Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (494)

Introduction

The 494 visa is part of Australia’s regional employer-sponsored migration program. It allows applicants to work and live in designated regional areas for three years, after which they can apply for permanent residency (191 visa).

Advantages of the 494 Visa

• Fast Track to Permanent Residency
  494 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency (191 visa) after working for their sponsoring employer in a regional area for three years. There’s no need for a new skills assessment or employer sponsorship for PR, offering a clear and attainable migration pathway.

• Broad Definition of Regional Areas
  “Regional areas” include all parts of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offering a wide range of locations for living and working.

• No Cap on Permanent Residency Applications
  Unlike certain permanent residency visas (e.g., parent migration visas with waiting times of 8–10 years), 494 visa holders face no annual cap when transitioning to the 191 visa.
  

• Reduced Education Costs for Children
  While living in regional areas, children of 494 visa holders may qualify for local tuition rates. This can save $10,000–$20,000 AUD per year compared to international student fees.

Categories of the 494 Visa

The 494 visa is divided into two application streams to accommodate different types of employers and occupational needs:

Employer Sponsored stream

• Applicable for occupations on the MLTSSL or ROL lists.

Labour Agreement stream

• Designed for applicants sponsored under labour agreements or regional migration agreements.

Requirements for the 494 Visa

• Age under 45 years.
• Completion of a valid skills assessment.
• At least three years of relevant work experience.
• A sponsorship offer from an eligible Australian employer.
• Minimum English proficiency (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent).

After obtaining the 494 visa, applicants must work for their sponsoring employer. If the applicant leaves their sponsoring employer within five years, they must find a new job and submit a new sponsorship application within 90 days to maintain visa validity.

The 494 visa supports regional development in Australia by attracting skilled workers to less populated areas. With its pathway to permanent residency, education benefits, and access to a variety of regional locations, the visa is an attractive option for those seeking long-term opportunities in Australia.

Successful 494 Visa Case Studies