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Subclass 494
494 Visa Skill Requirements
The Subclass 494 visa lets skilled workers live and work in regional Australia for 5 years with a direct path to permanent residency. Discover the exact skill, experience and eligibility rules you need to succeed.
Why Choose Edvise Hub?
The 494 visa Australia (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa) is a 5-year employer-sponsored visa that fills critical skill shortages outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Introduced in 2019, it replaced the old 187 RSMS visa and gives holders a clear route to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after just three years.
Core 494 Eligibility Criteria
To satisfy 494 eligibility, you must meet every requirement below:
Fahad Shamim
Education Consultant
As a education consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
494 Visa Skill Requirements Explained
A valid positive skills assessment is non-negotiable for almost every occupation. The assessment must be issued by the designated authority and still valid (usually 3 years from issue date) when you lodge your visa.
Tip: Even if you studied in Australia, you still need a skills assessment unless you fall under a narrow exemption.
494 Visa Work Experience Requirements
The 494 visa work experience requirements are strict:
- Minimum 3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-qualification experience
- Experience gained in the last 5 years
- Tasks performed must closely match the ANZSCO description
- Must be paid at commercial rates (unpaid or volunteer work does not count)
Evidence needed: reference letters on company letterhead, payslips, tax returns, and sometimes employment contracts.
Key 494 Visa Conditions You Must Follow
Once granted, the visa comes with mandatory conditions (printed on your grant letter):
You can change employers after the visa is granted, but only with a new nomination and Regional Certifying Body approval.
Application Costs and Processing Times
Current median processing time: 2–4 months (75% of complete applications).
Path to Permanent Residency
After holding the 494 visa for 3 years you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if you:
- Worked full-time for your sponsor (or different approved regional employers) for at least 3 years
- Earned at least the minimum taxable income ($53,900 per year)
- Lived only in designated regional areas
- Still meet health and character requirements
No new skills assessment or English test required.
Why the 494 Visa Remains Popular
- No points test (unlike 189/190/491)
- Family members get full work and study rights
- Medicare access from day one
- Clear 3-year PR pathway
- Growing number of regional employers actively sponsoring
Quick Comparison: 494 vs Other Skilled Visas
Ready to Apply for Your 494 Visa?
Meeting the 494 visa skill requirements, 494 visa work experience requirements, and 494 visa conditions is straightforward when you prepare correctly. Start by confirming your occupation is on the list, secure a genuine regional employer, and obtain your skills assessment.
FAQs
Q: How many years of work experience do I need for the 494 visa?
A: Minimum 3 years full-time (or equivalent) post-qualification experience in the last 5 years.
Q: Can I include my spouse and children on a subclass 494 visa?
A: Yes – partners and dependent children under 23 can be included and get full work/study rights.
Q: Do I need a skills assessment for the 494 visa?
A: Yes, almost always – unless you hold full AHPRA registration or fall under rare exemptions.
Q: What happens if I want to change employers on a 494 visa?
A: You can, but your new employer must lodge a new nomination and get RCB approval.
Q: How long does the 494 visa last?
A: 5 years from the date of grant, with multiple entry travel allowed.
Q: When can I apply for permanent residency after getting 494?
A: After working and living regionally for 3 years via Subclass 191.
Q: Is there a minimum salary for the 494 visa?
A: Yes – your sponsor must pay at least the current TSMIT ($76,515 as of July 2024) or the market rate, whichever is higher.
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Skilled Migration
- 189 Skilled Independent
- 190 Skilled Nominated
- 887 Skilled Regional
- 491 Skilled Regional
- 191 Skilled Regional
