Islamabad, Aug 9, 2025: Australia remains a top destination for skilled workers looking to build a better life with their families. One important visa helping them is the Australia Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional) visa.
This visa lets professionals live and work in regional parts of Australia for up to five years, with a clear path to permanent residency.
What is Subclass 494 Visa?
The Australian government introduced this visa to address skill shortages in regional towns and cities. Employers in these areas sponsor skilled foreign workers to fill jobs they can’t find local workers for. This visa not only allows you to work and live in regional Australia but also gives your family full rights to study and work there.
Main Features of Subclass 494
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Live, work, and study in regional Australia
- Bring eligible family members with full rights
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191 visa)
- Requires sponsorship by a regional employer
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be under 45 years old
- Have a valid skills assessment in your occupation
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Be nominated by a regional Australian employer
- Meet English language requirements and health checks
Employers also have to prove they can’t find local workers, offer a full-time job for 5 years, and meet all labor market rules.
READ MORE: Australia Working Holiday Visa 2025: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply?
- Get your skills assessed by the relevant authority.
- Find a regional employer willing to sponsor you.
- Employer applies for nomination approval.
- Submit your visa application online with all documents.
- Wait for processing (usually 6 to 10 months).
- Once approved, move to Australia and start working.
READ MORE: Australia Opens 5-Year Work Visa with PR Path – Here’s How to Apply
Benefits and Conditions
While on this visa, you must live and work in the nominated regional area and with your sponsoring employer. After three years, if you meet income and residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa.
Can Family Join?
Yes! Your spouse and children can join you, enjoy full work and study rights, but must also pass health and character checks.
In short, the Australia Subclass 494 visa is a golden opportunity for skilled Pakistanis to settle in Australia’s regional areas with family, enjoy work and study rights, and eventually gain permanent residency. If you want a new life in Australia, this visa is worth exploring.
