Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Build Your Future in Regional Australia

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Live, Work & Grow in Regional Australia with the 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494 allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. Sponsored by an approved regional employer, this visa provides a direct path to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
IME Advisors are experienced 494 visa consultants in Sydney, helping skilled applicants and regional employers connect, comply, and secure long-term residency outcomes.

Want to work in Australia’s most promising growth regions? The 494 visa opens the door.

What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The 494 visa is a provisional employer-sponsored visa targeting Australia’s regional workforce needs. It replaces the former RSMS (Subclass 187) visa and is designed to:

Allow skilled workers to work in designated regional areas

Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience

Require employer sponsorship for an eligible occupation

Offer a pathway to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years of regional work and income compliance

IME Advisors are trusted Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa consultants in Sydney, offering end-to-end support for both employers and workers.

Who is the 494 Visa For?

You may be eligible for the 494 visa if you:

Are nominated by an approved regional employer

Have a job listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Are under 45 years of age at the time of application

Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience

Hold a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation

Meet competent English requirements (IELTS 6 each band or equivalent)

Employers must:

Operate in a designated regional area

Show genuine need for the position

Offer market salary rate and meet sponsorship obligations

Our team supports both employer nominations and employee visa applications to ensure complete compliance.

Benefits of the 494 Visa

✔ Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years

✔ Pathway to permanent residency via the 191 visa after 3 years

✔ Work for your sponsoring employer in your nominated occupation

✔ Include spouse and dependent children

✔ Access to Medicare after visa grant

The 494 visa is ideal for professionals looking for a secure, long-term future in high-growth regional zones.

Australia’s Employer Sponsored Visa program allows skilled workers from around the world to live and work in Australia by being nominated by an approved Australian employer.

Other Visa you might be
interested in

Employer Nominated Visa (Subclass 186)

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Why Choose IME Advisors as Your 494 Visa Agent in Sydney?

Registered MARA agents with deep experience in regional sponsorships

End-to-end support for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)

Full guidance on Labour Market Testing (LMT) and nomination compliance

Skilled at 494 to 191 PR transitions

Trusted by regional employers and professionals across NSW and Australia

From job role vetting to document submission – we simplify the complex.

Step-by-Step Process – Subclass 494 Visa

Step 1: Sponsorship & Nomination

We help regional employers obtain SBS approval and nominate the position under the ROL.

Step 2: Skills Assessment & Documentation

We guide the applicant through skills assessment and gather work experience, English test, and other evidence.

Step 3: Lodge the 494 Visa Application

Once nominated, we lodge the 494 visa with all supporting documents for the primary and secondary applicants.

Step 4: Health & Character Checks

We arrange police clearances and medicals as part of the visa processing.

Step 5: Visa Approval & Start Working

Visa granted – you begin your regional employment and start your path to PR.

Book Visa Consultation

FAQs – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

What’s the validity of the 494 visa?

It is valid for up to 5 years from the date of grant.

Can I apply for PR through the 494 visa?

Yes. After 3 years of regional work and meeting income requirements, you can apply for PR through the Subclass 191.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the 494 visa?

Yes. You must be nominated by a regional Australian employer for an eligible role.

What areas are considered “regional”?

All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

What’s the income threshold to qualify for PR through the 494?

You must meet the income threshold (currently AUD $53,900/year) for 3 consecutive years to be eligible for the 191 visa.

Can I include family members?

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Yes, for most occupations, especially under the Direct Entry stream.

Can I change employers after visa grant?

Yes, but your new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination.

Is the 494 visa better than the 482 for regional workers?

If your occupation is on the ROL and you’re targeting PR in 3 years, the 494 visa offers a more direct and secure pathway.

Can IME Advisors help employers become sponsors?

Absolutely. We handle the entire SBS application, compliance support, and nomination paperwork.

What’s the validity of the 494 visa?

It is valid for up to 5 years from the date of grant.

Can I apply for PR through the 494 visa?

Yes. After 3 years of regional work and meeting income requirements, you can apply for PR through the Subclass 191.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the 494 visa?

Yes. You must be nominated by a regional Australian employer for an eligible role.

What areas are considered “regional”?

All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

What’s the income threshold to qualify for PR through the 494?

You must meet the income threshold (currently AUD $53,900/year) for 3 consecutive years to be eligible for the 191 visa.

Can I include family members?

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Yes, for most occupations, especially under the Direct Entry stream.

Can I change employers after visa grant?

Yes, but your new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination.

Is the 494 visa better than the 482 for regional workers?

If your occupation is on the ROL and you’re targeting PR in 3 years, the 494 visa offers a more direct and secure pathway.

Can IME Advisors help employers become sponsors?

Absolutely. We handle the entire SBS application, compliance support, and nomination paperwork.

Find the Right Visa For You

Not sure where to start? Make an Enquiry – We’ll Contact You Within 24 Hours

Contact Info

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Visit Us

→ Suite 1, Ground Level, 80 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
→ Suite 10.02, Level 10/46 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
→ Level 5/15 Moore St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

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Call Us

02 90631618
+61 422101699

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Email Address

info@imeadvisors.com

Your trusted migration consultant is just one form away

Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, partner, or business sponsor, we’ll help map out the most direct path to your migration success.

Apply for Your 494 Visa with IME Advisors

Looking for growth beyond the city? The 494 visa opens doors to permanent opportunities across regional Australia. Our Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa consultants in Sydney are here to help.

Book a 494 Visa Consultation

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)