The Subclass 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Visa is designed to help businesses in designated regional areas of Australia fill labour gaps by sponsoring skilled workers when qualified local workers are not available.

There are three main streams under this visa category:

  • Employer Sponsored Stream
  • Labour Agreement Stream
  • Subsequent Entrant Stream

Let’s take a closer look at each one:

1. Employer Sponsored Stream

This temporary visa allows skilled individuals to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. You can travel in and out of Australia during this period. After three years, eligible visa holders may apply for permanent residency.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be under 45 years old (unless exempt)
  • Must be nominated for an occupation listed on the relevant Subclass 494 occupation list
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience
  • Must hold a suitable skills assessment (unless exempt)
  • Must work only for the sponsoring employer or their associated entity (unless exempt)
  • Must meet English language proficiency requirements

Processing time: Approximately 4 to 7 months, depending on individual circumstances and the quality of documentation submitted.

2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is available for skilled workers nominated by employers operating under a labour agreement with the Australian Government. Like the Employer Sponsored Stream, this visa allows you to stay and work in a regional area for up to five years, with eligibility to apply for permanent residency after three years.

Visa Costs:

  • Main applicant: AUD $4,115
  • Dependent (under 18): AUD $1,030
  • Dependent (18 and over): AUD $2,060

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Under 45 years old (unless otherwise specified in the agreement)
  • Nominated for an occupation under an approved labour agreement
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • Skills assessment required if stated in the agreement
  • Must work only for the sponsoring employer
  • English language requirements must be met

Processing time: Varies based on individual application details and completeness.

3. Subsequent Entrant

This visa is for family members of current Subclass 494 visa holders who wish to join them in Australia. It allows dependents to live, work, and study in a regional area for the duration of the primary visa holder’s stay.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a member of the primary visa holder’s family unit
  • The sponsoring employer must agree in writing to include you as a family member in the nomination
  • Must be under 45 years old
  • Meet English language requirements (or pay a second instalment if Functional English cannot be demonstrated)
  • Must satisfy health and character requirements

Processing time: Assessed case-by-case based on the application and supporting information.

Need Help with Your Visa?

At Opera Education & Migration, we offer personalized guidance throughout the application process. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor skilled talent or a worker exploring your visa options, we’re here to help.

📞 Get in touch with us today to find out which visa stream suits you best and take the next step towards living and working in regional Australia.