494 Visa: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years—with a pathway to permanent residency.

Can My Employer Sponsor Me for a 494 Visa?

Yes, but they must meet specific conditions:

• Your job must be located in a regional area (this excludes Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—but Perth and the Gold Coast are considered regional)

• Your role must appear on the relevant occupation list (700+ eligible jobs)

• The position must be full-time, genuine, and likely to be ongoing for five years

• Your employer must:

  • Be an approved sponsor

  • Get approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in their region

  • Pay you at least $73,150 based on a 38-hour week

  • Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Am I Eligible for the 494 Visa?

To apply for a 494 visa, you must:

• Have a valid skills assessment for your occupation at the time of application

• Have at least three years of full-time, relevant skilled work experience at the required level

• Be under 45 years old (some limited exemptions apply)

• Show Competent English

How Does the 494 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

After holding a 494 visa and living in a designated regional area for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

No employer nomination is needed when applying for the 191 visa.

Can I Change Employers on a 494 Visa?

Yes, recent changes from 1 July 2024 now allow more flexibility:

• You can stop working for your sponsor and have up to 180 days at a time, or 365 days total, to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa.

• During this period, you can:

  • Work for other employers

  • Take on a role different from your nominated position (as long as it aligns with any required registration or licensing)

• Any new sponsor must meet the same requirements:

  • RCB approval

  • Payment of SAF levy

  • Paying the correct wage for your role

These new rules apply to both new and existing 494, 482, and 457 visa holders.
Note: Any time not working before 1 July 2024 does not count towards your 365-day limit.

What Is the SAF Levy?

Employers must pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy upfront for each 494 nomination:

• Businesses with turnover under $10 million: $3,000 per employee

• Businesses with turnover over $10 million: $5,000 per employee

These funds go toward training Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Do I Need Private Health Insurance?

No. As a 494 visa holder, you’re eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Other Visa Conditions to Know

• While on a 494 visa, you generally cannot apply for other skilled permanent residency or partner visas.

• Visa holders must work for their sponsor unless changing employers under the new 180-day/365-day rule.

• You must continue to meet all licensing or registration requirements for your nominated occupation.

Need Help Navigating the 494 Visa?

Whether you're an employer or a skilled worker, our Registered Migration Agents can assess your eligibility and guide you through the full 494 visa process—from nomination to permanent residency.

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