Australia Subclass 494 Visa in 2025: Your Pathway to Regional Work and Permanent Residency
- Souradeep Saha
- May 4
- 3 min read
Dreaming of working in regional Australia with a clear PR pathway? Discover the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – eligibility, requirements, PR transition, and how Aussie Pathways helps you every step of the way.
What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed to fill labor shortages in regional Australia by allowing skilled foreign workers to live and work outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This visa offers a clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Subclass 191 after 3 years.
Who Can Apply?
This visa is for:
Skilled professionals under 45 years of age
Individuals with a job offer from a regional employer
Applicants who meet the skill, English, and experience requirements
Those willing to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years
What Counts as Regional Australia?
In 2025, all areas of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as regional. These include:
Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra
All regional towns and rural communities
Check the official regional postcode list for complete coverage
Living and working in these areas comes with added migration benefits, such as priority processing and access to more occupations.
Employer Sponsorship Explained
To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must be sponsored by an approved employer operating in a regional area. The process involves:
Employer applies for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
Employer nominates you for a position listed on the relevant occupation list
You submit the 494 visa application with supporting documents
Key Eligibility Requirements
✅ Skills
Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List for 494
A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority is required
✅ English Language
Competent English: IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent
✅ Work Experience
At least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience in your nominated occupation
Visa Validity and Conditions
Valid for up to 5 years
Must live, work, and study in a regional area
Cannot apply for other permanent visas (like 189 or 190) for at least 3 years
After 3 years, you may be eligible for PR under Subclass 191
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Subclass 191
The Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is the next step after holding a 494 visa for 3 years.
PR Eligibility Criteria:
Must have held the 494 visa for 3 years
Meet the minimum taxable income threshold (currently AUD $53,900 per year for 3 years)
Complied with all regional work and residence conditions
Labour Market Testing (LMT) and Nomination Process
Employers must prove that no suitable Australian worker is available for the job. This involves:
Advertising the position in at least 3 locations (including national job boards)
Documenting efforts and outcomes
Once LMT is satisfied, the employer can lodge the nomination application, and you can apply for the visa.
Common Obstacles — and How Aussie Pathways Supports You
❌ Finding a Regional Employer
✅ We help you navigate Australia local job market
❌ Confusing Paperwork and Employer Obligations
✅ We assist in preparing all documentation – for both employer and employee – ensuring compliance.
❌ Failing Skill or English Requirements
✅ We guide you through skill assessments, English test prep, and alternative pathways if needed.
❌ Concerns About Regional Living and Long-Term Plans
✅ We provide detailed settlement support, future PR planning, and post-landing assistance.
Why Choose Aussie Pathways?
At Aussie Pathways, we go beyond just visa filing. Our end-to-end support includes:
Employer connections in regional zones
Tailored assessment of your profile
Help with LMT, nomination, and visa application
Guidance on meeting PR criteria after 3 years
Looking to work in a regional area of Australia with a path to PR? Aussie Pathways can help you get sponsored under the 494 visa.
Need help finding a sponsoring employer outside Sydney or Melbourne? We connect clients with regional businesses hiring now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓How long is the 494 visa valid?
The visa is valid for up to 5 years. After 3 years of regional residence and work, you can apply for permanent residency via Subclass 191.
❓Can I move to a city once I get PR?
Yes, after receiving permanent residency under Subclass 191, you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia.
❓Do I need to live in a specific postcode for the 494 visa?
Yes, you must live and work in designated regional postcodes, which include all areas of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Ready to Start Your Regional PR Journey?
Book your free consultation today. Let Aussie Pathways find the right regional employer for you and guide you through the entire 494 visa journey.
