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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional  Visa - Subclass 494

Live and work in regional Australia with employer sponsorship

Streams of

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa - Subclass 494

Employer Sponsored Stream
Labour Agreement Stream
Main purpose

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.

Who It’s For

Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved regional employer.

Skilled workers sponsored by employers with an approved Labour Agreement.

Nomination Requirement

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.

Work & Stay Conditions

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.

Eligibility Basics

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 Inclusion

Family members can be included in the application.

Family members can also be included as part of the application.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

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.

Visa Duration

Up to five years from grant.

Up to five years, subject to agreement terms.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subsequent Entrant – Subclass 494

Book a free Consultation
Book a free Consultation
Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

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

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

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
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement streams?

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.

Can I bring my family with me under the Subclass 494 visa?

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.

Do I have to live in a specific part of Australia with this visa?

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.

Is there a pathway to permanent residency from the Subclass 494 visa?

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.

Can I change employers if I’m on the Employer Sponsored stream?

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.

What happens if my employer’s labour agreement terms change during my visa?

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.

Can I apply for the Subclass 494 visa while I’m studying in Australia?

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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