Subclass 494

Overview

This is a 5-year provisional visa that allows regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when no suitable Australian workers are available. It’s designed to address labour shortages outside major cities.

• Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane

• Offers a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

• Be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply)

• Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

• Possess at least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification experience

• Demonstrate competent English (e.g. IELTS 6.0 in each band)

• Be nominated by an approved sponsor in a designated regional area

• Meet health and character requirements

Streams Available

1. Employer Sponsored Stream

This is the most common pathway under Subclass 494.

• Who it's for: Skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area.

• Key requirements:

  • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list

  • Employer must meet Labour Market Testing (LMT) obligations

  • Salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — currently AUD 76,515

  • Regional Certifying Body (RCB) must assess the nomination

• Work restriction: You must work only for your sponsor or an associated entity unless exempt

2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for employers with a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.

• Who it's for: Skilled workers nominated under a labour agreement where standard visa conditions don’t apply

• Key features:

  • Allows for occupation, age, or English concessions

  • Tailored to industry-specific needs (e.g. agriculture, hospitality, tech)

  • Employer must demonstrate ongoing labour shortages and compliance

• Work restriction: Same as Employer Sponsored — tied to the sponsoring entity

3. Subsequent Entrant Stream

This stream is for family members of a primary Subclass 494 visa holder.

• Who it's for: Spouse, partner, or dependent children joining the main applicant

• Requirements:

  • Must meet health and character criteria

  • Must be included in the visa holder’s application or apply separately

• Benefits:

  • Same rights to live, work, and study in regional Australia

  • Can travel in and out of Australia freely during visa validity

Application Process (3 Stages)

1. Sponsorship

   • Employer must be approved and operating in a regional area

   • Must show genuine need and compliance with workplace laws

2. Nomination

   • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled list

   • Labour Market Testing (LMT) required

   • Salary must meet Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

   • Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice needed

3. Visa Application

• Submit documents: passport, skills assessment, work history, English test, police/medical checks

• Include eligible family members if desired

Key Benefits

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

• Include family members in your application

• Travel freely in and out of Australia

• Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional employment

• Access to Medicare (public healthcare)

Links

Processing times

Visa application charge