Your Guide to the 494 Visa Australia and Its Key Requirements

The 494 visa Australia helps skilled workers to build a future for themselves and find career opportunities in Australia. It connects them to employers who are also seeking talent and opens up doors to multiple prospects. The procedure for applying for this visa is easy to understand once you know all the requirements associated with it. Here is a guide that will help you navigate through the key steps you need to undertake before applying for the visa:

A Brief Overview of the Skilled Employer Visa Subclass 494

This provisional visa allows regional employers to address identified labor shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where Australian skilled workers cannot be sourced.

Similarly, a skilled overseas worker can make a major contribution to Australia by filling roles in occupations that are currently facing skill shortages.

Also Read: How To Get PR In Australia And Citizenship

Subclass 494 Visa Fees

The cost of the visa subclass 494 is AUD 4,910.00 for the main applicant. For a spouse, it is AUD 2,455, and for children under 18, the cost is AUD 1,230.

There is also a scenario of the Second Visa Application Charge (VAC), which is AUD 4,890, if the adult applicant has not been assessed as having “Functional English” language ability.

General Requirements of 494 Visa

Given below are the basic 494 DAMA visa requirements:

Be aged under 45 at the time of visa application.
Be able to demonstrate competent English language skills at the time of application.
Previous employment in the nominated occupation on a full-time basis for at least 3 years, and be at the skill level required for that occupation. Three years of experience should have been gained in the last five years, but it does not have to be continuous. Part-time work might be considered, but casual work is not taken into account.
If you are already in Australia, there has to be either a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B, or C.
Successful skills assessment at the time of the application.

Must Read: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Australian PR

Employer and Job Offer Requirements of the 494 Visa

Let us quickly go through the subclass 494 visa requirements in terms of employer and job opportunities:

The sponsoring employer has to be located in a designated regional area of Australia, i.e., everywhere except the locations of Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Regional areas include Gold Coast, Lake Macquarie, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Illawarra, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart.
The nominated occupation has to be on the list of eligible occupations mandatorily.
The position has to be taken up full-time and is likely to remain available for 5 years.
The sponsoring employer will require approval from the appropriate Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
The sponsoring employer must have the intention of paying at least the Australian market salary.

Must Read: What Is The Minimum Points Requirement For Australia PR Eligibility?

Pros and Cons of 494 Visa Australia

Here is a table for you to understand the pros and cons for employers while applying for the 494 visa:

Pros	Cons
Employers get to hire candidates from a global talent pool.	Navigating the pathway of this visa can be complicated and costly to some extent.
Businesses can achieve streamlined growth by successfully filling the skilled shortage.	The Australian market salary rate increases with each new financial year.
Supports skilled workers through the Australian permanent residency, supporting excellent retention.	Employers must also ensure full compliance with the mentioned sponsorship obligations.
Regional employers can also contribute positively to a better workforce in regional Australia.	New hires might require additional support to adapt to regional Australian workplaces.

Similarly, let us understand the list of pros and cons for visa applicants through this table:

Pros	Cons
A clear pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia.	The applicant has to continue living in regional Australia with their nominated employer for the duration of the visa and until permanent residency is provided.
Living and working in regional Australia.	Strict requirements for documents.
Access to the public healthcare system, also known as Medicare.	The visa costs involved might become expensive.
Dependents, such as a spouse and children, can also be added to the visa application.
A chance to build a life in Australia with long-term security.

494 Visa SAF Levy for Employers

All employers who are sponsoring a foreign worker for the subclass 494 are required to pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This amount generally varies on the basis of the size of the business. There are discounts available where the person being sponsored already has a 494 visa and is seeking to change employers.

Here is a table to understand the SAF levy rates:

Years elapsed on existing visa	Annual turnover< AUD 10,000,000	Annual turnover> AUD 10,000,000
No existing visa for less than a year.	AUD 3000	AUD 5000
Between 1 and 2 years.	AUD 2400	AUD 4000
Between 2 and 3 years.	AUD 1800	AUD 3000
Between 3 and 4 years.	AUD 1200	AUD 2000
Between 4 and 5 years.	AUD 600	AUD 1000

How to Apply for the Subclass 494

Here are the steps you need to go through while applying, after you understand the requirements for the 494 visa:

Step 1: Skills Assessment

You have to undergo a skills assessment test by the appropriate assessing body to evaluate your qualifications and experience.

Step 2: Getting a Job Offer

Obtain a prospective employer within a specific regional area, and also secure a designated employer who is willing to sponsor the visa.

Step 3: Employer Nomination

The employer has to file a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), demonstrating that there is nobody available as a local worker.

Step 4: Applying for the Visa

After the nomination is in the correct place, you can apply for the subclass 494 visa online through your ImmiAccount. You can also present all the required documents and pay the fees.

Step 5: Processing and Decision

The average processing time is 6-10 months. You will also be requested to provide additional documents during this period.

Step 6: Migration to Australia

When the approval is granted, you and your family can move to the sponsoring regional area and start to work.

Also Read: Easiest Way to Migrate to Australia: Guide for 2025

Conclusion

The 494 visa presents opportunities to both skilled workers and regional employers as a structured way to satisfy labour demands. Acquiring proper knowledge about the costs, requirements, and associated application phases can equip you well to undergo the process. This visa also provides a pathway towards permanent residency, making it a priceless option for many applicants. If these steps feel overwhelming, consider understanding how registered migration agents can help, ensuring your documents are accurate and adhere to the expected standards.

FAQs

1. How long is the 494 visa valid?

The subclass 494 visa is valid for up to 5 years from the date the visa is granted.

2. Can I apply for permanent residency with a 494 visa?

You have to live and work in Australia on the 494 visa for at least 3 years to apply for permanent residency.

3. Who is eligible to sponsor for a 494 visa?

Only a standard business sponsor from a designated regional area of Australia can nominate a person for this visa.

4. Is there an age limit for the 494 visa?

Yes, applicants have to be under 45 years of age to qualify for this visa.

5. What are the 494 visa English requirements?

Applicants must have competent English, with a minimum IELTS score of 6 in each test section.

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