Australia Subclass 494 Visa: Trending Occupations & Complete Guide (2026)

Australia’s regional employer-sponsored visa program — Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) — has become a pivotal pathway for skilled workers to live, work, and settle in Australia’s regional areas. Unlike many metropolitan pathways, the 494 visa focuses on addressing skills shortages outside major cities, giving international professionals unique career opportunities and eventual pathways to permanent residency (PR).

Immigration Pointer brings you this detailed guide to the 494 program, diving deep into how it works and which occupations are currently in demand as of 2026.

What Is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 visa allows skilled workers to be employer-sponsored to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. After fulfilling the visa conditions — especially three years of regional work — holders may transition to Permanent Residency via Subclass 191.

Key features include:

• Employer must nominate a position in a regional area

• Occupation must be on the Subclass 494 occupation lists

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

• Skills assessment and English proficiency required

• Can lead to permanent residency after 3 years of work

Regional Australia includes all areas outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — extending into towns, regional cities, and rural communities.

Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 494 Visa?

To qualify, applicants must:
✔ Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer in a regional area
✔ Have an occupation on the Subclass 494 occupation lists
✔ Possess a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
✔ Have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the occupation
✔ Meet English language requirements
✔ Be under certain age limits (typically under 45)

How the Subclass 494 Occupation Lists Work

The occupation list for the 494 visa draws from two skills lists:

1. Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

2. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Together, these lists cover hundreds of eligible occupations — currently around 650 occupations — including healthcare, engineering, agriculture, IT, construction, education, and professional services.

This generous list means that skilled workers with varied backgrounds — from tech to farming — may qualify for regional employer sponsorship.

Current Occupation Trends (2026)

Here are top occupations in demand and trending for the Subclass 494 visa as of 2026, based on immigration policies, employer needs, and regional labour shortages:

🩺 1. Healthcare & Nursing

Healthcare continues to be a priority sector across Australia’s regional areas. Registered Nurses, Aged Care Workers, and Allied Health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists) are sought after, particularly due to workforce gaps in regional hospitals and aged care services.

Why it’s trending:

• Ongoing shortages in rural clinics and aged care centers

• Larger regional populations needing medical support

🏗️ 2. Construction & Engineering

There is strong demand for civil, structural and mining engineers, project managers, trades supervisors, and other construction experts in regional infrastructure projects.

Trend reasons:

• Regional development projects

• Expansion of infrastructure outside major cities

👩‍💼 3. Business & Professional Services

Accountants, Human Resource Managers, Supply Chain Managers, and Corporate Services professionals are emerging as in-demand roles as regional businesses grow and require skilled corporate leadership.

⚙️ 4. IT & Technology

Occupations in technology — such as software engineers, network analysts, or ICT support specialists — are increasingly in demand even in regional zones, as businesses digitalize operations.

👨‍🌾 5. Agricultural & Farming Roles

Farm managers, crop and livestock specialists, and agricultural technicians are essential in regional Australia’s farm-based economies.

Note: With a robust list of agriculture roles on the ROL, this sector offers significant opportunities.

👨‍🍳 6. Hospitality & Tourism Management

Chefs, hotel managers, and tourism professionals are needed as tourism continues to grow in Australia’s regional hubs — particularly after easing of travel restrictions.

📚 7. Education & Training

Regional schools and vocational training centers require educators, from early childhood to secondary teaching.

Salary & Job Market Insights for 494 Occupations

While salaries vary by role and location, typical trends include:

These salaries reflect regional labour value and demand for skilled professionals outside major cities.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

✔ Work & Live in Regional Australia: Offers lifestyle benefits and lower cost of living outside metropolitan areas.
✔ Pathway to Permanent Residency: After 3 years of approved work with the sponsor, you may apply for Subclass 191 PR.
✔ Family Inclusion: Partners and dependents can be included in the application.
✔ Employer Support: Employers play a key role in sponsoring skills where they cannot find local talent.

Conclusion

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa represents one of Australia’s most accessible and strategic pathways for skilled workers who want to build a career, life, and future in regional Australia. With a broad occupation list, ongoing regional demand, and clear route to PR, 494 is a compelling option for professionals across healthcare, engineering, IT, business services, agriculture, and education.

If your occupation is on the eligible list and you have relevant work experience, now is a great time to explore a regional sponsored opportunity with expert support from Immigration Pointer.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Australia Subclass 494 visa?
It’s a regional employer-sponsored provisional visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.

2. How many occupations are available for Subclass 494?
About 650 occupations are included across the MLTSSL and ROL.

3. Can this visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes — after 3 years of regional work with your sponsor, you may be eligible for Subclass 191 PR.

4. Do I need employer sponsorship?
Yes — your Australian employer must nominate you for the specific role.

5. Is there an age limit for Subclass 494?
Generally, applicants must be under 45 years at the time of application (with some exceptions).

6. Does the occupation list change?
Yes — lists are reviewed including MLTSSL and ROL to meet evolving labour needs.

7. What salary must I be paid?
The role must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and relevant salary benchmarks.

8. Can family members come with me?
Yes — partners and dependent children can be included.

9. Do regional areas include cities like Perth or Adelaide?
Some major cities may be designated regional for visa purposes, but requirements vary by area.

10. How long does the 494 visa processing take?
Processing times vary but typically take several months depending on case complexity and documentation.