subclass 494
The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa Stream (Subclass 494) is a provisional visa. This visa allows regional employers to sponsor eligible workers from overseas to address labour shortages in Australia. This visa requires nomination and sponsorship by an eligible organisation.

eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa Stream (Subclass 494) visa, you must:
- be below the age of 45Â
- be sponsored by an approved employer in an eligible industry
- provide evidence of relevant work history
- meet the requirements of a skills assessment
- meet minimum health and character requirementsÂ
- have proficient English-language skills.
Application Process
In order to apply for the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa Stream (Subclass 494) visa, you will need to provide documentation relating to:
- your age and personal information
- educational qualifications
- evidence of professional credentialsÂ
- proof of sponsorship by a regional employer
- skills assessment documentation
- health and character details
- evidence of visa eligibility.
You may need to provide additional supporting documents for assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.

visa benefits
you can live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.
you can travel to and from Australia throughout the visa period.
if eligible, you may apply for permanent residence after 3 years.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Solve Migration’s expert legal team are able to support all stages of the Subclass 494 application process.
f desired, you can submit your own application for the Subclass 494 visa, but you’ll need to have a good understanding of migration law regulations. A single mistake could end up costing thousands! If you want to self-submit your Subclass 494 application, we recommend getting a professional document check first. If you’d like the help of an expert as you navigate your application, contact our legal team.
For this visa, the standard primary applicant cost is $4,240 AUD. A fee of $4,240 AUD will apply for each subsequent entrant. You may also be required to pay other costs associated with health checks, police clearances, biometrics, and other selection criteria.
You’ll only be charged if the Department of Home Affairs grants the visa. Please reach out to us if you need help estimating the complete visa cost for you and your family.
Please note that you will need to enter Australia before the last date specified on your Visa Grant Letter.
The typical processing times for the Subclass 494 visa are currently:
- 25% of applications: 61 days
- 50% of applications: 5 months
- 75% of applications: 8 months
- 90% of applications: 10 months
Solve Migration, your partner in success.
At Solve Migration, we understand the importance of quality legal support in helping you navigate migration law and visa law concerns. Our team of qualified lawyers is proud to support clients across the country, working in line with the Immigration Act Australia.
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