What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study only in designated regional areas for 5 years
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- Apply for permanent residence after holding the visa for 3 years, if eligible
Key requirements
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor for a position in a designated regional area
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a positive skills assessment, obtained before you apply
- Be under 45 when you apply (some exemptions apply)
- Have at least Competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
What counts as regional?
Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That means jobs in cities such as Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Canberra can qualify.
Your obligations
You must start work within 90 days of arriving in Australia, or of the grant date if you were granted the visa in Australia. Unless you have held the 494 for 3 years, you can't make a valid application for some other visas, including a subclass 820 Partner visa.