Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) – Subclass 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa requires skilled workers to be nominated by an approved regional employer for a position in a designated regional area of Australia.

main streams under this visa

Employer Sponsored Stream

For skilled workers nominated by an approved regional employer

Labour Agreement Stream

for workers sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government

Why Choose the SESR Subclass 494 Visa?

  • This visa offers several advantages, including:
  • Up to 5 years of living, working, and studying in a designated regional area of Australia
  • Full work rights for the visa holder and eligible family members
  • Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
  • A pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after meeting eligibility requirements

Steps to Apply for a SESR Subclass 494 Visa

  • The application process typically involves the following stages:
  • Employer Nomination – The employer nominates a skilled worker for a role in a designated regional area
  • Visa Application –The nominated worker lodges their visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
  • Key Eligibility Requirements To qualify for a Subclass 494 visa, both the sponsoring employer and the visa applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Employers must

  • Be a legally established and actively operating business in a designated regional area of Australia
  • Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position within the organisation
  • Meet sponsorship and compliance obligations as set by the Department of Home Affairs
  • Conduct labour market testing for a minimum of 4 weeks
  • Provide employment terms and conditions that are in line with Australian workplace standards

Applicants must

  • Be nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area
  • Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
  • Have the skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to the nominated occupation
  • Meet English language proficiency requirements (unless exempt)
  • Satisfy health and character requirements

How We Can Help

  • Assess your eligibility and recommend the right visa option
  • Assist employers with sponsorship, nomination, and compliance requirements
  • Guide visa applicants through the documentation and application process
  • Provide advice on pathways to permanent residency and long-term migration goals

Meet Our Experts

Sonal Agrawal

Principal Migration Agent and Director, MARN: 1169617

Deepak Agrawal

Business Development Manager

Kirby Nghiem

Registered Migration Agent, MARN: 2519054

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