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Provisional · Regional · Employer sponsored

Subclass 494Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

A provisional, regionally-sponsored visa introduced in 2019 to replace the RSMS (187) visa, capped at 10,000 places a year.

The 494 combines employer sponsorship with a regional-Australia commitment. The sponsoring employer's regional position must be expected to last at least 5 years, and applicants transition to PR via the subclass 191.

Check 494 eligibility
At a glance

The essentials

Visa type
Provisional, employer-sponsored, regional
Introduced
16 November 2019 (replaced Subclass 187 RSMS)
Annual cap
10,000 places
Age limit
Under 45 (exemptions apply)
Position requirement
Sponsoring employer's regional position must be expected to last at least 5 years
PR pathway
Provisional visa with a regional-residency-linked pathway to PR via subclass 191
Eligibility

Do you qualify?

  • Sponsored by a regional employer for a position expected to last 5+ years
  • Under 45 (exemptions apply)
  • Competent English
  • Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice obtained
  • Salary meets the Average Market Salary Rate / TSMIT-style requirement
  • Suitable skills assessment
  • 3+ years of skilled employment
Process

How to apply

  1. 1
    1. Regional sponsor + RCB advice
    Employer in a designated regional area lodges a nomination; Regional Certifying Body provides advice on the position.
  2. 2
    2. Skills assessment
    Positive assessment for the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
  3. 3
    3. Visa application
    Applicant lodges the visa application with English, skills, and employment evidence.
Confirm current settings before you commit
The 10,000 cap and Regional Certifying Body requirement reflect the current SkillX source. Regional visa settings move often — check the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.
Occupations that qualify

Which occupations open the 494 door?

See every ANZSCO occupation currently mapped to subclass 494 on the SkillX Skilled Occupation List — filtered, searchable, sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation.

Browse 494 occupations
FAQs

Common questions

Where does the 494 lead?+

Regional residence + qualifying work on the 494 unlocks the subclass 191 permanent visa.

What counts as a 'regional' employer?+

Any Australian address outside Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, and Greater Brisbane.

Do I need a labour market test?+

Yes, and a Regional Certifying Body advice on the position.

Ready to test your 494 chances?
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Run the check
Figures last updated 1 July 2026. Visa policy moves — verify against the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.