Do you know Australia is encouraging more people to live and work in its regional areas? Through a 494 visa, you can get a chance to build a future in parts of the country that need more support and talent.
As we head into 2025, it’s important for both skilled workers and employers to understand what is 494 visa in Australia, how the 494 visa works, who it’s for, and how it can lead to a new life and career in a regional area of Australia.
What is a 494 Visa in Australia?
The subclass 494 visa is known as the “Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.” Think of it as a temporary work visa that lets you live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
The best part? After 3 years of living and working in a regional area, you can apply for permanent residency through the 191 visa.
You can apply for a 494 visa Australia if you:
- Have experience in a job that is in demand in regional Australia.
- Have a job offer from an approved regional employer.
- Are willing to live and work in a regional area (not in capital cities like Sydney or Melbourne).
It covers many types of jobs, including health care, engineering, IT, trades, teaching, aged care, agriculture, hospitality, and more.
What are the Key Features of the 494 Visa?
The 494 visa is a great option for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia’s growing regional areas. It helps fill job shortages outside the big cities and offers a chance of permanent residency for those who meet the requirements.
Below are the main 494 visa requirements that you should know about before applying:
1. Focus on Regional Areas
This visa is all about regional Australia. Some of the regional areas are Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, and many country towns and coastal areas.
Through this visa, the government is trying to manage the population growth across Australia and fill skill shortages in regional areas.
2. Need Employer Sponsorship
To apply for this visa, you must have a valid job offer from a business located in a regional area.
Also, the employer must be approved by the Australian government to sponsor overseas workers and must show that they tried to find an Australian worker first but couldn’t.
3. Chance to Get Permanent Residency
Although the 494 visa is temporary, it can lead to permanent residency. You become eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 191 visa) after living and working in the regional area for 3 years.
This makes the 494 visa an attractive option for those wanting to settle permanently in Australia.
For those who prefer a points-based option with more flexibility in where they live and work, the 189 visa Australia is also a popular option for skilled workers.
4. Duration of the Visa
The 494 visa Australia is valid for 5 years from the date it is granted. During this time, you are expected to live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
The visa cannot be renewed, but if you meet all the conditions, then you can apply for permanent residency.
5. Work Requirements for the Visa
You must work in the job you were sponsored for, and it must be a full-time, ongoing position. Also, your job must be on the official Skilled Occupation List for the 494 visa.
Moreover, you also need to have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in that job. This ensures that you are ready to contribute your skills from day one.
Required Documents for 494 Visa Application
If you’re sure about applying for this visa, then you should know about the documents that you need to attach to your application form. To apply for the 494 visa, you’ll need to gather and prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport of the applicant and any accompanying family members.
- Skills assessment results from the relevant authority for your nominated occupation.
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) were taken within the last 3 years.
- A job offer letter and employment contract from an approved regional Australian employer.
- Approval notice of employer nomination under the 494 visa program.
- Proof of at least 3 years’ full-time relevant work experience in your occupation.
- Educational qualifications such as degrees, diplomas, or trade certificates.
- Police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more.
- Health examination results as required by Australian immigration authorities.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for the 494 Visa
Applying for the 494 visa involves several important steps, both for the applicant and the sponsoring employer. Being prepared and knowing what to expect at each stage can help make the process easier and increase the chances of getting approved.
Step 1: Find a Job in a Regional Area
Begin by searching for job opportunities in designated regional areas of Australia. Look for employers who are already approved sponsors or are willing to become one to support your visa application.
Step 2: Check the Occupation List and Regional Area
Ensure that your occupation is listed on the current Skilled Occupation List for the 494 visa. Also, confirm that the business offering you the job is located in an eligible regional area as defined by the government.
Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant assessing authority for your occupation to verify that your skills, qualifications, and experience meet Australian standards. This is a crucial step that must be completed before applying for the visa.
Step 4: Take an English Language Test
Book and complete an approved English language test (such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT). For:
- IELTS 6.0 in each band
- PTE Academic 50 each
- TOEFL iBT 12 listening, 13 reading, 21 writing, 18 speaking
- OET B in each
- Cambridge C1 Advanced 169 in each band
You’ll need to meet or exceed the minimum score required to demonstrate competent English proficiency.
Step 5: Employer Lodges Nomination
Your employer will need to submit a formal nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. This includes proving they are offering genuine employment under acceptable salary and work conditions.
Step 6: Submit Your Visa Application
After the nomination is approved, you can lodge your 494 visa application online. Be sure to include all necessary documents, such as your skills assessment, test results, and identity and health information.
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
At the last point, the Department of Home Affairs will review your application. Processing times vary but providing complete and accurate information can help avoid unnecessary delays. You may be contacted if additional documents are needed.
What is the Processing Time and Visa Fee of the 494 Visa?
If you’re application does not face any delay or there are no mistakes in it, then your application should take around 6-12 months to process. However, processing times can vary based on:
- How complete is your application is
- How quickly you respond to requests for information
- The complexity of your case
- Current workload at the immigration department
And for the visa fees, it comes around:
| Category | Fee (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | $ 4,770 |
| Adult Dependent | $ 2,385 |
| Child Dependent | $ 1,190 |
For more accurate and latest information on processing time and visa fee, you can go to the official immigration website of Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 494 visa process involves many steps, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. Below are some of the most common questions people ask when considering this visa, along with clear answers to help you better understand how it works.
1. Which regional areas in Australia are most in demand for Subclass 494 workers?
Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Geelong, and Townsville currently have strong demand for skilled 494 visa workers across the healthcare, trades, and education sectors.
2. What steps should I follow to secure employer sponsorship under the Subclass 494 pathway?
Find a job in a regional area, ensure your occupation is on the eligible list, complete a skills assessment and English test, then have your employer lodge a nomination before you apply for the visa.
3. What are the new rules for the 494 visa in Australia?
These are the following new rules for the 494 visa:
- Since July 2024, if your job ends, you now have up to 180 days at a time, and up to 365 days total, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or leave the country.
- From March 2025, 494 visa holders can continue working for a new sponsoring employer while their nomination is being processed. You no longer have to stop work during this period.
- From July 1, 2025, the required minimum salary (TSMIT) increases to AUD 76,515 for new 494 visa nominations.
4. What is the age limit for a sponsor visa in Australia?
For the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.
Conclusion
The 494 visa offers a great opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in regional parts of Australia. The process can feel a bit complicated, but if you take the time to understand what’s needed and follow each step properly, you can have a good chance of getting it.
Take your time to understand the process, prepare thoroughly, and you’ll be well on your way to starting your Australian adventure.
But if you’re still confused about anything, you can contact Immivoyage Consultants, where you get proper guidance from an expert team.
