Employer Sponsored · Subclass 494
494 Visa Pros and Cons: Is the Regional Sponsored Visa Right for You?
Weigh regional work, the 191 permanent residency pathway, sponsor obligations and costs before you commit to the 494 visa.
Updated October 2026 · 18 min read
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Table of Contents
494 Visa Pros and Cons at a Glance
Main advantages
- A five-year regional stay. The visa lets a skilled worker live and work with an approved sponsor in a designated regional area for up to five years.
- A route to permanent residency. After about three years in regional Australia, holders may be able to move to the subclass 191 visa.
- Some breathing room if the job ends. Holders get a limited window to find a new sponsor or switch to another lawful visa, and may work for other employers meanwhile.
- Possible flexibility through a DAMA. In some regions, a Designated Area Migration Agreement may open up extra occupations or concessions on age, English, salary or experience.
- Employer-backed certainty. A regional employer has already committed to the role, which gives you a defined job from day one. Compare this with the 482 visa if location flexibility matters to you.
Main drawbacks
- Tied to one sponsor and one region. Changing employer or occupation means a new nomination must be approved before you start the new work. Your location is limited to designated regional areas.
- Age cut-off. Applicants are generally required to be under 45 when they apply, with limited exemptions.
- A demanding checklist. You will typically need a positive skills assessment, competent English and around three years of relevant work experience.
- Salary and cost pressure on the employer. The nominated salary must meet the market rate and the TSMIT in force at lodgement, and the employer faces nomination costs and a Skilling Australians Fund levy.
- No fixed timeline. Timing depends on nomination approval, document quality, skills assessment and medicals, so plan for some uncertainty.
For the employer side, see our sponsorship process guide.
Advantages of the 494 Visa for Skilled Workers
A pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa
Time on the 494 can count toward the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191), usually after three years in a regional area and with income evidence from the ATO.
Living and working in regional Australia
The visa lets you live and work in a designated regional area with your sponsoring employer for up to five years, often with less competition and a lower cost of living than the capital cities.
Access to Medicare
Holders of this visa may be able to enrol in Medicare and use Australia's public health system, depending on their circumstances.
Including your spouse and children
Your partner and dependent children can be included in the application, so the family can move to Australia together.
Work and study rights for family members
Family members on the visa can generally work and study in Australia, which helps a household settle in and support itself.
Advantages of the 494 Visa for Employers
Recruiting from a global talent pool
Regional employers can sponsor skilled workers from overseas, not just those already in Australia, across a broad list of eligible occupations .
Filling regional skill shortages
Some occupations are open to the 494 but not the 482, which gives regional businesses a sponsorship route for roles that are hard to fill locally .
Government support for regional businesses
The 494 is built around regional need, and the position is reviewed by a Regional Certifying Body before nomination, so your case for the role is tested early .
Supporting workers through to permanent residence
A sponsored worker may become eligible for the subclass 191 permanent visa after three years on the 494, which gives you a reason to retain staff and gives them one to stay . Our sponsorship process guide sets out what employers need to have in place before nominating.
Disadvantages and Limitations of the 494 Visa
Regional living and work restrictions
The visa ties you to a designated regional area, so a move to a major city for work or lifestyle reasons can put your conditions at risk. Check that both the job location and where you plan to live fall inside the eligible regional boundaries before you accept an offer.
Limited flexibility when changing employers
You cannot simply move to another job. A new employer or a different occupation generally needs a fresh nomination approved before you start. If your job ends, the time allowed to find a new sponsor or move to another visa is limited.
Complexity and cost of sponsorship
The process has several layers: the employer becomes an approved sponsor, the role is endorsed by a regional body, and then nomination and visa applications follow. Costs include government charges, the employer-paid Skilling Australians Fund levy, and your own skills assessment, English test, medicals and police checks.
Sponsorship obligations and legal responsibilities
Your employer takes on ongoing duties, including keeping the role genuine and full-time and paying at least the market salary rate for the occupation. Some small regional businesses find these duties a deterrent, and breaches can affect both the sponsor and your visa.
Strict documentation requirements
Each application needs a well-organised evidence set covering skills, English, work history, identity, health and character. Applicants also need to fit the criteria on age and experience, which leaves little room for gaps or inconsistencies.
It is a provisional visa, not a permanent one
The 494 lets you stay for a limited period, not indefinitely. Permanent residency depends on later meeting the requirements for the subclass 191 visa, which includes time spent in regional Australia and income evidence.
What Happens If Your Employment Ends on a 494 Visa
Act quickly if your sponsored job ends.
Losing your employer doesn't automatically end your 494 visa, but a limited window opens in which you need to find a new approved regional sponsor or move to another lawful visa pathway. Reported limits are up to 180 days at a time and 365 days in total . A new employer or occupation generally needs a fresh nomination, approved before you start the new work . Staying in a designated regional area also matters for your later 191 permanent residency application. Get legal advice as soon as you know your role is at risk.
494 Visa vs 482 and 186 Visas
494 compared with 482
- Length of stay: The 494 is a regional visa that allows you to live and work with an approved employer for up to five years . The 482 visa has different durations and conditions depending on the stream.
- Work location: The 494 requires you to live and work in a designated regional area. The 482 is generally not tied to a regional location, so it suits roles in capital cities.
- Permanent residency: The 494 has a defined pathway to the subclass 191 visa after three years in regional Australia, supported by tax assessment evidence . Permanent residency options from the 482 depend on the stream and current policy settings.
- Occupation access: Some occupations may be available under the 494 but not the 482, and the reverse can also apply. Check your occupation against the current lists before choosing .
- Where the 494 may fit better: It suits someone who is happy to settle in a regional area and wants a clear route to permanent residency, rather than a role in a major city.
494 compared with 186
- Residency status: The 494 is a provisional visa. The 186 visa is a permanent visa, so it gives permanent residency from grant rather than after a qualifying period .
- Entry requirements: The 186 generally requires a higher level of experience, and in some streams time already spent with the sponsoring employer. The 494 can be a more accessible way in if you do not meet those requirements yet .
- Location: The 494 ties you to a regional area for the qualifying period. The 186 does not carry the same regional condition.
- Age: Both visas generally apply an age limit of under 45 at application, with limited exemptions . The 191 has no age limit, so a 494 holder who turns 45 during the visa may still reach permanent residency.
- Where the 494 may fit better: It suits a regional employer and worker who do not yet qualify for the 186, or whose occupation is available only through the regional pathway.
494 Visa Requirements
The business sponsoring you has to meet the requirements first, because the visa application cannot proceed without an approved nomination.
- The employer must be an approved sponsor and operate lawfully in a designated regional area.
- The role must be genuine and full-time, and the employer must be able to keep it available for the length of the visa, which is up to five years.
- The occupation must be on the list that applies to the 494 stream, or be covered by a relevant DAMA.
- The position needs approval from the relevant Regional Certifying Body before the employer lodges the nomination with supporting evidence.
- The salary has to meet the Annual Market Salary Rate and the TSMIT in force on the nomination lodgement date. The TSMIT is quoted at $76,515 for nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2025.
- Employers also pay sponsorship and nomination charges, including the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
For the full sponsor-side sequence, see our sponsorship process guide.
Which Areas Count as Regional for the 494 Visa
Designated regional areas
Check these points before you rely on a location for a 494 nomination:
- ☐Check the job's location, not the employer's head office. The nominated position must be in a designated regional area, and the work location is what counts.
- ☐Start from what is excluded. Under current settings, regional Australia for the 494 is generally everything outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- ☐Confirm by postcode. Compare the exact workplace postcode against the Department of Home Affairs regional postcode list.
- ☐Be wary of boundary locations. Outer suburbs and fringe areas around the three excluded cities are where mistakes are most common.
- ☐Confirm the role is genuine, full-time and ongoing for the sponsored period.
- ☐Plan for living and working in the region. This also matters later if you want to apply for the permanent 191 visa.
- ☐Recheck before lodging. Regional definitions and postcode lists can change.
DAMA concessions
- ☐Confirm the region is covered by a DAMA. Our DAMA guide explains how these agreements work.
- ☐Check whether the occupation is on the DAMA list.
- ☐Ask which concessions apply to your occupation.
- ☐Confirm the employer is endorsed under the DAMA.
- ☐Check the endorsement or labour agreement stage.
- ☐Test your own details against the concessions.
- ☐Get advice before committing to a job offer or relocation.
From the 494 Visa to Permanent Residency
Use this checklist to see whether a 494 holder is on track for the 191 permanent visa. Each item is something to confirm or collect before lodging.
Time in regional Australia before the 191 visa
- ☐Count the qualifying period from the 494 grant.
- ☐Confirm that you lived and worked in a designated regional area for that whole period.
- ☐Keep a dated record of every role and workplace.
- ☐Check for gaps in sponsored employment.
- ☐Flag any period outside Australia or outside a regional area.
Income evidence for the 191 stage
- ☐Gather three ATO Notices of Assessment covering the qualifying period.
- ☐Check the income requirement against the current Home Affairs rules.
- ☐Make sure each year's tax return is lodged and assessed.
- ☐Reconcile your payslips, employment contract and tax records.
- ☐Keep your original nomination salary in view.
- ☐Ask M2 to review your income file before lodging.
Age and the 191 visa
- ☐Note your age at the time you applied for the 494.
- ☐Check whether a DAMA concession applied to you.
- ☐Understand that turning 45 during the 494 does not automatically end the pathway.
- ☐Confirm your own situation with a solicitor.
494 Visa Costs and Salary Requirements
Government sponsorship, nomination and visa fees
Three separate government charges apply to a 494 matter. Two fall on the employer and one on the visa applicant. Who ultimately bears each cost is a matter for the employment agreement, so settle it before anything is lodged.
| Government charge | Usually lodged by | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application | Employer | Only needed if the business is not already an approved sponsor. | |
| Nomination application for the regional role | Employer | Lodged for the specific position and the named worker. | |
| Subclass 494 visa application charge, main applicant | Applicant | Charges for family members included in the application are separate. | |
| Professional fees | Employer and/or applicant | Confirm which party is paying before engagement. |
Use the government fees tool to check current figures before you budget.
Skilling Australians Fund levy
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid by the sponsoring employer, not the visa holder.
| Item | Paid by | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAF levy for a 494 nomination | Employer | Set by the Department. Confirm the applicable rate at the time of nomination. |
Skills assessment, English test, medical and police check costs
| Cost | Paid by | Estimated amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Applicant | See our skills assessment guidance. | |
| English language test | Applicant | ||
| Health examination | Applicant and each family member | Fees vary by clinic and by age. | |
| Police certificates | Applicant and adult family members | Cost and turnaround depend on each country where you have lived. |
Annual market salary rate and TSMIT
| Nomination lodged | TSMIT | Also required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 | $73,150 | Pay the AMSR for the occupation as well. |
| On or after 1 July 2025 | $76,515 | Pay the AMSR for the occupation as well. |
| Occupation-specific AMSR | n/a | Varies by role and location. |
Some Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) may carry salary concessions. Check the specific agreement before assuming one applies.
494 Visa Application Process
Employer becomes an approved sponsor
Before anyone can be nominated, the regional business needs approval as a sponsor. It must be lawfully operating and willing to take on the sponsorship obligations that come with the role. Employers who have never sponsored before should allow time for this step, because nothing else can be lodged until it is done. Our sponsorship process guide covers what approval involves.
Regional position approval and nomination
The employer first seeks approval of the position from the relevant Regional Certifying Body. Once that is granted, it lodges a nomination with supporting evidence. The role must be genuine and full-time, in a designated regional area, with an eligible occupation and salary meeting the market rate and TSMIT in force on the nomination date.
Skills assessment and English test
You can usually work on this step while the employer handles sponsor and nomination steps. Most applicants need a positive skills assessment and at least three years' experience in the nominated occupation. You will also need Competent English, typically through a recognised test.
Lodging the visa application
Once the nomination is in place, you lodge the 494 application with identity documents, skills assessment, English results and employment evidence, plus details of any family members included.
Health and character checks
You and any family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements, usually through medical examinations and police certificates. Police certificates can take weeks from some countries, so start requesting them as soon as you know you are lodging.
Visa decision and timing
There is no single fixed timeframe for subclass 494 decisions. After a qualifying period in regional Australia, holders may be able to apply for the subclass 191 visa.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents early, because most of the delay on a 494 application comes from the skills assessment and from the employer's approvals.
Applicant documents
- ☐Valid passport for you and each family member included in the application.
- ☐Skills assessment outcome from the relevant assessing authority. See our skills assessment guide.
- ☐English language test results, generally at Competent level.
- ☐Proof of work experience in the nominated role.
- ☐Evidence of your age.
- ☐Health examination results for you and any dependants.
- ☐Police certificates from each country where you have lived for the required period.
- ☐Copy of your job offer and signed employment contract, matching the nomination.
- ☐Relationship and dependant evidence if family members are included.
- ☐Tax records to keep from day one.
Employer documents
- ☐Evidence of the employer's approval as a work sponsor. The sponsorship process explains this step.
- ☐Regional certifying body approval for the position.
- ☐Proof the business operates in a designated regional area.
- ☐Labour market testing evidence.
- ☐Nomination details for the occupation and genuine full-time role.
- ☐Salary evidence meeting AMSR and TSMIT.
- ☐Signed employment contract and job offer consistent with the nomination.
- ☐Proof of payment of nomination fees and SAF levy.
For tips on preparing and certifying your evidence, see our document preparation guide.
Is the 494 Visa Right for You?
Who it suits
- Skilled workers with a regional employer ready to sponsor them. A job offer from a regional business is the starting point.
- Applicants under 45 with solid experience.
- People who want a route to permanent residency and are happy to settle regionally.
- Workers whose occupation fits the 494 but not other employer-sponsored visas. Some roles may be open to the 494 when the 482 visa is not an option.
Who may want to consider other visas
- Anyone who wants to live in a major city. The visa carries regional living and work conditions.
- People who want permanent residency without a provisional stage. The 186 visa leads to permanent residency directly.
- Workers who expect to change jobs. Your visa is tied to your sponsoring employer.
- Applicants over 45 or with under three years of relevant experience. Points-tested options such as the 190 visa or 491 visa may suit you better, depending on your profile.
- Employers who cannot meet the sponsorship load. Smaller businesses may find the process heavy.
To compare your options, start with a consultation.
494 Visa Pros and Cons FAQs
Common questions about regional sponsorship, conditions and the path to permanent residency
No. The subclass 494 is a temporary, employer-sponsored visa that lets a skilled worker live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years . Its main advantage is that it can lead to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa. That is a later application with its own requirements, so the 494 does not guarantee permanent residency.
Not freely. The visa is tied to the employer who nominated you and to the regional position they nominated you for. A new employer or a different occupation generally needs a fresh nomination, and it must be approved before you start the new work. If your employment ends, you are not necessarily required to leave straight away. You may get a limited period to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa, or make other lawful arrangements, and you may be able to work for other employers during that time . Speak to a migration lawyer before you resign or accept a new role.
Generally not. The 494 is built around regional Australia, so you are expected to live and work in a designated regional area while you hold it. Major capital-city areas usually fall outside that definition, though the boundaries are set by the government and can change . Check any move against the current list before you commit to a lease or a new job. If city living matters to you, weigh this limit before choosing the 494.
You may become eligible to apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa after holding the 494 for three years while living and working in regional Australia . You will need to prove your income history, which is usually done with ATO Notices of Assessment . The three years is only the earliest point at which you can apply. How long the 191 application itself takes depends on the Department's workload and the quality of your documents. Keep your tax records and payslips organised from day one.
Family members can usually be included in your application, and those included generally have work and study rights in Australia . They must meet health and character requirements, and their conditions should be checked on your grant notice. Because family members' rights depend on your visa staying valid, any change to your employment can affect them too.
The two visas differ mainly in location, eligibility and what happens next. Location: The 494 requires a designated regional job. The 482's work location depends on its stream and current policy settings. Permanent residency: The 494 has a defined path to the subclass 191. Permanent residency options from the 482 vary by stream and policy. Eligibility: The 494 typically involves approval of the position by a regional certifying body, an age limit (generally under 45) and about three years of relevant experience . The better choice depends on where you want to live, your age and occupation, and your long-term plans.
Ask a Solicitor About Your 494 Options
Not sure whether the 494 suits your situation? Chat with one of our solicitors about your occupation, your employer and your plans for regional Australia.
Pick a question to start
- Is my occupation likely to work for a 494?
- Is a 494 or a 482 better for my role?
- Can I move to a city once I'm on the 494?
- What happens if I want to change employers?
- Will I be too old for the 494?
- How does the path to permanent residency work?
Have these to hand (optional)
- Your nominated or target occupation. Say whether you've had a skills assessment.
- Your age. Applicants generally need to be under 45 at the time of application.
- Your work history. Include how many years you've worked in the occupation.
- Your English results. If you haven't sat a test yet, tell us.
- Your employer. Say whether they are already an approved sponsor and where the job is located.
A chat is a quick, honest first look at your options. It can help you weigh the trade-offs against the possible route to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
It is not a full assessment of your case. If the 494 looks like a fit, we'll suggest a next step. That might be a consultation or a comparison with the 482, 186 or 491 pathways.
If you'd like a rough self-check before you chat, try the eligibility checker.
What you share in chat is used to respond to your enquiry. See our privacy policy for how we handle your information.
Book a 494 Visa Consultation with M2 Migration
Talk with our migration lawyers about whether the 494 fits your occupation, your regional employer and your plans for permanent residency.
Or email us at info@m2migration.com.au