Australia has taken a significant step towards addressing regional workforce shortages by opening Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa applications from 21 October 2025. This development is being celebrated by thousands of overseas families and Australian employers, as it offers a streamlined pathway to live and work in designated regional areas. The changes come amidst ongoing labour demands and the push to decentralise population hubs. With eased entry rules, more skilled workers now have a chance to contribute to regional growth while securing residency opportunities for themselves and their families. Here’s everything you need to know about this new visa opportunity.
What Is the Subclass 494 Visa and Who Can Apply?
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is designed to allow employers in regional Australia to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. Eligible applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer located in a regional area. They must also meet skill, qualification, and English language requirements. The visa offers a five-year stay and a potential pathway to permanent residency after three years. It’s aimed at boosting local economies and ensuring access to skilled labour where it’s needed most. This visa is not applicable in major metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
- Valid for up to five years
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Applies to regional areas only
- Includes path to PR (Permanent Residency)
- Family members can be included
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Key Benefits for Australian Employers and Regional Communities
Opening applications for the Subclass 494 visa helps employers in regional Australia fill vital skill gaps that local recruitment cannot meet. Industries such as agriculture, construction, aged care, and manufacturing stand to benefit the most. This visa encourages skilled migrants to settle outside crowded cities and fosters economic development in underpopulated areas. Employers benefit from a more stable workforce while communities gain through population growth and service expansion. The government’s move aims to retain skilled labour long-term by offering eventual pathways to permanent residency, which increases regional retention rates.
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- Reduces skill shortages in rural regions
- Stabilises local employment markets
- Supports long-term regional growth
- Increases access to essential services
- Encourages permanent settlement in regions
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Important Dates, Eligibility Changes, and How to Apply
Applications for the Subclass 494 visa officially open on 21 October 2025. The government has made the process more accessible by relaxing some documentation rules and expanding the list of eligible occupations. To apply, candidates must first secure a nomination from a regional employer and ensure their occupation is on the relevant skilled list. Then, they must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Once invited, applicants can submit a formal visa application through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Processing times are expected to be faster compared to past years due to digital streamlining.
- Opening Date: 21 October 2025
- Expression of Interest: Required via SkillSelect
- Occupation List: Must be listed for regional needs
- Employer Nomination: Mandatory
- English & Skill Requirements: Must be met
Subclass 494 Visa Pathway to Permanent Residency and Family Inclusion
One of the most attractive features of the Subclass 494 visa is the pathway to permanent residency after three years of living and working in regional Australia. Applicants must have worked full-time in their nominated position and met income requirements during this period. The visa also allows family members to be included under the same application, enabling dependent spouses and children to live, study, and work in Australia. This holistic approach promotes family stability and supports skilled migration as a long-term solution to Australia’s regional development challenges.
- PR eligibility after 3 years
- Minimum income threshold required
- Full-time work must be maintained
- Family members included in visa
- Access to healthcare and schooling
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Name | Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) |
| Application Open Date | 21 October 2025 |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Permanent Residency | After 3 years of regional work |
| Regions Covered | All of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane |
| Eligible Occupations | Listed on regional skilled occupation list |
| Family Members | Can be included |
| Processing Time | Typically 6–9 months |
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for PR with the 494 visa?
A: Yes, after 3 years of working in a regional area.
Q2: Is this visa open to all regions?
A: No, it excludes Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Q3: Can my family accompany me on this visa?
A: Yes, dependent family members can be included.
Q4: When do applications open?
A: Applications open from 21 October 2025.
How does the Subclass 494 Work Visa benefit families entering Australia?
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