Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494

Build Your Future in Regional Australia — With Employer Support

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build a permanent migration pathway through regional employer sponsorship.

This visa is designed to help regional employers fill labour shortages while offering skilled migrants the chance to settle outside of major metropolitan areas.

What Is the SESR 494 Visa?

The SESR Visa is a provisional visa that enables skilled professionals to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. You must be nominated by an approved employer located in one of these regions.

After three years, you may become eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Why Apply for This Visa?

This visa provides a clear and supported pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who want to live and contribute to regional Australia.

• Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years
• Pathway to PR via Subclass 191
• Include family members in your application
• Support from an approved regional employer
• Access unique community and lifestyle benefits

Who Should Consider It?

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals who are:

• Open to relocating to regional or low-growth areas
• Seeking long-term residency and employment security
• Working in occupations in demand across regional Australia

SESR Visa Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at time of application
• Be nominated by an approved regional employer
• Work in an eligible occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Have at least 3 years of skilled work experience
• Hold a positive skills assessment
• Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Meet health and character requirements

Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Secure a job offer from a regional Australian employer
2. Employer lodges nomination
3. You submit the visa application
4. Provide supporting documents
5. Complete medicals and police checks
6. Await outcome (typically 4–9 months)

What You’ll Need

• Valid passport
• Skills assessment and work history
• Employer nomination reference
• English test results
• Police clearances and health exam results

Health & Character Requirements

• Medical exams via approved panel clinics
• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months

Why Apply with Us?

We’re here to help you take advantage of the opportunities that regional Australia offers.

✅ Skilled visa planning with PR pathway advice

✅ Employer and nomination coordination

✅ Full support through the application process

✅ Post-visa guidance on Subclass 191 transition

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DISCLAIMER: This information is general in nature. For the most accurate and updated advice, visit the Department of Home Affairs.