Guide to the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa: streams, eligible regional areas, how it compares to 482, the 191 permanent residency pathway after 3 years regional work.
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is the regional sibling of the Subclass 482. It lets an approved regional employer sponsor you for up to 5 years, with a path to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. It covers occupations that metro-focused 482 visas often do not.
| Visa type | Provisional, employer-sponsored, regional |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Work rights | Full-time for your sponsor in the nominated regional position |
| Streams | Employer Sponsored, Labour Agreement, Subsequent Entrant |
| Age limit | Under 45 (some exemptions) |
| English | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) |
| Pathway to PR | Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional work |
| Approx. base cost | ~A$4,770 main applicant (check current fee) |
Regional sponsoring employers — browse 494 jobs
Use our filters to narrow by location, salary, and work arrangement.
494 positions exist anywhere except Greater Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Strong demand hubs include regional Queensland (Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba), Western Sydney adjacent regions, all of Perth and Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Gold Coast, Newcastle, and the Surf Coast/Geelong region. Sectors with heavy 494 use:
| Location | 494 is regional only; 482 is anywhere |
| Duration | 494 is 5 years; 482 streams are 2–4 years |
| PR pathway | 494 → 191 after 3 years; 482 → 186 after 2 years |
| Occupation lists | 494 uses the Regional Occupation List (broader); 482 uses CSOL |
| Priority processing | 494 gets priority processing status |
After 3 years holding a 494 and meeting the income requirement (currently tied to the taxable income threshold, verified via ATO notices of assessment), you can apply for the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. You must have resided and worked in a designated regional area for the full 3 years.
Is the 494 better than the 482?
Neither is 'better' — they serve different situations. 494 is longer and faster to PR if you are happy in regional Australia. 482 has more flexibility on location but shorter duration.
Can my partner work on a 494?
Yes, partners included on the 494 have full work and study rights with no regional restriction tied specifically to them (though regional residence is the family expectation).
What happens when my 494 expires?
If you haven't transitioned to 191 PR, you need another visa. Options include partner, 189/190 (if points allow), or another sponsored visa.
Is Geelong or Newcastle regional for 494?
Yes. Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Gold Coast all count as regional under current definitions.
Does the 482 age exemption apply to 494?
The 494 has similar exemptions for certain high-income occupations, researchers, and specialist medical practitioners, but the under-45 rule applies by default.
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and may change at any time without notice. Immigration law and visa conditions are complex and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. This content does not constitute legal or migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
