EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

A Pathway to Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers in Australia

The Subclass 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia through employer sponsorship. With a 5-year visa duration and a clear pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa, it’s an ideal solution for skilled professionals and regional employers alike.

At Salvo Migration, we guide both individuals and businesses through the 494 process with legal precision and a tailored visa strategy.

Conditions Apply - Save upto $350

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Streams Available Under the 494 Visa

Employer Sponsored Stream

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian business operating in a designated regional area.

  • Must have a positive skills assessment

  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience

  • Competent English required

  • Age usually under 45

Key Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

  • Live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to 5 years

  • Bring eligible family members

  • Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years

  • Support employers with genuine regional labour shortages

  • Faster processing times compared to permanent options

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must:

For the Employer:

  • Be actively and lawfully operating in a designated regional area

  • Have a genuine need for a skilled position

  • Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)

  • Nominate an occupation from the relevant Skilled Occupation List

For the Applicant:

  • Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)

  • Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience

  • Have a positive skills assessment (unless exempt)

  • Meet the English language requirement (usually Competent English)

  • Meet health and character requirements

Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)

To apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional Visa) after holding a 494, you must:

  • Have held the 494 visa for 3 years

  • Have earned a minimum taxable income (as set by the Department) for 3 consecutive years

  • Complied with visa conditions, including living and working in a designated regional a

Why Work with Salvo Migration?

Expert Guidance

Deep experience with both temporary and permanent parent visa pathways

Proven Success

99% success rate in partner and parent visa cases

Personalized Support

Direct access to Martin Salvo, an experienced migration lawyer

Stress-Free Process

Clear legal strategy, transparent pricing, and peace of mind

What You’ll Receive in Your FREE Strategy Call

  • Check your eligibility and visa stream

  • Assess your employer’s readiness to sponsor

  • Review your skills, experience, and occupation

  • Get a full visa roadmap — from 494 to PR via Subclass 191

  • Ask questions with a qualified migration lawyer, not a consultant

Government Costs & Processing Times

As per the Department of Home Affairs, the current application charges are:

Primary

Applicant

Government Fee

From $4,640

Additional

Applicant (18+)

Government Fee

From $4,640

Additional

Applicant (18+)

Government Fee

From $4,640

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Subsequent temporary application made in Australia

  • Nomination fee (employer pays – currently $540)

  • Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:

Always refer to the official Visa Pricing Estimator for your exact situation.

Ready to Start Your 494 Visa Journey?

Book your free consultation and speak directly with one of Australia’s leading migration lawyers. Get answers, strategy, and peace of mind today.

Conditions apply — valued up to $350.

What Happens in the 494 Visa Consultation?

Our consultations are led by experienced Australian migration lawyers who specialise in employer-sponsored regional visas. You’ll receive expert legal guidance tailored to both the business and employee’s situation, ensuring your eligibility and pathway to permanent residency is clearly mapped out.

During your consult, we’ll:

  • Assess your eligibility for the 494 visa and confirm your occupation, location, and sponsor alignment

  • Identify risks, missing documentation, or red flags that could affect your nomination or visa outcome

  • Recommend the best migration strategy — including Subclass 494 to Subclass 191 PR pathway

  • Explain sponsorship stages, nomination rules, SAF levy, and income threshold requirements

  • Answer your questions about regional areas, visa conditions, and PR eligibility after 3 years

Who You’ll Be Speaking With

Unlike agencies that push you to junior consultants, you’ll speak directly with a senior Australian migration lawyer who:

  • Has successfully helped regional employers and skilled workers navigate the 494 process

  • Understands the legal complexity of regional sponsorship and permanent residency

  • Can advise on employer compliance, income threshold rules, and PR transitions via 191

  • Martin Salvo – Senior Migration Lawyer and Regional Sponsorship Visa Specialist

🛡️ No Visa. No Fee. Guarantee 🛡️

The Salvo Migration Difference

Trusted by Couples Nationwide – Powered by Legal Expertise and Innovation

Work Directly with a Partner Visa Expert

From your first consultation to your visa outcome, you’ll work directly with a qualified migration lawyer — not just a case officer.

Clear, Ongoing Communication

We provide consistent updates and detailed explanations throughout your journey — you’ll never be left guessing.

Nationwide & International Access

We can connect with you via phone, whatsapp or Zoom Call - no matter where you are.

99% Success Rate Guarantee

Our proven track record speaks for itself. With a 99% success rate, we only take on cases we know we can win.

Fixed & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, ever. Every service comes with a clear, fixed-price agreement so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

🛡️No Visa, No Fee Guarantee🛡️

To underscore our commitment to client success, Salvo Migration offers a No Visa, No Fee Guarantee. This means that if your partner visa application is not approved, and certain conditions are met, our professional fees will be refunded. This guarantee reflects our confidence in delivering positive outcomes for our clients.

How Much Does Your 494 Visa Application Cost?

Done for you by an Australian Immigration Lawyer

Free 494 Visa Strategy Session

A no-obligation session to help you understand your eligibility for the 494 visa and identify the next steps based on your occupation, employer, and location.

  • Price: FREE

  • Value: Up to $350

  • Duration: 30 mins

Full Legal Representation

Expert legal support for skilled professionals seeking regional sponsorship, including employer nomination, skills assessment guidance, risk mitigation, and complete visa application preparation.

  • Price: $5,997 (inc GST)

  • Value: Peace of mind + Full compliance

  • Duration: Until your 494 Visa is approved

Ready to get started?

Need expert help?

The 494 visa requires precise compliance — including working for an eligible regional employer and meeting occupation, age, and English requirements. At Salvo Migration, we provide the clarity and guidance needed to ensure your pathway to regional Australia is stress-free and well-prepared.

Valued up to $350

494 Visa Processing Times in Australia

494 visa applications can take several months to over a year to process — depending on the occupation, sponsoring employer’s location, nomination approval, and whether the application is decision-ready. At Salvo Migration, we help you navigate these timelines, avoid delays, and submit a complete, compliant application for the best possible outcome.

What Affects 494 Visa Processing Time?

Here are the most important factors that affect how long your 494 visa may take:

  • Nomination Approval – The employer’s nomination must be approved before or alongside the visa application. Any errors here delay the process.

  • Occupation & ANZSCO Code – Some occupations face higher scrutiny or longer verification times.

  • Document Quality – Missing or poorly presented documents can lead to requests for further information.

  • Health & Character Checks – Delays in medicals or police clearances can hold up processing.

  • Decision-Ready Application – Applications lodged with all required documents upfront are typically processed faster.

  • Location of Employer – Regional certifying bodies may have their own internal timelines, which affect the overall processing time.

Why Preparation Matters

The 494 visa requires both employer and employee to meet strict legal and eligibility criteria. Mistakes, missing documents, or unclear role descriptions can result in processing delays, nomination refusal, or visa refusal.

 

Working with a registered migration lawyer helps ensure your application is accurate, fully compliant, and well-positioned for approval — especially if your goal is to eventually transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.

Want a clearer estimate for your visa timeline?

Book a Free Visa Consultation with our legal team (valued up to $350).

We’ll assess your situation, explain your likely processing time, and help you avoid costly delays.

FAQs About the Subclass 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Visa

Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor talent or a skilled worker seeking a regional migration pathway, these FAQs help answer the most important questions.

What are the benefits of the 494 Visa?

✅ Provides a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers in designated regional areas

✅ Pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa

✅ Enables employers to address regional skill shortages

✅ Includes immediate family (partner and children) in the application

✅ Access to Medicare and work rights across Australia

Can I apply for the 494 Visa while in Australia?

Yes, you can apply onshore if you meet the visa requirements and hold a valid visa with no restrictions (e.g., no 8503 or 8534 conditions). Offshore applications are also accepted.

What happens if my 494 visa application is refused?Australia?

You may have appeal rights to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) depending on your location and visa status. It’s crucial to lodge a strong, decision-ready application the first time to avoid unnecessary complications.

What happens after my 494 visa is granted?sed?

You’ll be granted a 5-year provisional visa and must live and work in a designated regional area. After 3 years of holding the 494, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency via the 191 visa, provided income and residence requirements are met.

Can a 494 Visa be cancelled?

Yes. A 494 visa may be cancelled if you breach visa conditions, change employers without proper transfer of sponsorship, or fail to comply with regional residency obligations. Always consult a migration lawyer before making changes to your employment or address.

Still have questions?

We know the employer-sponsored process can feel complex. At Salvo Migration, we combine strategic legal advice with deep expertise in employer compliance, regional sponsorship, and PR planning.

Book your free 494 visa consultation today and get expert advice for both employer and employee.

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Wherever you are in Australia, Salvo Migration is here to help. While our headquarters are in Brisbane, we serve clients in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, and all regional areas. Our team is equipped to handle consultations remotely, ensuring national coverage for couples seeking partner visa assistance.

FREE Partner Visa Strategy Call with a Migration Lawyer

Skip the confusion — get expert advice, a tailored visa plan, and clarity on your next steps.

Book Your FREE Visa Strategy Call Now

Connect with a migration lawyer & get clarity on your visa application.

FREE Strategy Visa Consultation

(Valued at $350)

Get expert legal advice, eligibility assessment & a tailored strategy for your visa — all with a licensed migration lawyer.

Licensed lawyer, not a sales consultant

Legal eligibility review & personalised advice

Clear roadmap & risk guidance

Important: Your consultation will be cancelled if the pre-consultation questionnaire is not completed before your scheduled time.

Other Visa Options with Salvo Migration

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