Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)

Who can apply?

You must have:

• a nomination from an approved sponsor for a position located in a designated regional area (that is, all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
• at least 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation at the right skill level, generally within the last 5 years (equivalent part-time work may count, casual work does not)
• a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority, done before you lodge, unless an exemption applies
• at least Competent English
• to be under 45 when you apply unless exempt
• health and character clearance, no debt to the Australian Government, and a signed Australian values statement (if you are 16 or over)

Age exemptions

• Academics nominated by a university (Academic Level A to E)
• Scientists, researchers or technical specialists (ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2) nominated by a scientific government agency or university
• Medical practitioners who worked 2 years in a designated regional area on a 457 or 482 in the last 3 years
• 444 or 461 visa holders for 3 years who worked 2 years for the nominator
• 457 or 482 holders with 2 years of work for the nominator in the last 3 years, paid at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year

Salary

The employer must pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate, and both that rate and your earnings must be at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 it is A$79,423, up from A$73,150 (2024-25) and A$76,515 (2025-26). It does not count non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a car.

Employer steps

The employer must lodge a nomination first, and be an approved sponsor or have at least applied to be a Standard Business Sponsor. Labour market testing normally means two advertisements across at least four weeks in the four months before lodging. See sponsor obligations.

Cost

From A$6,140 for the main applicant, plus a charge for each family member and a lower rate for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.

Living in a designated regional area

You can live, work and study only in a designated regional area. You may work only for your sponsor or an associated entity in the nominated occupation, unless an exemption applies.

Pathway to permanent residence

After holding the 494 for 3 years you can apply for permanent residence. Until then you cannot make a valid application for a Partner visa (820) or be granted visas such as the 186, 189, 190, 191, 132, 188 or 858.

Where to apply

Inside or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. Inside Australia you need a substantive visa or Bridging visa A, B or C.