Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lets skilled workers live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for an approved employer. It's a provisional visa that runs for five years, and it's built around a genuine commitment to regional Australia — that condition sits at the heart of the visa, so it's worth being clear-eyed about it before you apply. You'll generally need to be under 45, have a suitable skills assessment and three years’ experience at the skilled level. However, there are may be some exemptions to this if applying under the Labour Agreement stream . The regional lists are broader than those for other employer-sponsored visas, which opens up occupations that might not otherwise qualify. After three years holding the 494 and meeting the income requirements, you may be eligible for permanent residence through the subclass 191. We assess your eligibility and the regional requirement honestly up front, and a dedicated Registered Migration Agent stays with your case throughout.
What is included
We confirm your occupation qualifies for the regional list, and check your age, skills, and English against the visa's requirements before you commit.
We identify the correct assessing authority for your occupation and help you prepare the evidence it needs, so this step doesn't stall your application.
We coordinate your employer's nomination with your visa application and prepare complete health, character, and eligibility evidence to the standard the Department expects.
One Registered Migration Agent manages your matter and plans ahead for your subclass 191 permanent residence, so the three-year path is clear from the start.
Processing estimates
Timeframes by stream
Employer Sponsored
- 50% of applications
- 7 Months
- 90% of applications
- 11 Months
Labour Agreement
- 50% of applications
- 7 Months
- 90% of applications
- 10 Months
| Stream | 50% of applications | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored | 7 Months | 11 Months |
| Labour Agreement | 7 Months | 10 Months |
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs · Last checked 6 August 2026. Based on recently decided applications; figures are indicative only and depend on individual circumstances.
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