Subclass 494 Visa - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa could be the perfect one for you. This visa not only allows you to live and work in Australia’s regional areas but also provides a clear path to permanent residency (PR).

At Cross Border Education, we specialize in guiding applicants through the complexities of Australian immigration, especially regional visas like Subclass 494. Our expertise and personalized approach can help you secure sponsorship, and plan your journey toward Australia PR.

What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 Visa was introduced by the Australian Government to attract skilled migrants to regional areas, support local employers in filling genuine skill shortages, and encourage long-term population growth outside metropolitan hubs. 

It replaced the older Subclass 187 (RSMS) visa and comes with enhanced regulatory integrity and a more structured PR pathway. The key highlights are as follows:

• Valid for up to 5 years
• Requires sponsorship by a regional employer
• Offers a transition to PR visa Subclass 191 after 3 years
• Includes work, study, and travel rights
• Allows you to bring eligible family members

Streams Under the 494 Visa

The visa is divided into two main streams:

1. Employer Sponsored Stream

This stream is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer operating in a designated regional area. The role must align with one of the eligible occupations listed by the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Labour Agreement Stream

For workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement between an Australian employer and the Australian Government, usually for niche or high-demand roles not available under the regular occupation list.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494

To apply for the Subclass 494 visa, you must satisfy the following conditions:

Designated Regional Areas for the 494 Visa

This visa is intended for areas outside major metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Eligible designated regional areas include:

• Adelaide and South Australia
• Canberra and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
• Perth and Western Australia
• Hobart and all of Tasmania
• Darwin and Northern Territory
• Regional New South Wales 
• Regional Victoria 
• Regional Queensland 

These areas offer better visa incentives, lower cost of living, and a greater quality of life.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

This visa is designed with long-term benefits in mind, especially for skilled professionals aiming for Australia PR:

• Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
• Work and live rights in regional Australia for 5 years
• Study rights for you and your family
• Spouse and dependents can live, study, and work full-time
• Enhanced processing priority over other temporary skilled visas
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia during the visa period
• Lower competition and more employer sponsorship opportunities in regional zones

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

One of the biggest advantages of the 494 visa is its direct transition to Australia PR through the Subclass 191 . To become eligible for PR under Subclass 191, you must:

• Hold the Subclass 494 for at least 3 years
• Live and work only in designated regional areas
• Earn a minimum taxable income (as specified each financial year) for 3 consecutive years
• Comply with all visa conditions and legal requirements

This makes the Subclass 494 one of the most structured and reliable paths to immigrate to Australia permanently.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is how Cross Border Education helps you with the application journey:

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We review your profile, qualifications, and work experience to assess your fit for the 494 visa.

Step 2: Occupation & Skills Assessment
We guide you through the process of obtaining a positive skills assessment from an authorized body.

Step 3: Employer Sponsorship
We help connect you with regional employers or assist your current employer in getting approval to sponsor you.

Step 4: English Language Test
Assistance with IELTS/PTE preparation to meet the required score.

Step 5: Document Preparation & Visa Lodgment
We prepare, verify, and submit your documents to avoid rejections or delays.

Step 6: Post-Lodgment Support
We help you with bridging visa support, travel plans, and settlement advice.

Why Choose Cross Border Education?

Cross Border Education, the Best Immigration Consultant in India will help you in the following areas:

• Expert Visa Consultants with extensive experience in Australian immigration
• Personalized Guidance through every stage of the 494 visa application
• Assistance with employer sponsorships, skills assessments, and documentation
• Quick turnaround times and high success rate
• Ongoing support for settlement, family integration, and PR transition

We have helped hundreds of professionals like you move to Australia and build a secure future. Our mission is simple - make global migration easy, affordable, and reliable.