Employer Sponsored Stream for Applicants
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Overview
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About this visa
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Eligibility
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Step by step
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When you have this visa
Stay
5 years
Cost
From AUD4,640.00
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa, you can
- live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
See all conditions
Check your eligibility
You must
- be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation
- have a relevant skills assessment, unless an exemption applies
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless an exemption applies
- be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency
Help with your visa
If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help with your visa application.
With this visa, you can
- live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
Specified region
You can live, work and study only in a designated regional area. Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Pathways to permanent residence
- If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after you have held your 494 visa for 3 years.
- Unless you have held your subclass 494 visa for 3 years, holders of the subclass 494 visa are unable to:
- Make a valid application for a subclass 820 (Partner) visa
- Be granted any of the following visas:
- Subclass 132 (Business Talent)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional))
- Subclass 189 (Skilled (Independent))
- Subclass 190 (Skilled (Nominated))
- Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional) (Regional Provisional Stream)
- Subclass 858 (Global Talent)
How long you can stay
This is a provisional visa. You can stay in Australia for a period of 5 years from when your visa is granted.
Stay longer
You can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. Explore your visa options.
If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.
Include family
You can include members of the family unit in your application. You can:
- include them when you submit your visa application
- add a dependent child after you submit but before we decide on your visa application
Family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our health and character requirements.
Family members who do not apply for the visa with you might also have to meet our health and character requirements.
If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, you must tell us the reason why. For example, they already hold Australian citizenship or are a permanent resident.
Cost
This visa costs AUD4,640.00 for the main applicant, AUD2,320.00 for each dependent 18 years and over, and AUD1,160.00 for each dependent under 18 years.
It costs an additional AUD9,800.00 if any dependent applicants who are 18 years and over do not have functional English. This extra charge is called a second instalment.
To work out what your visa will cost use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not take into account the second instalment or other costs.
You will have to pay other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Apply from
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when we make a decision on your application, but not in immigration clearance.
If you are applying in Australia, you must hold either of the following visa otherwise your application will not be valid:
- a substantive visa, or
- a Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
- how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided. It is your responsibility to ensure all relevant supporting/evidentiary documentation is attached to your application.
Your obligations
You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
You must begin your employment within 90 days of:
- entering Australia, if you are outside Australia when we grant the visa
- the visa grant date, if you are in Australia when we grant the visa
You must only work in your nominated occupation and only work for your nominating employer in regional Australia. If you do not, we might cancel your visa.
Travel
You can travel out of Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
The time you spend outside Australia does not extend the visa.
Visa label
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
Be this age
You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for the visa.
You are exempt from this criteria if any of the following applies to you:
- You are nominated as an academic (University Lecturer or Faculty Head at Academic Level A , B, C, D or E) by a university in Australia
- You are nominated as a medical practitioner and in the 3 years immediately before you apply have worked in that occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for 2 years as the holder of a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) visa. The nominated position is in a designated regional area of Australia
- You are nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical (scientific) specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or Australian university
- You have held a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) visa for the last 3 years immediately before you apply and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated occupation, for at least 2 years during that time.
- As a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder, you have been working in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer for a period of at least 2 years during the 3 years ending immediately before you apply, and your earnings for each year of that period were at least as much as the Fair Work High Income Threshold.
Be nominated by an approved sponsor
You must be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in Australia.
You must be employed to work in the nominated occupation and in a position within the sponsoring business or an associated entity of that business, located in a designated regional area of Australia.
Before you can apply for the visa, your employer will need to lodge a nomination application for you. They will only be able to do this if they are an approved work sponsor or have at least lodged an application to become a standard business sponsor.
Have relevant skills, qualifications and work experience
If you are the primary visa applicant, you must show that you have the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
You must undertake a skills assessment to show this – see Have a positive skills assessment below.
If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment, you are still required to provide other evidence to show that you meet this requirement – see 'Skills and qualifications documents'.
You must have been employed in the nominated occupation for at least 3 years on a full-time basis and at the skill level required for the nominated occupation.
Generally, you should have gained your experience within the last 5 years. The period does not need to be continuous. We might consider equivalent part-time work. We do not consider casual work.
Have a positive skills assessment
You must have your skills assessed as suitable for the nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority. The assessment will show us you have the skills to work in the nominated occupation.
The skills assessment must be undertaken before your application is lodged. A skills assessment obtained for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is not a valid assessment for this visa.
You do not need to complete a skills assessment if at the time of application you held a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) or Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) for the nominated occupation and in order to be granted that visa, you were required to demonstrate your skills by providing a suitable skills assessment.
You are exempt from this criteria if any of the following applies to you:
- you are nominated as an academic (University Lecturer or Faculty Head at academic Level A, B, C, D or E) by an Australian university
- you have held a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) visa for the last 3 years immediately before you apply and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated occupation, for at least 2 years during that time
Have this level of English language
You must have at least Competent English to be granted this visa.
Meet our health requirement
You and any family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our health requirement.
If requested, family members not accompanying you to Australia might also need to meet our health requirement.
Meet our character requirement
You and your family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa with you must meet our character requirement.
Family members not accompanying you to Australia must also meet the character requirement.
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
We will consider your immigration history when we make a decision on your application, which means you might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused.
In some circumstances you may still apply for a permanent visa if you have had a visa cancelled or an application refused see Limitations on applications in Australia.
If applying for a visa from outside Australia see Can I go to Australia.
If you want immigration assistance, see Who can help with your visa application.
Have paid back your debt to the Australian government
If you or any family members (including those who don't apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.
Sign the Australian values statement
If you are 16 years of age or older, you must:
- have read, or had explained to you, the Life in Australia booklet and
- sign an Australian Values Statement that confirms you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws
Step 1
Before you apply
Things you will need to arrange before you apply could include obtaining a skills assessment, an English language test or undertaking a health assessment. You might also want to get help with your application.
Get your skills assessed
Get a skills assessment if you need to. The assessment will prove you have the right skills and qualifications to do your job.
Organise English test
Make sure your English test results are current for this visa. You must have at least Competent English to be granted the visa. Have an English test if necessary.
Organise health exams
You need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply or you can wait until after you apply.
Get help with your application
Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance they must be:
- a registered migration agent
- a legal practitioner, or
- an exempt person.
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.
Get the nomination Transaction Reference Number
Make sure your employer has submitted a nomination application. They will receive a nomination Transaction Reference Number (TRN) when they do.
Ask your employer for the TRN. You need it to apply for the visa.
Your rights and your employer's responsibilities
Criminal and civil penalties can be applied to anyone who asks for, receives, offers or provides a benefit in exchange for visa sponsorship. Learn more about work visa scams.
Step 2
Gather your documents
Documents you may have to provide could include documents for your identity, character, skills, work experience, health and English language skills.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Identity documents
Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide:
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of change of name
Documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Age exemption documents
If you are 45 years of age or older and eligible for an age exemption, provide documents to show you are exempt from the age eligibility criteria.
See more about age exemptions in legislative instruments.
Skills and qualifications documents
You need to provide documents that prove your skills and qualifications including:
- a suitable skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority, if required. We don't accept a skills assessment obtained for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- qualifications and proof of work experience such as employment references, if required
- documents from relevant Australian authorities that show you hold necessary registrations or licences, or will be able to meet necessary registration and licensing requirements
See more about skills exemptions in legislative instruments.
English language documents
Provide documents that show you have Competent English.
Health documents
You do not need to provide health documents. If you have had medical exams, the results are sent to us by your doctor.
Character documents
Provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16 years. We only accept complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police . We do not accept standard disclosure certificates or national police certificates issued by Australian state or territory police. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Also provide:
- an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
- if required, penal check letters are available by contacting espd@homeaffairs.gov.au and include the words “Front end load – Penal Check Letter” in the subject line of your email.
- military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country
Further information is available at: Character requirements for visas
Partner documents
Provide:
- identity documents
- character documents
Provide either:
- your current marriage certificate or
- enough documents to prove your partner has been in a de facto relationship with you for at least 12 months before you apply
Documents that prove a de facto relationship include:
- joint bank account statements
- billing accounts in joint names
- joint leases or mortgages
- documents that show you have both lived at the same address
You must show that your partner has Functional English.
If you can't show that your partner has Functional English, you will need to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge when we ask you to.
Dependants under 18 documents
For every dependant under 18 years who is applying with you provide:
- identity documents (if your child is under 5 years old you can include them in the application without a passport)
- character documents, if applicable.
Parental responsibility documents
You must get consent for the child to come to Australia from anyone who:
- has a legal right to decide where the child lives and
- is not coming to Australia with the child.
They must complete either:
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years (276KB PDF)
- a statutory declaration giving their consent for the child to visit Australia on this visa.
Include a document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a:
- passport
- driver’s licence.
Dependants over 18 documents
For every dependant 18 years and over who is applying with you provide:
- identity documents
- documents about other relationships, if applicable
- character documents.
You need to prove that this person is a family member and/or dependent on you. Provide:
- a completed Form 47a Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over (307KB PDF)
- proof of your relationship with the family member and/or dependant such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate
You must also prove this person has been financially dependent on you for at least 12 months before you apply. You could provide:
- proof they live with you
- their tax records
- proof they are currently studying
You must show that your family member and/or dependant has Functional English.
If you can't show that your family member and/or dependant has Functional English, you will need to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge when we ask you to.
Tell us you are getting help
To nominate someone to:
- receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF)
- provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF).
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
Prepare your documents
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
These details must be in English.
Scan or photograph
Scan or photograph all documents (English and non-English) in colour.
The scans and photos must be clear.
If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
Step 3
Apply for the visa
You apply for this visa online in ImmiAccount.
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide accurate information.
Apply online in ImmiAccount
- Login or create an ImmiAccount.
- Attach documents.
- Pay the application charge. We will not process your application until you pay.
- Note the Transaction Reference Number.
Step 4
After you apply
We will let you know when we have received your application. See what you can and must do after you apply.
Status updates
We can’t give updates on applications within the standard processing time.
We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided.
Travel after you apply
If you are in Australia, you don't have to tell us if you want to travel outside Australia while we process your application. This is because you can be outside Australia when we decide on your application.
But if you leave Australia, make sure you have a valid visa to return.
Learn about visa expiry.
Learn about travel on a Bridging visas.
Health exams
If you didn't have health examinations before you applied, we will let you know if you need them. Check ImmiAccount.
Biometrics
We might ask for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). We will let you know if you need to provide them.
Attach more information
We might ask you to provide more information. Attach any additional documents we ask you for as soon as possible in ImmiAccount..
Stay lawful
If you are in Australia, make sure you stay lawful by holding a valid visa while we process your application. You must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C for your visa application to be processed.
If you were in Australia when you applied for this visa, you may have been granted a Bridging visa. If your current visa expires before we decide on your application, the Bridging visa will start. You can stay in Australia on the Bridging visa while we process your new visa application.
Do not ask us to cancel your current visa. If your visa is cancelled, you will:
- be staying in Australia unlawfully
- not be eligible for a Bridging visa.
Pay the second instalment
If you need to pay a second instalment of the visa application charge we will send you an invoice after you have met all other requirements for the visa. Pay the instalment after you get the invoice. Do not ask for the invoice.
Add family
You can't add members of the family unit to your visa application after it has been submitted.
If you have submitted your visa application and we are processing it, certain family members that were not included in your visa application can submit a subsequent entrant application.
Alternatively, if we have granted you a visa, certain family members may apply to join you in Australia later as a subsequent entrant.
If you had a baby, you should tell us as soon as possible. If you don’t, your child may be unlawful.
Mistakes on your application
Let us know as soon as you can if you made a mistake on your application.
Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (168KB PDF).
Help with your application
Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
- receive your correspondence - complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF)
- provide immigration advice - complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF).
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
For more information see Who can help you with your application.
Tell us if things change
Tell us if things change after you submit your application but before we decide on your application.
Things you need to let us know about include:
- you want to withdraw your application
- changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
See what to do if your situation changes.
Step 5
Visa outcome
You can be in or outside Australia when we decide on your visa application.
About visa outcome
We must have approved your employer’s nomination before we can grant you this visa.
We will let you know our decision about your visa application in writing.
If we grant your visa, we will tell you:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts
- your visa conditions
Keep a copy of the decision.
If we refuse your visa, we will tell you:
- why we refused the visa
- whether you have a right to a review of the decision
We will not refund the visa application charge if we refuse your application.
Coming to Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have:
- a valid visa to enter Australia
- a valid passport or other travel document
At the Border
Completing an Incoming Passenger Card
All people arriving in Australia must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. You will be given this card during your flight.
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.
In Australia
What you can do when you have this visa
- work only in regional Australia for up to 5 years for your sponsor
- live and study only in regional Australia for up to 5 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for a permanent resident visa
Your visa will come with conditions attached to it. To see your conditions, see your grant letter or use VEVO.
What you must do when you have this visa
You and your family must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
You must begin your employment within 90 days after your:
- entry to Australia if you were granted the visa outside Australia
- visa grant date if you were granted the visa in Australia
Learn more about visa details and conditions.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
- changes to your employer
- changes to your employment status including promotions and changes in hours
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
See what to do if your situation changes.
See how long you can stay
This is a provisional visa. You can live, work and study only in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
To see when you must leave, see your grant letter or use VEVO.
Staying longer
If your visa is expiring and you want to keep working in Australia for your employer:
- your employer will need to submit a new nomination
- you must apply for a new visa.
You can’t stay longer by extending the visa.
Your may apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after holding a subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years.
Travelling on your visa
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Time spent outside Australia does not extend your length of stay in Australia.
Proving you have a visa
To prove you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.
Working
Usually you can only work for the business that sponsored you. If your sponsor is an Australian business, you can work for that business or one of its associated entities as long as it is in regional Australia.
When you work in Australia, you are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.
Learn more about visa details and conditions.
Bringing family
Secondary applicants can apply for this visa as a subsequent entrant.
Visa holders affected by the bushfires
You must:
- continue to meet the conditions of your visa
- live, work and study only in the designated regional areas of Australia for Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) holders.
If your employment ends due to your employer being no longer able to offer you employment or the business ceasing to exist due to the bushfires, you have 60 days to:
- find another employer to sponsor you and have them lodge a new nomination, which must be approved before you can start working for them; or
- apply for and be granted a different visa (see Explore visa options); or
- depart Australia
Please also see:
- Disaster Assist – information about what the Government is doing to help individuals, communities, businesses and local governments to recover from these bushfires
- Health Direct – information about bushfire health and safety
Leaving Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.
Ensure your visa is still valid
Check your conditions and the expiry of your visa in VEVO.
See what you can and must do if your visa has expired or is about to expire.
At the Border
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport. You might be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.
After you leave
Get your superannuation (if you are leaving Australia and do not intend to return)
You are likely to have some money in a superannuation fund if you worked in Australia and:
- you were 18 years or older
- you were paid AUD450 or more (before tax) in a month
See how to access your superannuation.
Proving you have been to Australia
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
