Subclass 494 Visa Australia
Regional opportunity. Skilled stability. A pathway to PR.
Partner Visa
Work and Live in Regional Australia with Employer Sponsorship
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494 allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years when nominated by an approved employer.
It’s designed to help regional businesses address labour shortages and give applicants a clear path to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
At Affinity Migration, our registered migration agents manage both employer nominations and employee applications, we do our best to ensure every step meets compliance requirements and delivers the outcome you’re looking for.
Why Choose Affinity Migration
Regional sponsorship visas are complicated, with strict nomination rules and documentation requirements. Our experienced team ensures a smooth, compliant process for both employers and skilled workers.
- Registered migration agents specialising in regional sponsorships
- Full support for both business sponsors and applicants
- Expert guidance on eligibility, occupation lists and income requirements
- Experience across NSW regional programs and DAMA agreements
- Transparent fees and communication from start to finish
Transparent fees and communication from start to finish
About the 494 Employer Sponsored Visa
The 494 Visa Australia is a temporary visa that helps fill skilled positions outside Australia’s major cities.
It offers full work rights, study access, and a pathway to permanent residency after three years of regional work.
Key benefits:
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Live and work in regional areas only
- Include eligible family members
- Apply for PR through the 191 visa after 3 years
- Priority processing for regional employers
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Employer Sponsored Visa 494, you must:
- Be nominated by an approved regional employer
- Have an occupation on the Regional Occupation List
- Obtain a positive skills assessment and relevant experience
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Meet English, health and character requirements
- Commit to living and working in a regional area
Employers must show a genuine need for the role and meet salary and training benchmarks.
Our Step-by-Step Process
- Employer Sponsorship – We assist businesses in becoming approved regional sponsors.
- Nomination Lodgement – We prepare the application to nominate the role and candidate.
- Visa Application – We manage the worker’s forms and supporting evidence.
- Monitoring & Updates – We liaise with the Department and keep both parties informed.
Benefits for Employers and Applicants
- Access to a wider pool of qualified candidates
- Stability through long-term employment commitments
- Opportunity to settle and contribute to regional communities
- Potential to transition to permanent residency
Affinity Migration supports businesses and professionals across regional centres in NSW and nationwide.
FAQs: Subclass 494 Visa Australia
No, it’s a five-year provisional visa that leads to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after three years of regional work and income compliance.
Yes, eligible family members can apply as secondary applicants with full work and study rights in regional Australia.
Only if the new employer is an approved regional sponsor and a new nomination is lodged and approved.
Yes — regional employers under Designated Area Migration Agreements can nominate workers through a DAMA 494 pathway
Build Your Future in Regional Australia
If you’re ready to live and work in regional Australia, the 494 Employer Sponsored Visa offers a genuine pathway to permanent residency.
At Affinity Migration, we’ll guide you every step of the way, with honest advice and expert care.