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Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Australia’s Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa opened for applications on 16 November 2019. It is a 5-year temporary employer-sponsored visa that replaces the former Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa. After three years on the visa, applicants can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa to become Australian permanent residents.
5 years
Visa validity
$4,640
Primary applicant fee
5 months
90% processing time
3 years
Pathway to Subclass 191 PR
Regional Area Definition for the Subclass 494 Visa
From November 2019, the Australian Government introduced a new definition of regional Australia for the Subclass 494 visa: everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is considered a designated regional area eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa.
Subclass 494 Visa Application Requirements
- Under 45 years of age
- Receive a nomination from an eligible Australian employer
- Pass a skills assessment
- At least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation
- Hold the relevant professional qualifications or registration for the nominated occupation
- IELTS 6 in each band
- Meet health requirements
- No history of Australian visa refusals or cancellations
Note: From 13 November 2021, applicants affected by a Section 48 Bar due to an onshore refusal may lodge onshore, provided they hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A/B/C.
Subclass 494 Visa Application Fees
If a partner or dependent child aged 18 or over does not meet the English requirement of IELTS 4.5, a language training charge is payable for each such person.
Subclass 494 Visa Application Process
1
Secure employer nomination
2
Prepare application documents
3
Lodge the application via ImmiAccount
4
Await the visa decision
5
Visa granted
From Subclass 494 to Permanent Residence
Unlike the former Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) permanent visa, the Subclass 494 is a 5-year temporary visa. During its validity, applicants who live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years may apply for the Subclass 191 visa to become Australian permanent residents.
If a visa holder resigns or is forced to stop working at their Australian sponsoring employer before completing five years on the Subclass 494, they must find a new position and lodge a new nomination within 90 days.
Client Testimonials
Genuine feedback from clients who have successfully secured their visa.
“From planning the right Subclass 494 pathway to finally securing the visa, the Newstarsec team supported us every step of the way. Special thanks to our consultant for handling the complex documentation work on my behalf!”
David L.
Subclass 494 Visa Client
“Choosing the Subclass 494 to work in Adelaide was absolutely the right decision. Newstarsec assessed my eligibility, reviewed the employer nomination for compliance and prepared my documents — the whole process went smoothly. I’m now preparing for the Subclass 191 permanent visa!”
Sophie T.
Subclass 494 Visa Client
“I wasn’t clear on how the 494 visa defines regional areas, and Newstarsec’s consultant patiently walked me through every detail. Professional service from start to finish — completely reassuring. Highly recommended!”
Michael Q.
Subclass 494 Visa Client
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