EMC Australia / Subclass 494
An employer-sponsored regional visa — not a 491.
494 is nominated by a regional employer. It is provisional. It is not the points-tested 491, and it is not a 186. Skills assessment, the regional position and the employer’s nomination all have to fit. Direction 122 applies to processing order.
Who this page is for
- A regional employer wants to nominate you
- You are comparing 494 with 491 or 186
- You already hold a 494 and need the next permanent step named
How it works
What you do before anyone grants a visa
Occupation, a skills assessment, and an honest points claim come first. The subclass number is how the Department labels the visa.
Nomination
Designated regional Australia
Regional employer nomination
The position has to be in regional Australia as the instrument defines it — not a suburb people call regional.
The employer’s nomination is a separate application from your visa.
In or from outside Australia
Your 494 visa
Skills assessment, English, health and character, against the nominated occupation.
Conditions after grant usually include living and working in regional Australia.
Your 494 visaNext visa
Australia
Permanent residence later
494 is not permanent on grant. The later visa depends on the stream and the time you actually served.
Do not assume 186 or 191 from a 494 without checking the current pathway.
How EMC works
How we help
01
491 or 494
491 is points-tested or family-sponsored regional. 494 is employer-nominated regional. We will not mix the two.
02
The region, as defined
Postcodes change in instruments. We check the current definition, not a Facebook map.
First conversation
What to bring
- Passport, current visa, skills assessment if you have one
- The regional employer’s details and the position
- Where you are willing to live
Before you apply
Things that go wrong
- A 491 nomination is not a 494 nomination.
- Regional means the instrument, not the employer’s marketing.
- The later permanent visa is a separate application.
Questions
People ask this first
No. 491 is points-tested (or some family pathways). 494 needs a regional employer to nominate you.
Start with your situation.
You do not need the visa number to start. Book a consultation, or send us a message.
MARN 1800335 · Level 14, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Related topics
This page is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Australian migration law changes. You should consult a Registered Migration Agent before you apply. EMC Australia is OMARA-registered (MARN 1800335).