Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) — Visa2AU
Regional sponsorship with a PR pathway — incl. DAMA concessions. Category: Employer.
The 494 visa lets regional employers sponsor skilled workers for five years, with permanent residency (191) after three years of regional work. DAMA agreements add concessions on occupation, age, English and salary for designated regions.
At a glance
- Government charge: From AUD 4,910 (main applicant)
- Indicative professional fee: $5,500 AUD (employee side) (SAF levy and nomination fees itemised at engagement)
- Typical processing: 3–6 months (typical)
Eligibility
- Regional employer with SBS or DAMA labour agreement
- Occupation on the relevant regional list or DAMA occupation list
- Under 45 years (DAMA concessions may apply for some occupations)
- Skills assessment (mandatory for most occupations)
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0) — concessions under DAMA
- At least 3 years relevant experience (concessions may apply)
Key documents
- Nomination and sponsorship approvals (or DAMA endorsement)
- Skills assessment outcome
- Employment contract meeting AMSR/TSMIT (or DAMA concession)
- Qualifications and employment references
- English test results
Frequently asked questions
What is the DAMA and how does it help?
Designated Area Migration Agreements are region-specific labour agreements offering concessions — broader occupation lists, age concessions to 50–55 for some roles, lower English and salary thresholds. Each DAMA region has its own occupation list and endorsement process.
How does the 494 become permanent residency?
After three years living and working in the designated regional area on the 494 (with taxable income at or above the threshold), you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subclass 191.
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Source: https://visa2.au/visas/skilled-regional-494 · Visa2AU — MARN-registered migration agents (MARN 0534230, 2418663), North Sydney, Australia.