Typical timeline
12 months
Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.
- Typical timeline
- 12 months
Is this for you?
- Be nominated by an approved employer for a position in a designated regional area.
- Be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.
- Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list, and a suitable skills assessment.
- Meet the English language standard for your stream.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Not for you if
- No approved regional employer nomination.
- Occupation not on MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL.
- Aged 45 or over at application without an exemption.
Not a match? Other routes in Australia
Job offer
RequirementRequired
A qualifying offer is needed for this route.
Program overview
Overview
Advising Indian applicants on Australian immigration since 2009, from our Koramangala office in Bangalore.
Client testimonials
“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2
Why work with us
A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.
- Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
- Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
- End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
- Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
- Licensed local agents
- KYC/AML workflows
- Transparent fee schedule
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Eligibility
- Be nominated by an approved employer for a position in a designated regional area.
- Be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.
- Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list, and a suitable skills assessment.
- Meet the English language standard for your stream.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Key benefits
- 5-year visa with a clear permanent residency pathway through subclass 191 after 3 years.
- No points test — selection is by employer nomination, not by score.
- Partner and dependent children included, with work and study rights.
- Draws on a wider occupation list than subclass 189 — MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL all count.
- Lower competition than the points-tested routes, where cut-offs now reach 80-100.
Who this program is NOT for
- No approved regional employer nomination.
- Occupation not on MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL.
- Aged 45 or over at application without an exemption.
- Position located outside a designated regional area.
Not a match? Explore other programs in Australia.
Government fees
Total (AUD): A$6,140
- Subclass 494 — primary applicant visa application charge
—
A$6,140
Application process
Process
How it works
Step 1: Secure a regional job offer
Find an approved employer with a position in a designated regional area.
GuidedStep 2: Skills assessment
Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
GuidedStep 3: Employer nomination
Your employer lodges the nomination with Home Affairs.
GuidedStep 4: Lodge the visa application
Apply for the subclass 494 and pay the visa application charge.
GuidedStep 5: Health, character and decision
Complete medicals and police checks, then await the decision.
GuidedStep 6: Live and work regionally, then apply for PR
After 3 years holding the 494 and meeting the income threshold, apply for subclass 191.
Guided
Frequently asked questions
No. It is a provisional visa valid for 5 years. You apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa after holding it for 3 years and meeting the taxable income threshold.
Yes. Subclass 187 closed to new applications on 16 November 2019, and subclass 494 is its direct replacement for regional employer sponsorship.
No. Selection is by employer nomination. That is why it is often a more realistic route than subclass 189, where invitation scores now reach 80 to 100.
Home Affairs processes 50% of Employer Sponsored stream applications in 8 months and 90% within 12 months. The Labour Agreement stream is faster at 4 and 12 months.
Occupations on the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL. That is a wider pool than subclass 189, which uses MLTSSL only.
Designated regional areas, which exclude Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra and the Gold Coast are included. Confirm your specific postcode with an adviser.
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