Published Jul 6 | 2025
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494
What is Subclass 494?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa under subclass 494 operates as a provisional visa to address skill shortages in regional Australian territories. The Australian government introduced this visa on 16 November 2019 to replace the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (Subclass 187). Skilled workers can achieve permanent residency through this 5-year visa by working in regional Australia because it allocates 9,000 places yearly to people in over 700 eligible occupations.
Visa Streams
Employers use this stream to nominate positions which require skills they cannot find in Australian workers.
The Australian Government authorises specific occupations through formal Labour Agreements which employers use to sponsor skilled workers beyond standard visa program possibilities.
Visa Details
Stay: Up to 5 years from the date of visa grant.
Where you can live: All regional areas except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (e.g., Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart, etc.).
Position Requirements (Employer Responsibilities)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Genuine Position | Must exist as an actual business necessity. |
| Full-time | Must offer full-time employment. |
| Long-term | Expected to exist for at least 5 years. |
| Market Salary Compliant | Annual salary must meet or exceed the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for that occupation AND be at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). |
| Labour Market Testing | Required to demonstrate no suitable Australian workers are available. |
| Fair Conditions | Employment conditions no less favourable than for Australian workers. |
Employer Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional Operation | Must operate in a designated regional area. |
| Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) | Must hold an approved Standard Business Sponsor status (approval lasts for five years, showing business can employ foreign workers). |
| Regional Certifying Body (RCB) Advice | Must receive positive RCB advice prior to submitting the position nomination. |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | Must pay a one-time SAF levy for each nominee (AUD $3,000 for turnover < $10M; AUD $5,000 for turnover > $10M). |
Employee Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 45 years (unless exempt). |
| Occupation | Must be on the relevant 494 skilled occupation list (SOL / ROL). |
| Skills Assessment | Valid positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (unless exempt). |
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years full-time, post-qualification experience (need not be continuous). |
| English Proficiency | Competent English (IELTS 6 each band or equivalent), unless exempt. |
| Health & Character | Meet standard Australian requirements (police clearances for each country lived in 12+ months in past 10 years; undergo medicals). |
Subclass 494 – Processing Times
The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream, your profile, and Department workload. Refer to the official government source for current timeframes.
đź”— Check current visa processing times.
Potential Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR )
Eligibility for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa generally requires:
- Holding the 494 visa for at least 3 years.
- Living & working in a designated regional area for 3 years.
- Earning taxable income at or above TSMIT for 3 of the 5 years on the 494.
- Meeting health and character criteria (partner can be main applicant if eligible).
 A one-off payment for each nominee:
- $3,000 (turnover < $10M)
- $5,000 (turnover ≥ $10M)
It supports training for Australian workers.
Yes. You must advertise the role for at least 28 days and prove no suitable local candidate is available.
Yes, but you’ll need to show you’re genuinely operating and financially able to meet sponsorship obligations.
You must:
- Cooperate with Department audits
- Maintain accurate records
- Notify the Department of any major changes
- Provide fair employment terms (equal to local staff)
5 years from the date it’s granted.
Yes, but:
- The new employer must lodge a new nomination
- You usually have 90–180 days to make the switch
You must keep working in your nominated occupation and in a regional area
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application or join later. They must also live, work, or study in a designated regional area.
 Yes. You’re eligible to enrol in Medicare for subsidised healthcare.
You must:
- Live and work in a designated regional area
- Work only for your nominating employer
- Start work within 90 days of grant/arrival
- Follow all Australian laws
Breaking these conditions may lead to visa cancellation.
Usually not. Most visa options are restricted due to the “no further stay” condition. Your main PR pathway is through the Subclass 191 after 3 years.
Yes! You can leave and re-enter Australia multiple times during the 5-year visa period. Time overseas doesn’t extend your visa.
While the 494 visa doesn’t get you permanent residency automatically in Australia, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of residing in Australia via 191 visa.
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) was the visa permanent residence visa for skilled workers who satisfy the requirement.
You may be able to buy Australian property while on a 494 visa. You need to gain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and may have to meet some criteria.
Full time and equivalent part-time work might be considered but casual work isn’t unfortunately. Generally, one should gain experience within the 5-year time frame and the period doesn’t need to be continuous.
You can’t stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. If eligible, you have an option to apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.
Are You Ready?
If you are an employer, partner with Questra to navigate sponsorship, RCB advice, nomination and ongoing compliance.
If you are an employee, let our migration specialists assess your eligibility and guide you toward regional permanent residency.
Success Rate
Maximise your chances of a successful outcome with our highly experienced team.
Payments
We offer split fee payments to assist you financially whilst your application is being prepared. It’s easy to make a start!
Technology
Our team of developers build technology to help streamline the workflow of our migration team and improve the client experience for our clients
Partner
Our clients love our service! Check out our reviews for yourself. You too could be receiving a phone call from us with your visa approval.
Certainty
Know exactly every cent you will be paying upfront with no hidden additional charges along the journey with our transparent fees.
Seamless
We take the stress out of preparing and lodging visa applications.
We do this every day of the working week.