Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
🇦🇺 Australia visas · Work
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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Australia · Work
What it is
5-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia. Pathway to PR via 191.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 5 years (pathway to PR via 191)
- Processing time
- See official page for current processing times
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- No
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Age
- Under 46
- English requirement
- Competent English
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- AUD 6,140
Key requirements
- Nomination by an approved regional employer
- Occupation on the relevant skilled list
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Suitable skills assessment
- Competent English
- Live and work only in designated regional area
Working on this visa
Live, work and study only in designated regional areas; must work in nominated occupation for nominating employer.
Bringing family
Family can apply with you and must meet the health requirement.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 25 July 2026.