Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

(Subclass 494)

Live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.

10+ Years Experience

Registered Migration Agent

1000+

Visas Lodged Successfully

100%

Tailored Migration Solutions

Clear Fixed Fees

No Hidden Costs

Australian Based

Melbourne & Global Clients

What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.


This visa is employer sponsored and designed to address skill shortages in regional areas.


After 3 years of living and working in a designated regional area, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

Work in Regional Australia

Live and work in a designated regional area for up to 5 years.

Include Your Family

Include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.

Pathway to PR

After 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

Study in Australia

You and your family can study in Australia during your stay.

494 Visa Streams (from 7 December 2024)

There are two streams under the Subclass 494 visa.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Stream

  • Employer sponsored
  • Skills assessment required
  • Work in a designated regional area
  • Stay up to 5 years
  • Pathway to PR after 3 years

Labour Agreement Stream

  • 3 years full-time employment with nominating employer
  • Skills assessment may be required
  • Employer nomination required
  • English language requirement

2026 Minimum Salary Thresholds (from 1 July 2026) i

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Stream: $73,150 | Labour Agreement Stream: $73,150 Indexed annually on 1 July

The 494 Visa Process

A clear, step-by-step process for employers and applicants.

Skills Assessment

1Obtain a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.

Employer Sponsorship

2Your employer lodges a nomination on your behalf.

Nomination Approval

3We lodge the nomination and once approved, you can proceed.

Visa Application

4Lodge your visa application with all required documents.

Visa Grant

5Receive your provisional visa and live, work and study in regional Australia.

Pathway to PR

5After 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

Employer Requirements

Applicant Requirements

Costs (2026)

Visa application charge (main applicant)

from

$4,640

Additional charges may apply for dependants. Sponsorship and nomination fees apply.

Processing Time

(from lodgement)

from

7-11 Months

Times vary based on stream and individual circumstances.

Why Choose Aussie Migration Services?

We make Australian migrations simple, transparent and stress-free.

10+ Years Experience

Experienced Registered Migration Agent with a proven track record.

Fixed Fees No Surprises

Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.

Tailored Strategies

Personalised solutions for your unique circumstances.

High Success Rate

1000 visas lodged successfully across Australia.

End-to-End Support

We're with you every step of the way.

Local & Australian

Melbourne based with national and global clients.

Client Confidentiality

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Sherin Sindhu profile picture
Sherin Sindhu
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With Aussie migration getting your visa is one of the greatest things because they help you make things more easier and less stressful with straightforward consultation and guiding you through out your journey until your visa is granted. Special appreciation thanks goes to Zack for your hardwork and your dedication towards your clients.
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Karuna Sindhu
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Recommend them Great team and very helpful Thank you very much for fast visa processing Highly recommended
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Zhang Jun profile picture
Zhang Jun
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I highly recommend Zack! He is always positive, helpful and extremely patient. He answered all my visa questions and explained every detail carefully. Fantastic service overall.
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Sinta J Velasco profile picture
Sinta J Velasco
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A special thanks to Zack Ristov who prepared, lodged all the required documents and made the process of obtaining my citizenship smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Aussie Migration Services to anyone seeking reliable migration assistance. Thank you for helping me to achieve my dream. Today I passed my citizenship test and Mission accomplished !
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CHRISTINE
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Relatives of ours had previously applied for a tourist visa and were rejected, Zack was highly recommended by friends, so we gave Zack a call, he was very easy to deal with and helped us with the whole process. Waiting for the visa took longer than we expected, but Zack continually comunicated with us. Infact Zack recieved Visa confirmation out of business hours and he called us straight away. Very happy to recommend Aussie Migration Services
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Sonja Endzekova
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My experience with the migration agent, Zack was extremely positive. He showed a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and up-to-date knowledge of migration requirements. The process was well organised, deadlines were met, and communication was always clear and respectful. I felt confident that my case was in safe hands, and I am very grateful for his support and expertise.
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Marcus Day
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Zack helped me through getting my sponsor visa. From day one he was so helpful, understanding and patient. Especially in myself trying to get documents from back home which sometimes could take a while. He was always available for any questions we had, knew his information inside out and as professional as can be. Me and my partner thank him and the team so much for what they have done for us so far. Recommended 100x over! Thanks again
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Admin Vogue Landscaping
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Zak's professionalism and knowledge in his field is outstanding. Aussie Migration Services has been the pinnacle to our support and our company. We'd like to extend our thanks to Zak and his team, strongly recommended for any immigration services.
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PERLA DASILAO
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I had a great experience with my migration agent. Very professional and always update throughout the process. Thanks for your guidance and my visa was successfully grant. i truly appreciate your support and highly recommended. More power to you.
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FU
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Look no further - Zack is your man!! Our business spent hours trying to fill out pages and pages of sponsorship questionnaires, we were more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles! The minute we rang Zack - he put our minds at ease, so very approachable, efficient and had the perfect way of explaining everything to us so that it made sense. We are just about to email him again for the second time and cant recommend him enough. Thankyou Zack!
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494 visa allows an approved regional employer to sponsor an eligible skilled worker for a position located in designated regional Australia.

An eligible employer operating in designated regional Australia must hold or obtain the appropriate sponsorship approval and lodge a compliant nomination for the position.

Yes. The nominated position and the visa holder’s work must meet the regional-location requirements and the conditions attached to the visa.

Eligible partners and dependent children may be included, subject to relationship, dependency, health and character requirements.

Eligible Subclass 494 holders may later qualify for the Subclass 191 permanent residence pathway if they meet the applicable regional residence and other requirements.

Ready to Build Your Future in Regional Australia?

Let our Registered Migration Agents help you secure your 494 visa
and a pathway to Permanent Residency.