494 Labour Agreement Visa – Skilled Regional Employer Sponsorship

Home >

Labour Agreement >

Visa >

494 LA

What is the 494 Labour Agreement Visa?

The 494 Labour Agreement Visa (Labour Agreement stream of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa) allows Australian regional employers with a labour agreement in place to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions where local talent cannot be sourced.
This stream is designed for long-term regional workforce needs and offers a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Who Can Use the 494 Labour Agreement Stream?

Regional employers with an approved Labour Agreement (Industry, DAMA, Company-Specific, or Project)
Industries and areas facing persistent skill shortages in regional Australia
Workers nominated for occupations included in the employer’s Labour Agreement

Key Features & Benefits

5-year regional visa with full work rights
Pathway to permanent residence (191 visa) after 3 years
Broader occupation lists and possible concessions in English, salary, age, and skills—depending on your agreement
Suitable for DAMA and other regionally negotiated labour agreements

Eligibility Criteria

For Employers:

Hold a current Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs
Operate a business in a designated regional area
Nominate an occupation included in the agreement
Meet sponsorship, pay, and employment compliance requirements

For Workers:

Be nominated for a position in the labour agreement
Meet skills, qualifications, and experience requirements (specific to the agreement)
Meet English language requirements (concessions may apply)
Pass health and character checks
Be under 45 or 55 years of age (check your agreement for concessions)

Visa Duration & PR Pathway

Up to 5 years (no extension needed if PR is achieved)
PR eligibility (191 visa): After 3 years of regional work, with minimum salary requirements met

Key Concessions

Depending on your agreement, concessions may include:

Lower English language requirements
Reduced salary thresholds (TSMIT or CSIT), especially for regional or industry-specific needs
Higher age limits (up to 55 years for some occupations/agreements)
Access to additional occupations not on the standard list

Always check your specific Labour Agreement or get expert advice.

Application Process

Employer negotiates and secures a Labour Agreement (DAMA, Industry, Company-Specific, Project)
Nominate a skilled overseas worker for a covered occupation
Apply for the 494 Labour Agreement Visa (include all supporting documents and agreement details)
Visa granted: Worker and family can live and work in regional Australia
PR transition: After 3 years, apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visa

Need Help with the 494 Labour Agreement Visa?

Our expert team helps regional employers and skilled workers::

Assess eligibility and secure agreements
Prepare compliant nominations and applications
Navigate PR transition and compliance obligations

🚀 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

Who is eligible for the 494 Labour Agreement visa?

Skilled workers nominated by approved regional employers with a valid Labour Agreement.

What occupations can be sponsored?

Only those included in your employer’s Labour Agreement—often broader than standard lists.

Is PR available?

Yes, after 3 years of full-time regional work and meeting salary and other criteria.

What concessions are possible?

English, salary, age, and skills concessions—check your agreement or contact us.

Can family members be included?

Yes, all eligible dependants can be included.