Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

For 494/491 purposes, "regional Australia" covers everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas. That includes:

• Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong
• All of Tasmania, Northern Territory, ACT
• Most of WA, SA, and regional NSW/VIC/QLD

The list is updated annually. Check the "Designated Regional Areas" postcode list at home affairs before targeting a job.

When 494 beats 491. If your points score is below 65 but you have a regional employer offer, 494 is the route. Doesn't require points test pass.

Strong fit for SA tradies + healthcare. Regional hospitals (NSW, QLD, TAS) and tradie firms (mining, agriculture) actively hire SA candidates on 494 because they struggle to fill roles locally.

Plan the 5-year regional life. You're committed to a regional area for 3+ years. Visit first if possible — some applicants underestimate the isolation in genuinely remote areas. Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Newcastle are "regional" but very liveable.

Income threshold matters. The 191 PR application checks tax records for 3 years of AMSR-level income. Side gigs or part-time work below the threshold can disqualify you. Plan for a stable salaried role.