494 Regional Employer-Sponsored Migration Agents

The Subclass 494 is the regional cousin of the 482: a five-year provisional visa where a regional employer sponsors you, with permanent residence built in via the Subclass 191 after three years. It rewards being willing to work regionally. The agents listed here specialise in regional employer sponsorship.

What to know about the 494 visa

It is regional: the job must be in a designated regional area (not Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane), and you must live and work there. It has a built-in permanent pathway: after three years holding the 494 in the region, you can generally apply for the permanent Subclass 191, a much cheaper application than the 186. The bar is higher than the 482: you generally need a positive skills assessment, competent English (around IELTS 6 in each band), and at least three years of relevant experience, with salary at or above the income threshold and the market rate. A Regional Certifying Body reviews the nomination, which is the main difference from the 482. If a region is also covered by a DAMA, there may be concessions the standard 494 does not offer.

Frequently asked questions

How is the 494 different from the 482? It is regional, requires three years of experience rather than one, and has permanent residence built in through the Subclass 191.

Where can I work on a 494? In a designated regional area only.

When can I get permanent residence? Generally after three years holding the 494 in the region, via the Subclass 191.

How much experience do I need? At least three years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

Contact a 494 specialist

Use the enquiry form to contact a listed agent. Your enquiry goes to the specialist you choose.