--- title: "Australia Employer Regional 494 2026: AUD 79.4k+/yr needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-sponsored-regional-494/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- Australia · Work # Australia Employer Regional 494 **Income needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Income needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k (Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) · Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for 494 nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from AUD 76,515). A fee of AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270) · Base application charge, main applicant. A fee of AUD 5,035 (≈ $3,510) · Base application charge for a primary applicant holding a Pacific-regional passport (concession from 1 July 2026). A fee of AUD 3,070 (≈ $2,140) · Additional applicant charge for each family member aged 18 or over. A fee of AUD 1,535 (≈ $1,070) · Additional applicant charge for each family member under 18. A fee of AUD 9,800 (≈ $6,820) · Second instalment for a primary applicant aged 18+ without functional English (AUD 4,890 for a secondary applicant).) - **First stay:** 5 yrs (Provisional visa for 5 years from grant; it cannot be extended. Permanent residence through subclass 191 can be applied for after 3 income years on the visa if its income and regional residence conditions are met.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport (Open to all nationalities.) - **Work:** Limited (Live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia; designated areas cover all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.) - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable.) ## Key facts Employer Regional 494 is a work route for Australia. Applicants need income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k. You can stay 5 yrs. Local work: limited. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source. - **Money needed:** AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k - **Government fees:** AUD 6,140 ≈ $4,270 · +4 more - **First stay:** 5 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: 3 government fees listed below; income to show AUD 79k+/yr ≈ $55k. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: AUD 6,140 ≈ $4,270 · +4 more** - AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270) Base application charge, main applicant. - AUD 5,035 (≈ $3,510) Base application charge for a primary applicant holding a Pacific-regional passport (concession from 1 July 2026). - AUD 9,800 (≈ $6,820) Second instalment for a primary applicant aged 18+ without functional English (AUD 4,890 (≈ $3,400) for a secondary applicant). - AUD 3,070 (≈ $2,140) Additional applicant charge for each family member aged 18 or over. - AUD 1,535 (≈ $1,070) Additional applicant charge for each family member under 18. **Shown, not spent: AUD 79k+/yr ≈ $55k** - AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for 494 nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from AUD 76,515 (≈ $53,300)). **Renewal: Renewal rules** The visa is granted for 5 years from the date of grant; the way to stay longer is permanent residence through subclass 191. [Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) **Permanent residence: After 3 years of residence** You can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) once you have given tax assessment notices for 3 relevant income years, each with taxable income at or above the amount set by the Minister, and have complied with your visa conditions. [Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) **Citizenship: After 4 years of residence** Citizenship by conferral needs 4 years lawfully in Australia, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months' total absence in the 4 years and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. [Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** You can be inside or outside Australia when the visa is granted, as long as you are not in immigration clearance. [Federal Register of Legislation](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Can't be renewed - Needs a job offer from an employer in Australia - Work rights are limited - Only up to age 44 ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - An approved employer nominates the applicant for a position in a designated regional area. - The applicant is under 45 when applying, unless an exemption applies. - The applicant has 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation, usually within the last 5 years. - The applicant holds a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation, unless exempt. - The applicant has at least competent English; the Labour Agreement stream follows the agreement. #### What you must show - Nominated earnings are at least AUD 79,423 (≈ $55,300) a year for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. - The base application charge is AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270) for the main applicant. #### Steps 1. The employer lodges the nomination and gives the applicant the nomination reference number to apply with. #### After you arrive - The holder lives, works and studies only in a designated regional area for 5 years. - The permanent Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) needs tax assessment notices for 3 income years on the regional visa, each with taxable income at least equal to the amount the Minister sets, and compliance with condition 8579 to live, work and study only in a designated regional area. ## When you become tax resident How Australia decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 5 years in total** - **Tax residence:** Residence is determined by the resides, domicile, 183-day and Commonwealth superannuation tests. - **Foreign-source income:** **Temporary residents** Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable. - **Special regime:** **Temporary resident exemption** · Tax relief [All tax rules for Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Five-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer for a job in a designated regional area, through the Employer Sponsored or Labour Agreement stream. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) #### What you must show and pay - Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300) · Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for 494 nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from AUD 76,515 (≈ $53,300)). (source 4) - A fee of AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270) · Base application charge, main applicant. (source 3) - A fee of AUD 5,035 (≈ $3,510) · Base application charge for a primary applicant holding a Pacific-regional passport (concession from 1 July 2026). (source 3) - A fee of AUD 3,070 (≈ $2,140) · Additional applicant charge for each family member aged 18 or over. (source 3) - A fee of AUD 1,535 (≈ $1,070) · Additional applicant charge for each family member under 18. (source 3) - A fee of AUD 9,800 (≈ $6,820) · Second instalment for a primary applicant aged 18+ without functional English (AUD 4,890 (≈ $3,400) for a secondary applicant). (source 3) #### Requirements - An approved employer nominates the applicant for a position in a designated regional area. (source 1) - The applicant is under 45 when applying, unless an exemption applies. (sources 1, 2) - The applicant has 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation, usually within the last 5 years. (source 1) - The applicant holds a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation, unless exempt. (source 1) - The applicant has at least competent English; the Labour Agreement stream follows the agreement. (sources 1, 2) - Nominated earnings are at least AUD 79,423 (≈ $55,300) a year for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026. (source 4) - The base application charge is AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270) for the main applicant. (source 3) - The employer lodges the nomination and gives the applicant the nomination reference number to apply with. (source 1) - The holder lives, works and studies only in a designated regional area for 5 years. (source 1) - The permanent Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) needs tax assessment notices for 3 income years on the regional visa, each with taxable income at least equal to the amount the Minister sets, and compliance with condition 8579 to live, work and study only in a designated regional area. (source 5) #### Stay - Provisional visa for 5 years from grant; it cannot be extended. Permanent residence through subclass 191 can be applied for after 3 income years on the visa if its income and regional residence conditions are met. - Initial permitted stay: 60 months. - Visa validity: 60 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay. - Not renewable according to our source. #### Nationality Open to all nationalities. #### Work Live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia; designated areas cover all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. #### Family Partner and dependent children can be included in the application; a dependent child can be added before the decision. #### Fine print The taxable income amount for subclass 191 is set by ministerial instrument; the current amount could not be confirmed on an official page when last checked on 12 October 2026. Checked 2026-10-12 ## Official sources 1. [Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494): Employer Sponsored stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494/employer-sponsored-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494): Labour Agreement stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494/labour-agreement-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1416) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-01 5. [Migration Regulations 1994, Compilation No. 288 (1 July 2026), Volume 2: Schedule 2 clauses 191.221 and 191.222](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/pdf/2) · Office of Parliamentary Counsel, Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-07-01 6. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-01 7. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11 ## Employer Regional 494 and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Employer Regional 494 | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | 5 yr | Limited | | [Employer Nomination 186](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/employer-nomination-186/) | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | – | – | | [Skills in Demand · Core](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-core/) | Needs income of AUD 79k+ a year ≈ $55k | 4 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Skills in Demand · Labour deal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-labour-agreement/) | – | 4 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Skills in Demand · Specialist](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skills-in-demand-482-specialist/) | Needs income of AUD 147k+ a year ≈ $102k | 4 yr, renewable | Yes | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Employer Regional 494? Income of at least AUD 79,423 a year (≈ $55,300). Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for 494 nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from AUD 76,515 (≈ $53,300)). A fee of AUD 6,140 (≈ $4,270). Base application charge, main applicant. A fee of AUD 5,035 (≈ $3,510). Base application charge for a primary applicant holding a Pacific-regional passport (concession from 1 July 2026). A fee of AUD 3,070 (≈ $2,140). Additional applicant charge for each family member aged 18 or over. ### How long can I stay on the Employer Regional 494? Provisional visa for 5 years from grant; it cannot be extended. ### Can I work on the Employer Regional 494? Limited. Live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia; designated areas cover all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. ### Can I bring my family on the Employer Regional 494? Partner and dependent children can be included in the application; a dependent child can be added before the decision. ### Does the Employer Regional 494 lead to permanent residence in Australia? Time on the Employer Regional 494 counts toward permanent residence in Australia, which the rules allow after 3 years of residence. Time on the Employer Regional 494 counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 4 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Employer Regional 494 holders in Australia? Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income: Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Temporary resident exemption for most foreign-source income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/#tax-au-temporary-resident-foreign-income) Tax relief Foreign-source income: Temporary residents **Details** - On: Most foreign-source income (exempt) - Who: Hold a temporary visa Temporary residents who are Australian tax residents generally do not pay Australian tax on most foreign-source income; Australian-source income stays taxable. #### Taxed on Most foreign-source income (exempt); Australian-source income and capital gains on taxable Australian property remain taxable. #### Who it applies to - Hold a temporary visa. - Neither the individual nor their spouse (if any) is an Australian resident under the Social Security Act 1991 (not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or protected Special Category visa holder). #### Exclusions - Income from employment or services performed overseas while a temporary resident can still be taxed in Australia, depending on facts and any tax treaty. - Not available to someone who has at any time after 6 April 2006 been an Australian resident without a temporary visa and with an Australian-resident spouse. #### Tax residence A temporary resident can be an Australian resident or a foreign resident for tax purposes; the four statutory residency tests (resides, domicile, 183-day, Commonwealth superannuation) decide residence separately. #### Visas Requires a temporary visa; no particular subclass carries the exemption itself. #### Other taxes Foreign tax paid on income declared may qualify for a foreign-source income tax offset; foreign-source income and deductions are converted to AUD. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/tax/) ## More in Australia [National Innovation 858](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/national-innovation-858/) [Skilled Independent 189](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-independent-189/) [Skilled Nominated 190](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-nominated-190/) [Skilled Regional 491](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/skilled-work-regional-491/) [Work and Holiday 462](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/work-holiday-462/) [Working Holiday 417](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/working-holiday-417/) [Student visa 500](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/student-500/) [Graduate visa 485](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/temporary-graduate-485/) ## Work visas elsewhere [🇹🇭 LTR · Highly Skilled](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/thailand/ltr-highly-skilled-professional/) [🇯🇵 Highly Skilled Professional](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/highly-skilled-professional/) [🇮🇩 Special talent visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/indonesia/e33a-special-talent-sponsored/) [🇦🇪 Golden · Senior specialist](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-arab-emirates/golden-specialised-professional/) [🇸🇬 Employment Pass](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/singapore/employment-pass/) [🇲🇾 Residence Pass-Talent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/malaysia/rp-t/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-12 against 7 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494): Employer Sponsored stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494/employer-sponsored-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494): Labour Agreement stream](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494/labour-agreement-stream) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation current at 1 July 2026): Part 1 definitions, Schedule 1 visa application charges](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1416) · Department of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Migration Regulations 1994, Compilation No. 288 (1 July 2026), Volume 2: Schedule 2 clauses 191.221 and 191.222](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/pdf/2) · Office of Parliamentary Counsel, Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-12 6. [Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2 (points system notes: pass marks set by ministerial instrument under section 96)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/2026-07-01/2026-07-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_2/document_2.html) · Federal Register of Legislation · checked 2026-10-10 7. [Australian Citizenship Act 2007, section 22 (general residence requirement)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2007A00020/2026-06-04/2026-06-04/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html) · Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.