Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494 allows regional employers to address skill shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when they cannot find a suitable Australian worker. This visa is designed for applicants who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
There are three main streams under Subclass 494:
- Employer Sponsored Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Subsequent Entrant Stream
This is a provisional visa that allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. You can travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years from the date the visa is granted. Eligible applicants may apply for permanent residence after 3 years.
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Work and study in designated regional areas only
- Multiple travel entries for 5 years
- PR pathway may be available after 3 years (if eligible)
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Occupation must be on the relevant 494 occupation list
- At least 3 years relevant work experience
- Skills assessment required (unless exempt)
- Meet English language requirements
- Work only for sponsor/associated entity (unless exempt)
The Labour Agreement Stream is for skilled workers sponsored by employers who have an approved labour agreement. This stream allows you to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years, with travel access for 5 years. Eligible applicants may apply for permanent residence after 3 years.
- Main applicant: AUD $4,115
- Dependents under 18: AUD $1,030
- Dependents 18 and above: AUD $2,060
- Be under 45 years of age (unless agreement allows otherwise)
- Be nominated under labour agreement terms
- At least 3 years relevant work experience
- Skills assessment (if required by the agreement)
- Work only for your sponsor
- Meet English language requirements
This stream is for family members of a current Subclass 494 visa holder who are applying separately to join the primary visa holder in Australia. Successful applicants can live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years (based on visa validity).
- Stay in Australia for the duration of the visa validity
- Work and study in designated regional areas only
- Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years
- Be a member of the family unit of the primary visa holder
- Sponsor must agree in writing to include you in the nomination
- Meet health and character requirements
- Meet English requirements (second instalment may apply if needed)
Want to apply for Subclass 494?
Contact Zen Migration for eligibility checks, employer sponsorship guidance, and complete application support.