Employer sponsored regional visa Australia

Subclass 494Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

Employer-sponsored temporary visa for skilled workers in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191.


Overview

For regional employers to sponsor skilled workers to address labour shortages where no suitable Australian worker is available.

For skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement. Developed between the Australian Government and employers.

For members of the family unit of a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa holder who are applying separately and wish to join the primary holder in Australia.


What this visa offers

Employer sponsorship

Support from nominated employer.

Temporary stay

Up to 5 years' visit.

Work rights

Unlimited work opportunities.

Cultural exchange

Experience Australian lifestyle.

Multiple entries

Frequent entry, exit flexibility.

Regional living

Contribute to regional development.

Pathway to PR

Eligible for subclass 191.

Personal growth

Develop independence, adaptability.


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Frequently Asked Questions

For most skilled workers, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa or the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Direct Entry stream offer the most direct routes to permanent residency. For workers already in Australia on a 482 visa, the 186 TRT stream is available after 3 years.
Not necessarily. Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) do not require a job offer. They are based on your skills and points score. Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494) do require a sponsoring employer.
SkillSelect is the online platform where skilled workers submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The Department invites the highest-scoring candidates in regular invitation rounds. F4MG manages your SkillSelect profile and monitors invitation rounds.
Eligible occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL). F4MG identifies the correct list and ANZSCO code for your occupation.

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