradespeople, and IT professionals in shortage areas.

  • Employers in regional towns who cannot fill jobs locally.

Expert Tip for 2025 Applicants

“The 494 Visa is one of the strongest PR pathways in 2025 because the Australian Government is prioritizing regional migration. If you are struggling to get sponsored in Sydney or Melbourne, shifting your focus to Adelaide, Perth, or regional NSW/Queensland could fast-track your PR.”

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 494 Visa is the key to regional migration in Australia in 2025. It offers a secure pathway to PR while solving critical skill shortages across healthcare, trades, IT, and education sectors.

If you’re serious about migrating to Australia, consider regional opportunities — they are not just easier to secure, but also backed by strong government support.

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