Apply for

494 Nomination

Nominate skilled workers for employer-sponsored roles in regional Australia under the Subclass 494 visa

White background with embossed pattern of overlapping rounded diamond shapes.
Subclass 494
Overview

494 Nomination

Cost: There is no application fee to nominate an applicant for this stream

Regional workforce solution:

Nominate a skilled worker to fill a genuine role in a designated regional area where you cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Nomination is role-first:

Your nomination must clearly define the position (occupation, duties, location, hours, and employment terms) and demonstrate the business need for the role in the regional labour market.

Two nomination pathways:

Nominate through the Employer Sponsored stream (standard sponsorship) or the Labour Agreement stream (where you hold an approved labour agreement with agreed terms).

Salary and threshold alignment:

The nominated role must meet market salary expectations and the applicable skilled visa income threshold requirements, which are indexed annually, plus any labour-agreement-specific wage settings.

Sponsor eligibility first:

You must be an eligible business and hold (or have applied for) the sponsorship approval required from the department.

Levy and cost responsibility:

You must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy at nomination lodgement, and sponsorship/nomination-related costs must be borne by the employer.

Compliance through the lifecycle:

Ongoing sponsor obligations (record keeping, notifying changes, cooperation with the Department, and lawful employment practices) are essential to protect the nomination outcome and the worker’s longer-term pathway planning.

Eligibility

494 Nomination

Criteria
Description
Sponsor eligibility / status

Employer Sponsored stream: sponsor must be (or have applied to become) a Standard Business Sponsor.Labour Agreement stream: sponsor must be an eligible business and hold a current labour agreement.

Nomination & occupation basis

A nomination must be lodged. Employer Sponsored stream: occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.Labour Agreement stream: occupation must be listed in the labour agreement.

Regional position

The nominated position must be in a Designated regional area.(e.g., regional Victoria locations such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Warrnambool—subject to current designated area settings).

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Employer Sponsored stream: LMT required (exemption applies).Labour Agreement stream: generally required unless exempt by the labour agreement.

AMSR / salary settings

Employer Sponsored stream: sponsor must show the nominee will be paid at least AMSR (exemptions apply); RCB assesses AMSR.Labour Agreement stream: salary/market rate requirements are managed under the labour agreement terms (RCB applies where required).

Genuine position

Position must be genuine, full-time, ongoing, with duties consistent with the nominated occupation skill level/tasks.

Written contract

Nominee must be engaged under a written employment contract meeting stream requirements (Employer Sponsored stream specifiescontract expectations and clauses; Labour Agreement stream follows agreement/nomination requirements).

Workplace compliance & non-discrimination

Sponsor must comply with Australian immigration and workplace relations laws, must not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices,and employment conditions must not be less favourable than those for an Australian worker doing equivalent work at the same location.

No adverse information

No adverse information about the sponsor business or associated persons (unless reasonable to disregard).

SAF levy

Labour Agreement stream: sponsor must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy when lodging nomination (as required).For Employer Sponsored stream, SAF levy applies per nomination settings (where required).

Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

I would give 5 stars to Knowbal's team! Special thanks to Rishav- he has a good knowledge and listens patiently to every concern and provides very good solutions. Highly recommended !!!! 🎉💯

Apoorva Gupta

In-depth knowledge about immigration laws and regulations that made my mother's visa application processed and approved within a week. Highly recommended

Vikram Singh

Nilesh and Nirav proved to be true immigration experts, turning the Subsequent Entrant visa 491 process for a sister-in-law into a genuinely smooth and delightful experience. Their exceptional knowledge and unwavering support made them the best possible agents to have in your corner.

Shivam Jha
Assistant Medical Consultant

Knowbal Migration provided exceptional support from student visa to Subclass 190 PR approval. Rishav was particularly outstanding — proactive, detail-oriented, and consistently followed up to ensure timelines were met. The team also efficiently handled a parents' visitor visa. A genuinely stress-free experience, highly recommended for reliable migration guidance.

Rainita Gurjar
Developer Programmer

Knowbal Migration and Education played a pivotal role in securing a 190 PR in Adelaide. Dhruv deserves special recognition for his thorough guidance and consistent support from start to finish, making the entire visa process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Highly recommended.

Deep Sath
Welder

Knowbal Migration delivered outstanding results for our family — securing a parents' visitor visa in just two days and the 191 visa within six months. Their highly skilled team was always responsive and supportive. Special thanks to Nirav Bhai for exceptional guidance throughout.

Ravi Shah
Pharmacy Assistant

After a 17-year migration journey, Knowbal delivered the breakthrough Prarthit had long sought. Nileshbhai's compassion, expertise, and genuine commitment to clients' dreams — not just fees — sets Knowbal apart. The team goes well above and beyond, earning lifelong gratitude from those they serve.

Prarthit Pandit
Truck Driver

Nilesh, Pragat, Trushen, and the entire Knowbal team provided genuinely trustworthy and wholehearted support throughout the 190 visa process. Their prompt actions, constant motivation, and dedication were truly appreciated. For anyone seeking a reliable migration agent, Knowbal is a team worth trusting completely.

V SRI
Electrical Engineer

Amazing experience with Knowbal Migration for visitor and 191 visa applications. Quick results, including a parents' visa in just 2 days. Skilled and responsive team. Special thanks to Niravbhai for excellent support.

Ravi Shah

Knowbal Migration delivered an exceptional student visa experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuine dedication were evident throughout, with the team ensuring all documents were in order and deadlines were met. Their in-depth knowledge of visa regulations made the process confident and seamless.

Kaval Sandhu
Chef

Knowbal Migration once again delivered excellent results — assisting with a 482 visa previously and now a successful JRP positive skill assessment. The expertise of Nilesh, Mani Raj, Rishav, and Trushen truly stands out. Finding such dedicated and knowledgeable professionals is rare. Wholeheartedly recommended.

Luther Navleen
Chef

After a student visa refusal, Knowbal Migration stepped in with confidence and a clear plan. Within just one month, their fast-track ART process and dedicated support resulted in a successful approval — something once thought impossible. Their professionalism and care genuinely changed this family's lives.

Patel Manthan
QC Executive

Rishavbhai and the Knowbal Group provided exemplary support throughout the 186 PR visa process. Professional, knowledgeable, and patient, Rishav explained every step clearly, ensured accurate documentation, and made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for dependable and honest migration assistance.

Parth Patel
Mechanical Engineer

Highly recommend Knowbal Migration for visa services. Nileshbhai and Niravbhai provided excellent guidance and support for my 482 visa. The team was responsive, patient, and helped me through every step successfully.

Smit Patel

Kunalbhai and Niravbhai at Knowbal Migration provided exceptional support throughout the 482 visa process. They communicated clearly, handled everything professionally, and were consistently available to help with any concerns. Their guidance made what could have been a stressful experience genuinely smooth and manageable. Highly recommended.

Pareshkumar Dixit
Field Technician

The 482 visa was granted thanks to the outstanding support of Sushanti and Shweta at Knowbal Migration. They were professional, approachable, and consistently available to address queries. Their guidance made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for anyone needing migration assistance.

Jay Patel
Chef

Knowbal Migration is a highly recommended immigration consultant known for their hardworking, thorough approach. The team addresses every query with care and expertise, ensuring clients are well-informed throughout the process. Their comprehensive knowledge and genuine dedication make them a standout choice for anyone seeking migration support.

Rainita Gurjar
Developer Programmer

The student visa process with Knowbal Migration was a wonderful experience, thanks largely to Trushen Bhatt's prompt and professional approach. He patiently answered every query, ensuring confidence and clarity throughout. Their reliable and efficient service comes highly recommended for anyone navigating migration.

Nisari Ramachandran
Console Operator

Despite a high-risk situation involving a recent course change and new marriage, Knowbal Migration provided thorough support and honest guidance. With special assistance from Mittal ma'am, both visas were granted in just two days. A reliable team delivering straightforward and stress-free migration outcomes.

Sunny Patel
Electrical Engineer

Trushenbhai and Shubhambhai at Knowbal provided outstanding support throughout a master's admission process, helping secure enrolment with maximum subject credits transferred from prior studies. Their detailed guidance on university selection, credit evaluation, and documentation requirements saved both time and tuition costs. Truly exceptional service.

Parth Patel

Knowbal Migration provided helpful and professional guidance for a course change, with staff who were consistently polite and well-informed. Trushen Sir's sound advice on course-related matters stood out in particular. A trustworthy team offering top-notch migration services that comes highly recommended.

Vishvas Chaudhari

Knowbal Migration provided outstanding guidance spanning a student visa, skill assessment, Tasmania state nomination, and 491 visa. Nilesh Bhai and Nirav Bhai are exceptionally professional and willing to go the extra mile, handling even complex requests like AFP S56 and medical examinations with remarkable efficiency.

Haresh Chaudhari

Aleeha and Nirav at Knowbal Migration demonstrated outstanding guidance, persistence, and professionalism in securing a Visitor Visa Family Stream for a sister, successfully navigating earlier difficulties to achieve the outcome. Their dedication and genuine care throughout the process were truly appreciated.

Sanjay Vaswani
Senior Executive People Operations

Knowbal Migration's spouse visa services were handled with patience, consistency, and genuine commitment throughout. Referred by a trusted family friend, the experience exceeded expectations in every way. Their professionalism and dedication to each case embody exactly what their name implies — they are truly knowledgeable.

Sarah Qamar
Helping Hand

Very good experience with Knowbal Migration. Nirav and Aleeha provided great support throughout my visa process and helped achieve a positive outcome. Thank you to the team for their assistance.

Parth Chauhan

After a failed application with another agency, Knowbal Group helped secure admission to the University of Melbourne's 2023 intake for a Master of Nursing Science — a result described as unbelievable. Trushenbhai and Kajalmam's efficiency and sound counsel made what seemed impossible become a reality.

Jignya Chaudhary

Knowbal Migration's support during the spouse visa process was exceptional from start to finish. Trushenbhai and his team handled everything efficiently, ensuring the visa was approved without a single issue. Their reliability and professionalism make them a highly recommended choice for any migration matter.

Sneha Chaudhary
Assistant Teacher

Knowbal Migration provided clear, professional support throughout both the visa process and skills assessment. The team's guidance with documentation was thorough, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Their timely responses and consistent professionalism are greatly appreciated and come with a strong recommendation.

Divya Pant
Administrative Accounts Support Officer

Knowbal Migration's expertise and unwavering dedication made a significant difference throughout the wife's visa journey, even when paperwork confusion arose. Trushen Bhai's patience and clear explanations were instrumental in navigating the process successfully. Their professionalism and attention to detail are deeply appreciated and unreservedly recommended.

HR Patel
Telecommunications Network Planner

Trushen Bhai at Knowbal Migration and Education provided remarkable support throughout the wife's visa process — offering clear guidance, answering every question, and ensuring all documentation was submitted correctly. His expertise and dedication turned what could have been a stressful journey into a smooth and successful experience.

Patel Vraj

Working with Kunalbhai from Knowbal Migration on an ART application was a thoroughly positive experience. He was diligent, kept clients well-informed throughout, and made the overall process much more manageable. The outcome was successful, and Knowbal is strongly recommended for ART or any migration challenge.

Mansi Patel
QC Executive

Knowbal Migration, and Dhruv in particular, delivered outstanding service throughout the ACS skill assessment process. Dhruv's dedication was exceptional — guiding clients at every stage, even during holidays, with professionalism and genuine attention to detail. Their commitment to understanding unique circumstances made all the difference.

Rainita Gurjar
Developer Programmer

Trushen Bhatt and Knowbal Education provided outstanding, transparent support throughout the wife's visa process. His professionalism, in-depth knowledge, and patient guidance made every step smooth and stress-free. All documentation was handled with precision, ensuring the process felt organized and efficient. Genuinely recommended for anyone needing visa assistance.

Kishan Pathar
QA Engineer

Dhruv Sir and the Knowbal Migration team provided truly outstanding support throughout the wife's skills assessment process. Their expert advice, prompt responses, and step-by-step guidance made what could have been a complex experience remarkably smooth and stress-free. Deeply grateful for their dedication and professionalism.

Yatin Patel
Metal Fabricator

Exceptional support from Niravbhai and Aleeha for our partner visa. Professional, responsive, and detail-oriented throughout the process. Their clear communication made everything stress-free. Highly recommend Knowbal Migration.

Jinsvi Chaudhari

Great experience with Knowbal Migration for my in-laws' visitor visa. Niravbhai, Aleeha, and Hiralben handled everything professionally, from documentation to queries. Smooth process and excellent support throughout. Highly recommend their services.

Shivani Shah

Knowbal Migration and Education delivered an excellent TR 485 visa experience, with Chakshu standing out for her exceptional professionalism and patient guidance at every stage. Supported by Rishav and the team, all documents were prepared accurately and submitted on time, making the process smooth and stress-free.

Manisha Kumari

Knowbal Consultants provided wonderful guidance throughout a Science Technician skills assessment with VETASSESS, resulting in a positive outcome. Rishav Verma and Dhruv Goswami were especially supportive, professional, and consistently available to answer questions. Their quick turnaround and excellent customer service made for an outstanding overall experience.

Muhammed Asad Tahir
Lab Technician

Nilesh Bhai, Trushen Bhai, and Pragat Bhai delivered exceptional support across the 485 visa, skill assessment, state nomination, and 491 visa grant. Knowbal truly embodies its name — their knowledge is optimal and their dedication is noble. An unreserved and enthusiastic recommendation.

Vikram Chaudhary
Marketing Specialist

Kunal and Rishav at Knowbal Migration were both friendly and highly efficient in securing a positive skills assessment. Their approachable manner and expertise left a strong impression. For anyone seeking experienced and knowledgeable support across all types of visa applications, Knowbal Migration is the best choice.

Wilfred Lavida
Restaurant Manager

Thanks to Knowbal Migration's expertise and dedicated support, a Parent's Visitor visa was granted in just four days — a result that made a significant difference for the entire family. Their commitment to client success is truly commendable, and their services are highly recommended.

Sharad Chaudhary

Kunal Bhai and the Knowbal team provided exceptional support throughout both the primary 485 visa and a husband's subsequent 485 application, both successfully approved. Their patience, honesty, and genuine care during stressful moments made the family feel truly safe in experienced, capable hands.

Masum Chaudhary
Lab Technician

Knowbal Migration provided outstanding support for my parents' visitor visa. Niral Modi, Aleeha, and Hiralben were professional, patient, and thorough. Their clear communication and attention to detail ensured a smooth visa approval. Highly recommend their reliable migration services.

Smit Patel

Knowbal Migration and Education played a key role in getting the 485 visa approved. Don and Dhruv handled the application with great care and professionalism, making the entire process straightforward and easy to navigate. Their helpfulness and efficiency come very highly recommended.

Kavindu De Alwis
Primary School Teacher

Dhruv Goswami of Knowbal Group provided extremely helpful and expert advice for a highly critical EA degree assessment application. His guidance throughout the process was invaluable, demonstrating both the depth of knowledge and the genuine care that sets Knowbal Group apart in the migration industry.

Nikunj Kaswala
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we confirm our labour agreement covers the nominated occupation and the regional worksite for a 494 nomination?

Request the executed labour agreement and verify the approved occupation list and approved worksites/regions align with the role and where the employee will actually perform duties.Also confirm the sponsoring entity named on the agreement (legal name and ABN) is the same entity that will employ and pay the nominee.

The nominee is on a 485 or student-related visa—how do we avoid last-minute timing issues that disrupt work rights while we prepare the nomination?

Work backwards from the nominee’s visa expiry and set a firm “documents-ready” deadline for the contract, position description, organisational chart/reporting, and salary evidence.Build buffer for employer-side checks—especially labour agreement coverage, genuine position evidence, and internal approvals—before any time-critical lodgement steps.

What salary/contract issues typically cause problems in a 494 nomination, and how can we sanity-check the offer?

Common risk flags include: low base salary offset by allowances, inconsistent or unclear hours, ambiguous work location, or duties that don’t match the occupation level under the agreement.To sanity-check, ensure the contract is consistent across title, duties, location, and hours, and prepare a clear rationale for the market salary rate and how the business will maintain compliant payroll records.

If the nominee’s duties, job title, or reporting line changes after lodgement, does it affect the nomination?

Minor adjustments are often manageable, but material changes—especially to core duties, work location, or the role level—can undermine labour agreement alignment and the occupation basis.Before implementing changes, we can help you assess whether it triggers an updated submission (genuine position + salary rationale) or whether a fresh nomination strategy is required.

Our head office is in a metro area, but the nominee works in a regional location—what location matters for a 494 nomination, and what if the nominee rotates between sites?

What matters is the work location where duties are performed, not the head office address.
If the role is multi-site, specify a primary regional work location in the contract and maintain rosters/timesheets and site allocation evidence to substantiate regional performance over time.

Still Curious?

Ask more
Smiling young woman with short brown hair wearing a rust-colored jacket and white shirt against a white background.
Young woman with short brown hair wearing a white top and an unbuttoned brown shirt smiling slightly.

Book a call with our Expert

12+ dedicated consultant

We will provide you full PR pathway, does not matter how complex your case is. Just fill out the enquiry form here!

Contact us
Contact us