Skilled Subclass
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Subclass 494
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa for skilled workers in designated regional areas.
- Who can apply
- Applicants who can meet skilled subclass criteria including: Approved regional employer nomination in eligible occupation.; Skills, experience, and English requirements met for stream.; Health and character requirements satisfied..
- Bring family
- depends
- Apply from
- Inside or outside Australia depending on subclass settings
- Type
- Permanent
- How long
- Provisional regional pathway with potential permanent transition routes.
- Leads to PR
- Direct PR
- Work rights
- Refer to visa conditions and stream rules at grant.
What you need to know
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa for skilled workers in designated regional areas.
Key requirements: - Approved regional employer nomination in eligible occupation. - Skills, experience, and English requirements met for stream. - Health and character requirements satisfied.
Who can apply (detailed)
To qualify, applicants must satisfy subclass criteria including: - Approved regional employer nomination in eligible occupation. - Skills, experience, and English requirements met for stream. - Health and character requirements satisfied.
What you need to do
1. Confirm regional employer sponsorship readiness. 2. Prepare nomination and visa evidence. 3. Lodge with regional compliance plan.
How long it takes and what it costs
Processing times and fees vary by profile, stream, and decision workload. Check official fee estimator and processing updates before lodging.
What you can and can't do
Rights and restrictions depend on visa conditions attached to this subclass and stream at grant.
Bringing your family along
Family inclusion depends on the stream and subclass criteria.
More information
/australia/skilled/subclass-494-skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-provisional
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for Subclass 494?
Applicants who can meet skilled subclass criteria including: Approved regional employer nomination in eligible occupation.; Skills, experience, and English requirements met for stream.; Health and character requirements satisfied..
How long is Subclass 494?
Provisional regional pathway with potential permanent transition routes.
Does Subclass 494 lead to PR?
PR pathway depends on the specific stream and eligibility profile.
Can I include family on Subclass 494?
Family inclusion depends on stream rules and applicant circumstances.
Where do I find updated rules for Subclass 494?
Check current Department of Home Affairs policy and official visa guidance before lodging.
More Skilled Visas
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Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent employer-sponsored visa with stream-specific settings (including TRT and Direct Entry).
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent points-tested visa for invited skilled workers without state nomination.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent points-tested skilled visa requiring state or territory nomination.
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand Visa
Employer-sponsored temporary skilled visa with stream and occupation settings.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory government agency to live and work in regional Australia.
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