Apply for
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa - Subclass 494
Live and work in regional Australia with employer sponsorship
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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa - Subclass 494
For skilled workers nominated by regional employers who cannot find suitable local workers for the role.
For workers nominated by employers with a formal Labour Agreement allowing them to sponsor workers in roles not covered by standard nomination lists.
Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved regional employer.
Skilled workers sponsored by employers with an approved Labour Agreement.
Employer must nominate the applicant for a regional position on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Employer must nominate the applicant under the terms of a Labour Agreement they have with the government.
Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
Same regional work/stay conditions as the Employer Sponsored Stream.
Must have a job offer, relevant skills, work experience, and meet age, English, and work experience requirements for regional nomination.
Nomination depends on the Labour Agreement’s terms; eligibility criteria can vary by agreement.
Family members can be included in the application.
Family members can also be included as part of the application.
Eligible after three years working in regional Australia, generally via the Skilled Regional permanent visa (Subclass 191).
Also provides a potential pathway to permanent residency after similar regional work experience.
Up to five years from grant.
Up to five years, subject to agreement terms.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subsequent Entrant – Subclass 494
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The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions
The Employer Sponsored stream is for skilled workers nominated directly by an approved regional employer who cannot find suitable local workers for the role. The Labour Agreement stream is for employers with a formal agreement with the Australian government, allowing them to sponsor workers in occupations or conditions not covered by the standard nomination lists.
Yes — you can include eligible family members (partner and dependent children) either in your main application or they can apply later under the Subsequent Entrant stream to join you once your visa is granted.
Yes — Subclass 494 visa holders must live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for the duration of the visa. The regional areas are aimed at supporting workforce needs outside major metropolitan centres.
Yes — after living and working in a regional area for the required period (typically three years), eligible Subclass 494 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through regional skilled pathways once all conditions are met.
If your job ends or you wish to change employers, the new employer must be an approved regional sponsor, and the role must meet the Subclass 494 requirements. It’s crucial to stay compliant with visa conditions and ensure your new employment is approved.
If your nomination was based on a Labour Agreement, any substantial change to the agreement could affect your eligibility to stay in Australia or apply for other visas. It’s essential to work with your employer and migration adviser to manage any potential changes and avoid visa issues.
Yes — you can apply for the Subclass 494 visa from within Australia as long as you hold a valid substantive visa (or bridging visa) and meet all eligibility requirements for your chosen stream, including securing nomination from an eligible regional employer.
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