Australia · Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Official name Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
5-year provisional visa for employer-sponsored work in designated regional area. Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 …
5-year provisional visa for employer-sponsored work in designated regional area. Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years regional living + 2 income years (AUD 53,900 indexed). Salary still tied to TSMIT (AUD 76,515 in 2026) rather than auto-indexed CSIT.
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18+ |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| Health Insurance Required | Yes |
Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income | €4,018/mo |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Allowed | Yes |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes |
| Path to Permanent Residency | Yes |
| Time to Citizenship | 7 years |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)?
5-year provisional visa for employer-sponsored work in designated regional area. Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years regional living + 2 income years (AUD 53,900 indexed). Salary still tied to TSMIT (AUD 76,515 in 2026) rather than auto-indexed CSIT.
What are the financial requirements for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)?
Applicants need minimum income of €4,018/mo. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.
Can I bring my family on the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)?
Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.
Can the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward citizenship in approximately 7 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.
Are there alternative pathways to Australia?
Yes. Australia offers 24 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Australia country page.
What is the cost of living in Australia?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sydney: €3,140/mo; Melbourne: €2,503/mo; Brisbane: €2,448/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
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Official source
Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:
Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology
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