Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional 494 Visa

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional 494 Visa

Your Opportunity to Work and Live in Regional Australia

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 Visa enables employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers where suitably qualified Australian workers are unavailable. This not only helps employers meet critical workforce needs but also provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live, work, and contribute to regional communities. This visa offers two main streams – Employer Sponsored Stream and  Labour Agreement Stream, and a Subsequent Entrant Stream to cater to various circumstances.

Start your journey to regional Australia with the 494 visa.

Book a one-on-one consultation with Knowbal today!

Benefits of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional (494) Visa

Let’s see what this visa has to offer for skilled workers and their families:


Work, Live, and Study

Stay in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years, contributing to local communities and economies.


Unlimited Travel

Travel to and from Australia as many times as needed while the visa remains valid.


Pathway to PR

Become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) after three years of holding the 494 visa.


Family Inclusion

Bring eligible family members with you to enjoy the same rights and opportunities in Australia.

These benefits make the 494 visa a perfect option for those looking to build a future in regional Australia. Let Knowbal help you make it a reality!

Eligibility Criteria for the 494 Visa

This visa ensures the program benefits both skilled workers and regional employers. Here are the detailed criteria for applying:

Employer Sponsored Stream

You must be nominated by an approved employer to work in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list. The nomination ensures alignment with regional labour market needs.

Labour Agreement Stream

For applicants nominated under a formal labour agreement, these are specific arrangements between the Australian Government and employers to address unique or high-demand roles.

Relevant Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of full-time, relevant work experience in their nominated occupation, proving their expertise and suitability.

Skills Assessment

A valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation is mandatory unless an exemption applies. This validates your qualifications and work experience.

Employment Obligations

You must commit to working exclusively for your sponsoring employer or an associated entity unless explicitly exempted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Age Limit

Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Certain exemptions may apply for critical skills or high-demand roles.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet minimum English language requirements, typically an IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent in another recognised test.

Meeting these criteria can be complex, but our experienced team ensures you’re fully prepared. Contact Knowbal today for an eligibility assessment and personalised guidance!

Contact us to check your eligibility today!

Knowbal Application Process

Applying for a 494 visa with Knowbal ensures a hassle-free experience. 

Here’s how we guide you:

We start by understanding your unique situation, career goals, and visa eligibility. This approach ensures that we personalise our guidance to meet your needs.

A dedicated visa expert will be assigned to your case, providing consistent support and expertise throughout the process.

We assist in collecting all necessary documents, including skills assessments, employer nominations, and evidence of eligibility, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Our team meticulously prepares and submits your application, ensuring all details comply with immigration standards to increase the likelihood of success.

Throughout the application process, we keep you informed about progress and address any queries you may have.

With Knowbal by your side, you can focus on preparing for your exciting future in Australia.

Schedule your personalised consultation today and take the first step toward your dream!
+61 3 9448 1800

Why Choose Knowbal?

When it comes to understanding Australia’s complex visa processes, Knowbal is a trusted name that delivers results.

1

Expert Visa Advice

Our team stays updated on all visa regulations and processes. This allows us to provide accurate, relevant, and practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

2

Complete Visa Assistance

From assessing your eligibility to managing documentation and submitting your application, we handle the entire process with utmost professionalism and care.

3

Proven Success Record

With a high approval rate and countless satisfied clients, our expertise speaks for itself. We’ve successfully helped individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their Australian migration goals.

4

Tailored Support

No two applicants are the same. We provide personalised solutions, ensuring our guidance is aligned with your career aspirations, family needs, and financial considerations.

4

Transparent Communication

At Knowbal, we prioritise clear and open communication. You’ll receive regular updates on your application status and have your questions answered promptly.

Choosing Knowbal means choosing a partner dedicated to your success. Let us simplify your journey to regional Australia and beyond!

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

Ravi chaudhary
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I am incredibly grateful to KNOWBAL MIGRATION TEAM for their exceptional support throughout my visa application process. I am especially thankful to Sushanti ma’am for her outstanding support throughout the entire process. I truly appreciate the time you took to explain the process and answer my questions. I couldn't have done it without their dedication and professionalism. Once again many thanks for your support.
Nikunj patel
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Exceptional Migration Services – Highly Recommended! My situation was extremely challenging, with my work rights revoked by the Department. However, thanks to their dedication, detailed understanding of migration laws, and personalized approach, they successfully helped me regain my work rights and navigate through the complexities of my case.
Patel Jignesh
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I to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional support and guidance you provided throughout my migration process. Your expertise, patience, and dedication made a significant difference, and I am truly grateful for your assistance. From the initial consultation to the final steps of securing my visa, your professionalism and attention to detail were evident. You made what could have been a stressful experience much smoother and more manageable.

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common — a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Employer Sponsored Visa is a provision that allows regional employers in Australia to sponsor skilled workers for specific roles that cannot be filled locally by Australian workers. This visa addresses labour shortages in regional areas, providing businesses with access to skilled professionals while offering workers a chance to live and work in vibrant regional communities.

Processing times for the 494 visa can vary depending on the specific stream:

  • Employer Sponsored Stream: Typically takes 6-7 months.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: Usually processed in 5-6 months.

This may also vary based on individual circumstances.

The base application fee for the 494 visa is AUD 4,770. Additional charges may apply for dependent family members or supplementary documentation requirements. Applicants should also budget for costs related to skills assessments, health checks, and other necessary steps in the application process.

The choice between a 494 visa and a 482 visa largely depends on individual goals and circumstances:

  • The 494 visa offers a direct pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after three years, making it ideal for those seeking long-term settlement in Australia.
  • The 482 Skills in Demand visa is a temporary work visa that allows you to work in any area of Australia but does not guarantee a direct pathway to PR.

At Knowbal, we can help you assess your situation and determine which visa best aligns with your career and residency goals. Contact us today for personalised advice!

Yes, the 494 visa allows eligible family members to join you in Australia. Your family members will have the same rights to live, work, and study in regional Australia while the visa is valid. The Subsequent Entrant Stream is designed specifically for family members who wish to join the primary visa holder after the visa has been granted.

If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal notice outlining the reasons. You may have the option to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal. Seeking professional guidance from Knowbal can significantly improve your chances of success in such cases.

Changing employers is possible, but the new employer must also be approved to sponsor 494 visa holders and be located in a designated regional area. You would need to apply for a new nomination and visa.

You must demonstrate at least ‘Competent’ English, which generally means achieving a score of at least 6 in the IELTS test or equivalent scores in other accepted English language tests.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal Today!

Take the Next Step with Knowbal

The 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional visa opens doors to incredible opportunities in regional Australia. Whether you’re looking to work, settle with your family or transition to permanent residency, Knowbal is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your free consultation today, and let’s bring your Australian dream to life!
+61 3 9448 1800