Subclass 494
Temporary visa to sponsor an eligible skilled worker to fill positions in regional Australia that can't be filled by skilled Australians
The 494 Visa Program
The Subclass 494 (SES Regional) visa is a provisional residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area. It allows businesses to retain the critical talent they need to thrive outside of major cities, while providing individuals and their families with a 5-year term to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
At Immilex, we focus on the facts. We assess your eligibility and handle the technical details of the application so that you have a clear roadmap from the very beginning.
Key Factors for Success:
- Designated Regional Area: All work and residency must occur within specific postcodes.
- The 3-Year Milestone: You must live and work in a regional area for at least three years on this visa to become eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa.
- Regional Certification: Most nominations require an assessment by a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) to confirm the local market salary rate and the genuine need for the role.
Employer Sponsored Stream
What it is for: For regional employers to fill skilled positions that cannot be filled by the local Australian workforce.
What it allows: 5 years of residency in regional Australia; full work rights with the sponsor; family inclusion; and a pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191).
Key Requirements:
- Be nominated in an occupation on the MLTSSL or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience.
- Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment and meet English requirements.
Income Threshold: Must be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and at least the TSMIT, currently $76,515 (increasing to $79,499 on 1 July 2026).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Mandatory within the 4 months prior to lodging the nomination.
Nomination & Sponsorship: Requires a formal nomination from an approved Standard Business Sponsor and certification from an RCB.
Length of Stay: Up to 5 years.
Labour Agreement Stream
What it is for: For workers nominated by regional employers who have a specific Labour Agreement (such as a DAMA) with the Government.
What it allows: Work under terms that may include concessions for age, English, or salary not available in the standard stream.
Key Requirements:
- Be nominated in an occupation as specified in the Labour Agreement.
- Your age must be under 45 years (unless the agreement allows for an older age).
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless the agreement specifies otherwise).
- Obtain any required skills assessment and meet English requirements (unless exempt)
Income Threshold: As specified in the unique Labour Agreement (may allow for concessions below the standard TSMIT).
Labour Market Testing (LMT): As required by the terms of the specific Labour Agreement.
Nomination & Sponsorship: Nomination must be lodged under the employer's specific Labour Agreement.
Length of Stay: Up to 5 years.
Subsequent Entrant
What it is for: For partners and dependent children of a primary 494 visa holder who are applying separately to join them.
What it allows: Live, work, and study in regional Australia for the duration of the primary visa; travel freely while valid.
Key Requirements:
- Be a partner or dependent of the primary 494 holder.
- Be included in the nomination of the primary applicant as a family member.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Nomination & Sponsorship: The primary applicant's employer must agree in writing to extend their sponsorship obligations to the family member.
Length of Stay: Matches the expiry date of the primary visa holder.
Maintaining compliance
The 494 visa is subject to Condition8579, which is the core of your legal status.
- Regional Limitation: You, and all family members included in the visa, must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
- Occupation Specificity: You must work only in your nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer.
- 180-Day Rule: If your employment ends, you have 180 days to find a new regional sponsor or prepare to depart.
- Medicare Access: Unlike many temporary visas, 494 holders generally have access to Medicare while their visa is valid.
The 494 Application Process
Sponsorship
The business becomes an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Nomination
The business identifies the role, proves the market salary rate, and obtains certification from the local Regional Certifying Body.
Visa Application
The individual provides proof of identity, 3 years of experience, Skills Assessment, and character clearances.
For 494 Visa Applicants
Understanding your eligibility before lodging an application is the best way to avoid a refusal that could impact your future migration options. At Immilex, we provide detailed assessment to ensure that the salary, experience, and occupation align perfectly with the chosen stream's criteria.
We also assist in planning your long-term roadmap, ensuring your 494 visa serves as a secure stepping stone toward the 191 Permanent Residence visa once you reach your 3-year regional residency and income milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving to a major city would be a breach of Condition 8579 and can lead to the cancellation of your visa and a loss of your pathway to permanent residency.
Yes. You must find a new sponsor in a regional area who lodges a new nomination for you. You have 180 days to finalise this transition.
You are eligible for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) after you have held the 494 visa for at least 3 years and complied with regional residency conditions.
Secure Your Regional Future
A 494 visa is a significant 5-year commitment. Contact us at Immilex for a consultation and a technical roadmap to ensure your regional sponsorship is successful.