Regional employers across Australia face genuine gaps in skilled roles that local recruitment cannot fill. The Subclass 494 visa allows approved businesses in designated regional areas to sponsor overseas workers for these positions, addressing workforce shortages that would otherwise go unresolved. For the worker, it means the right to live and work in a regional community for up to five years, with full-time employment tied to the sponsoring employer and eligible family members able to join the application. Once the relevant residency and employment requirements are met, visa holders may also become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Sheen Migration acts for both sides of this process, employers seeking to sponsor and applicants seeking sponsorship. Our specialists assess eligibility, prepare the nomination and manage lodgement from the first enquiry through to a decision. We also advise sponsoring employers on their ongoing obligations, so the sponsorship remains compliant well beyond the initial application. Every case is reviewed on its own facts, giving both applicant and employer a clear view of requirements, timelines and next steps.