Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
A regional employer sponsors you for five years. Stay regional, keep your income up, and the 191 can make you permanent after three.
- Category
- Regional
- Type
- Employer-sponsored provisional visa, 5 years
- Salary floor
- A$79,423 and the market rate
- Government charge
- A$6,140 main applicant
- Leads to
- 191 PR after 3 years
- Our fee
- A$4,950 regional package
Start here
Do this
- Confirm the postcode is designated regional
- Get your skills assessment started early
- Keep payslips and tax returns organised
- Plan the 191 from day one
Avoid this
- Moving to a city after grant
- Letting income dip below the threshold
- Changing employer without advice
- Missing tax return deadlines
What a wrong turn can cost: Leaving the region or a low-income year can close the 191 pathway.
Are you on the right track?
- Is the job in a designated regional area?
- Do you have 3 years' experience?
- Do you have a skills assessment, or are exempt?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- A regional employer wants to sponsor you.
- You're happy to build a life outside the big cities.
- You're a regional employer who can't fill roles.
What changed
2026–27 Regional places reportedly cut. Confirm timing with us.
Who qualifies
- An employer in a designated regional area.
- An eligible occupation and a skills assessment unless exempt.
- 3 years' experience, Competent English, under 45 (some exemptions).
- Live and work regionally while on the visa.
Step by step
- Regional checkPostcode, occupation and salary.
- Skills assessmentUnless exempt.
- Sponsorship and advertisingFor the employer.
- Nomination and visaLodged together where possible.
- 191 trackerIncome and addresses tracked.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with Employer Sponsored Regional
- 1UnderstandA regional check of postcode, occupation and salary.
- 2PlanA written plan for you and the employer.
- 3PrepareSkills assessment and employer documents prepared.
- 4LodgeNomination and visa lodged.
- 5DestinationA 191 tracker from day one.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: Updates to you and the employer, then yearly 191 check-ins.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional check | Exact postcode confirmed | Assumed | Varies |
| Employer | Briefed with a pack | You chase them | Varies |
| Skills assessment | Coordinated with the visa | Separate project | Often separate |
| 191 | Tracked from day one | Remembered later | Rarely |
| Cost | A$4,950 package | Charges only | Varies |
Questions people ask
Is my town regional?
We check your exact postcode against the current Home Affairs list.
When can I get PR?
After 3 years on the 494 with qualifying income, through the 191.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
Regional package
Nomination, visa, skills assessment coordination and 191 planning.
Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement.
Book
Talk to us about Employer Sponsored Regional
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Official sources
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.