Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
Subclass 494 is a five-year provisional visa for an eligible role in a designated regional area. It has Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement streams. A later subclass 191 application is a separate permanent residence step with its own requirements.
Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22
Key facts
| Regional setting | The role must meet the designated regional requirements; check the official postcode definition. |
|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored stream | Requires an approved sponsor, eligible occupation and an approved role nomination. |
| Skills and experience | The standard stream generally requires a suitable skills assessment and three years of relevant skilled full-time work, subject to exemptions and recognised prior-assessment arrangements. |
| Regional certification | A regional certifying body assesses the annual market salary rate for Employer Sponsored nominations. |
| Labour Agreement stream | The employer agreement governs the permitted occupation and any concessions. |
| EOI and points | No SkillSelect EOI or points-tested invitation. |
Requirements
Check age, English, skills, work history, health and character requirements for the selected stream. The employer must address the genuine regional role, labour market testing and salary requirements. Regional residence and work conditions continue after grant; a regional job offer alone does not establish eligibility.
Process
- Confirm the role’s location, occupation and stream.
- Check sponsor or labour agreement status and obtain required regional salary certification.
- Prepare the employer nomination and applicant evidence.
- Comply with the provisional visa conditions and keep records for any later 191 application.
Common issues
Subclass 494 does not automatically turn into permanent residence. The 191 Regional Provisional route generally requires holding an eligible visa for at least three years and meeting compliance and evidence rules. Home Affairs currently states there is no minimum income requirement, but ATO notices of assessment remain required.
Official sources
Related pages
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