Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa 494
Five-year regional employer sponsored visa with a pathway to the 191.
In force
Who it is for
Skilled workers sponsored by an employer in designated regional Australia.
Main requirements
- Under 45 when you apply, with exemptions.
- At least competent English.
- Occupation on the list for the 494.
- A mandatory skills assessment before lodging (not a 485 assessment), with exemptions.
- At least 3 years of full-time experience in the occupation.
- Approved sponsor; regional position; salary at least A$79,423 and the market rate; labour market testing.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- Employer Sponsored
- Labour Agreement
- Subsequent entrant
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Employer enquiry
Position, salary, location and sponsor status.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the regional and salary rules. - Sponsorship and testing
Standard business sponsorship, labour market testing and regional certifying body advice.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the employer side. - Nomination
Lodge the nomination and pay the levy.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the nomination. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Visa application
Skills assessment, English test and documents.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the worker's application. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Five-year provisional visa
Live and work in regional areas for the sponsor.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains conditions and workplace rights. - Pathway to the 191
After 3 years with tax assessments for 3 income years.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the 191.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment, secondary applicant 18 or over | A$4,890 |
Employer or sponsor costs
| Standard business sponsorship | A$420 |
|---|---|
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover under A$10 million | A$3,000 one-off |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover A$10 million or more | A$5,000 one-off |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Employer Sponsored | 50% in 8 months, 90% in 12 months |
|---|---|
| Labour Agreement | 50% in 4 months, 90% in 12 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Nomination refused: position not genuine or not regional, salary too low, labour market testing defects.
- Fewer than 3 years of experience.
- Skills assessment issues.
- Paying for sponsorship.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Worker
- Employer
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.