Want to Build Your Career in Regional Australia?
At Easy Aussie Migration, we focus on employer‑sponsored skilled visas like the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) Visa. Our principal agent, Roy, brings first‑hand experience from the Department of Home Affairs and top immigration law firms, giving a deep understanding of the 494’s criteria, sponsorship rules, and documentation process. We know your career and family’s future are important, and we’re committed to making your visa journey as smooth and successful as possible.
What is the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa?
The Subclass 494 Visa is a provisional employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It is designed to help regional employers fill critical skill shortages when suitable Australian workers are not available.
There are three streams:
- Employer Sponsored Stream – for skilled workers nominated by an eligible regional employer.
- Labour Agreement Stream – for workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.
- Subsequent Entrant Stream – for family members joining a 494 visa holder in Australia.
After three years on this visa, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa, applicants must satisfy several important requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. While full details are available on the Department’s official website, here is a clear summary of the key criteria you need to meet. Keep in mind that not fulfilling any of these requirements may lead to your visa application being refused.
- You must have an approved Australian employer who holds Standard Business Sponsor status and is willing to nominate you for the skilled position you will fill.
- You need to hold a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for the visa, unless exempt.
- Your application must be certified by the relevant Regional Certifying Body, confirming your intention to live and work in a designated regional area.
- Your nominated occupation must appear on the appropriate skilled occupation list relevant to this visa.
- You must have at least three years of relevant work experience in the occupation you are nominating.
- A valid positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation is required to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise.
- You need to possess all necessary qualifications, professional registrations, and licences that are mandatory for your nominated occupation in Australia.
- Meeting the English language proficiency standards specified by the Department is essential.
- You must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances.
If you’re unsure whether you meet all these conditions, Easy Aussie Migration can provide tailored advice and help assess your eligibility for the Subclass 494 visa, giving you confidence throughout the process.
Benefits of the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Holding a Subclass 494 visa offers a range of valuable advantages for skilled workers and their families looking to live and work in regional Australia.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After three years of full-time employment in a regional area, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, opening the door to a long-term future in Australia.
- Work and Study Flexibility: Enjoy full rights to work and study anywhere within Australia during your visa period, giving you and your family freedom to pursue career and educational goals.
- Access to Medicare: Benefit from Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring you have access to essential medical services while living in Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can join you in Australia with full work and study rights, supporting your household’s settlement and growth.
- Unrestricted Travel: Travel freely in and out of Australia without restrictions for the duration of your visa, making it easier to maintain connections overseas.
- Faster Processing: This visa often offers quicker processing times compared to other skilled visa options, helping you begin your Australian journey sooner.
How Can Easy Aussie Migration Help?
At Easy Aussie Migration, we know the visa process can feel overwhelming and time‑consuming. That’s why we combine our expertise with a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome for every client. Led by our principal agent, Roy, our team of registered migration agents works closely with you and your sponsoring employer to make the process as smooth as possible.
- Understand Your Goals: We start by learning about your skills, qualifications, career ambitions, and personal circumstances to ensure we choose the right visa pathway for you.
- Prepare a Strong Application: We guide you through collecting the necessary documents and ensure your application is detailed, accurate, and fully compliant with Department requirements.
- Navigate Sponsorship & Nomination: We support both you and your employer through the sponsorship and nomination process, clarifying requirements and answering any questions along the way.
- Keep You Informed: We provide regular updates on your application’s progress and any immigration changes that could impact your case. With Easy Aussie Migration by your side, you can move forward with confidence knowing that every step is handled with care and precision.
Can I change employers?
Visa holders who stop working for their sponsor now have up to 180 days at a time (or a maximum of 365 days across the entire visa period) to find a new sponsor or investigate other visa options. During these times, visa holders can take work on with other employers, even in a different role to that listed on their most recent nomination. However, they need to ensure the work matches any licenses or registration needed for their nominated occupation.
They’ll also need to meet the same requirements as your previous sponsor, such as obtaining Regional Certifying Body approval, paying the SAF levy and ensuring that you’re paid the correct rate for the role.
How much is the SAF levy?
A Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy must be paid for each nomination that an employer makes under the 494 program.
- Businesses with turnovers under $10m, must make a one-off, upfront payment of $3,000 per employee they nominate
- Businesses turning over more than $10m, must make a one-off, upfront payment of $5,000 per nominee
SAF levy funds go towards training Australian permanent residents and citizens.
Is health insurance required for a 494 visa?
You’ll be eligible to enrol in Australia’s Medicare program, so private health insurance is not required.
SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR MIGRATION AGENT TODAY ABOUT APPLYING FOR A SUBCLASS 494 VISA!
Why Choose Easy Aussie Migration for Your Subclass 494 Visa
Applying for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa can be a complex process. Mistakes or missing information can cause costly delays or even refusals. That’s why having experienced migration professionals guiding you from the start can make all the difference.
- In‑Depth Knowledge of 494 Requirements: Our principal agent, Roy, draws on extensive experience with the Department of Home Affairs and top immigration law firms. We understand the exact legal and procedural requirements for the 494 visa and how to avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardise your application.
- Strong Track Record in Employer‑Sponsored Visas: We have successfully assisted clients across a wide range of industries and occupations, from healthcare and trades to engineering and education. Each case is tailored to meet both the employer’s sponsorship obligations and the applicant’s career goals.
- Guidance for Both You and Your Employer: The 494 visa requires coordination between the employee, the sponsoring employer, and the relevant Regional Certifying Body. We manage this process end‑to‑end, ensuring all parties understand their obligations and meet Department deadlines.
- Detailed and Compliant Applications: We help prepare a strong, well‑structured application that clearly demonstrates your skills, qualifications, and experience meet the Australian Government’s standards. We also ensure your employer’s nomination is complete and compliant.
- Permanent Residency Pathway Planning: We don’t just help you secure the 494 visa we also map out the steps towards permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Skilled Regional Visa, so you can work towards your long‑term Australian future from day one.
What Happens During a Subclass 494 Visa Process?
Arranging the Nomination and Application: Before you can lodge your 494 visa application, your sponsoring employer must submit a valid nomination for your position to the Department of Home Affairs. This process can take time, as it also involves approval from a Regional Certifying Body to confirm that no suitably qualified Australian workers are available for the role. Once the nomination is approved, you can proceed with lodging your visa application.
Communication with the Department: Throughout the process, the Department may contact you or your employer to request additional documents or clarification. This can happen weeks or months after your application is lodged. Clear, timely responses are crucial to avoid delays or complications.
Documentation and Verification: The Department will assess your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency against the 494 visa requirements. You may be asked to provide updated evidence such as a recent skills assessment, proof of work history, or licensing/registration documents.
Possible Interviews or Site Visits: While not always required, the Department may request an interview or even conduct a site visit to verify the genuine nature of the role and your employment. This ensures the position is legitimate and located in a designated regional area.
Why Preparation Is Crucial: A 494 visa refusal can occur if your application contains incomplete information, inconsistent documentation, or fails to meet regional requirements. Preparing all documents accurately, aligning your evidence with your employer’s nomination, and understanding your visa conditions from the outset greatly improves your chances of approval.
How We Support You
At Easy Aussie Migration, we manage the entire 494 visa process for you and your employer by:
- Preparing and reviewing all your documentation before lodgement
- Advising on skills assessments, licensing, and English language tests
- Responding promptly to Department requests for further information
- Guiding you through any interviews or verification steps
Cost and Processing Time
The cost of applying for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa includes the Department of Home Affairs application fee as well as any associated expenses, such as skills assessments, English language testing, health checks, and police clearances.
Our professional service fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the level of support you require from the initial eligibility assessment through to the final submission. We offer clear, fixed-fee packages to provide transparency and peace of mind.
Processing times for 494 visas can differ based on your individual circumstances, the completeness of your application, and the time taken for your employer’s nomination to be approved.
Book A Consultation
Become a part of the Easy Aussie Migration lawyers family. We would love to assist you with your visa application!
Trusted by Individuals and Families Across Australia
Experienced Team
With years of experience handling a wide range of visa cases, our team understands the complexities of Australian immigration law. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families start new lives in Australia with our expert advice and reliable support.
Fixed Pricing & Client Trust
No hidden fees. Our transparent, fixed pricing model means you know exactly what you’ll pay with no surprises. Hundreds of clients have placed their trust in us, confident that our fees reflect the true value of our expertise and commitment to their success.
Tailored Visa Solutions
Every client’s journey is unique, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully assess your circumstances and craft visa strategies that align with your personal goals and immigration needs. Your success is our priority.
Fast and Efficient Service
Time matters when it comes to immigration. We use smart systems and efficient workflows to process applications quickly and accurately. Our team stays responsive and proactive to keep your visa journey moving smoothly.
Reliable & Clear Communication
We keep you informed every step of the way in plain and simple language. Whether it’s by email, phone or video call, you’ll always know what’s happening with your application. Our team is ready to answer your questions promptly and clearly.
End-to-End Support
From your first consultation to final visa approval, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether it’s documentation, communication with authorities, or answering your questions, we provide full support until you reach your goal.