494 Visa Occupation List: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Australia’s skilled migration program offers various pathways for overseas professionals, and the Subclass 494 visa—also known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa—is a key option for those wanting to work and live in regional Australia. If you're considering this route, one of the first things you need to check is the 494 visa occupation list.

In this article, we'll break down what the 494 visa is, how the occupation list works, which roles are eligible in 2025, and how to make the most of this migration opportunity.

What Is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The 494 visa is a provisional, employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia. It’s valid for up to 5 years, and visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency through the 191 visa after meeting certain requirements (such as living and working in a regional area for 3 years).

Why the 494 Visa Occupation List Matters

To qualify for the 494 visa, your occupation must be listed on the relevant occupation list, and your skills must be assessed by an approved authority.

The 494 visa occupation list is crucial because:

  • ✅ It determines eligibility for the visa

  • ✅ It guides employers on what roles can be sponsored

  • ✅ It reflects Australia’s regional workforce needs

This list includes a wide range of skilled occupations across industries such as health, engineering, trades, agriculture, IT, and education.

Key Occupations on the 494 Visa Occupation List (2025)

While the exact list is updated by the Australian Government, here are some commonly included occupations in 2025:

🔧 Trades and Engineering

  • Electrician (General)

  • Fitter and Turner

  • Motor Mechanic

  • Welder (First Class)

  • Civil Engineer

  • Mechanical Engineer

💻 IT and Technology

  • Software Engineer

  • ICT Business Analyst

  • Systems Administrator

  • Web Developer

🏥 Healthcare and Medical

  • Registered Nurse (Aged Care, Medical, Mental Health)

  • General Practitioner

  • Physiotherapist

  • Medical Laboratory Technician

📚 Education

  • Secondary School Teacher (Mathematics, Science)

  • Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher

  • Special Needs Teacher

🚜 Agriculture and Regional Skills

  • Agricultural Technician

  • Veterinarian

  • Farm Manager

  • Forestry Worker

📌 Always check the official occupation list from the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent, as roles may be added or removed periodically.

Skill Assessment Requirements

Applicants must undergo a skills assessment for their occupation through an approved authority. This ensures your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Each occupation is linked to a specific assessing body (e.g., Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nurses, ACS for IT roles).

Regional Sponsorship Explained

To apply for the 494 visa, you must be sponsored by an employer operating in a designated regional area, which includes all of Australia except:

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

Designated regions include places like:

  • Adelaide

  • Perth

  • Hobart

  • Canberra

  • Regional Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales

Benefits of the 494 Visa

  • ✅ Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years

  • ✅ Include your partner and dependent children

  • ✅ Access Medicare (public healthcare)

  • ✅ Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years

  • ✅ Strong support for regional settlement and community integration

Tips for Applicants

  • 🔍 Confirm your occupation is on the latest 494 visa occupation list

  • 📑 Prepare your skills assessment and English test early

  • 🏢 Find an eligible employer in a regional area willing to sponsor

  • 📋 Ensure your resume and documents align with Australian standards

  • 🗓️ Stay updated with the latest changes from the Department of Home Affairs

Final Thoughts

The 494 visa occupation list plays a central role in determining your eligibility for one of Australia’s most promising skilled migration pathways. With a wide range of occupations in demand across regional Australia, the 494 visa offers a real opportunity for skilled workers and their families to start a new life—and potentially gain permanent residency.

If your occupation is listed and you're open to living in a regional area, now is a great time to explore this visa route and connect with employers who are looking for your skills.

Location: Australia

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