The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) is a type of visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa is designed to support employers in regional areas of Australia to fill skilled job vacancies and address skill shortages.

To be eligible for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), you must have a job offer from an Australian employer in a regional area of Australia and meet the minimum eligibility requirements for your occupation. You must also meet health and character requirements and have good English language skills.

There are three streams under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494):

1. The Employer-Sponsored stream: This stream is for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an Australian employer in a regional area of Australia.

2. The Labor Agreement stream: This stream is for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer under a labor agreement.

3. The Subsequent Entry stream: This stream is for family members of someone who holds a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) or a subclass 491 or 494 visa.

If your application is successful, you will be granted a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to five years. After living and working in a regional area for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a registered migration agent to determine your eligibility and improve your chances of successfully obtaining the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).