Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
Skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is an Australian employer sponsored visa. This guide covers who the 494 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $4,910 (main applicant)) and processing time (≈ 8–14 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 494 visa is for
Skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR.
Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years on the visa meeting the income requirement.
Subclass 494 eligibility criteria
- A regional employer who nominates you for a genuine position
- Positive skills assessment for your occupation
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Under 45 (with exemptions)
- Competent English; salary at/above threshold
Subclass 494 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant), with an indicative processing time of ≈ 8–14 months. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Provisional (5 yrs) |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | 5 years (provisional) |
| Work rights | Full-time for your sponsoring regional employer |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ≈ $4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ≈ 8–14 months |
| Pathway to PR | Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years on the visa meeting the income requirement. |
Pathway & next steps
Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years on the visa meeting the income requirement.
Many applicants also compare the 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa), the 482 (Skills in Demand visa (SID)), the 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 494 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 494 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 494 visa cost?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) base application charge is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant). Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 494 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ 8–14 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 494 visa lead to permanent residence?
Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years on the visa meeting the income requirement.
Can I work on the subclass 494 visa?
Work rights on the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): Full-time for your sponsoring regional employer.
Who can apply for the 494 visa?
Skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority