494 Visa Occupation List: Your Complete Guide to Skilled Regional Migration in 2025

Australia’s regional migration program offers exciting opportunities for skilled professionals willing to live and work outside the major cities. One of the most promising pathways is the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa—and the key to qualifying is understanding the 494 visa occupation list.

In this article, we’ll explain what the 494 visa is, how the occupation list works, and which jobs are in demand in 2025.

What is the 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional Australia, where there is a greater need for talent. It allows employers in designated regional areas to sponsor overseas workers for up to 5 years.

Unlike temporary visas, the 494 visa is a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa, provided you meet income and residency requirements over three years.

Why the 494 Visa Occupation List Matters

The 494 visa occupation list defines which skilled professions are eligible for sponsorship under this visa. Your occupation must be on this list and be relevant to your qualifications and work experience.

This list helps:

  • ✅ Employers identify eligible roles to sponsor

  • ✅ Applicants determine if they qualify

  • ✅ The government target regional workforce gaps

494 Visa Occupation List: What’s Included in 2025?

The 494 visa occupation list is based primarily on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), with additional roles from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Here are some of the in-demand occupations on the 494 list in 2025 (subject to change):

🏥 Healthcare and Medical

  • General Practitioner

  • Registered Nurse (Aged Care, Mental Health)

  • Physiotherapist

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist

🔧 Engineering and Trades

  • Civil Engineer

  • Electrical Engineer

  • Welder (First Class)

  • Fitter and Turner

  • Diesel Mechanic

💻 Information Technology

  • Software Engineer

  • ICT Business Analyst

  • Database Administrator

  • Network Engineer

🧑‍🏫 Education and Social Work

  • Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher

  • Secondary School Teacher (STEM subjects)

  • Social Worker

  • Welfare Centre Manager

🚜 Agriculture and Regional Industries

  • Agricultural Technician

  • Veterinarian

  • Farm Manager

  • Shearer

📌 Note: The Department of Home Affairs updates the occupation lists regularly. Always check the most current version on their official website or consult a registered migration agent.

Skill Assessment and Eligibility

If your occupation is listed, you’ll need to:

  • ✅ Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

  • ✅ Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience

  • ✅ Be under 45 years of age (with some exceptions)

  • ✅ Meet the English language requirement

  • ✅ Be nominated by an approved regional employer

Designated Regional Areas

Nearly all of Australia is classified as "regional" for migration purposes—except:

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

This means locations like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, and many regional areas of NSW, VIC, and QLD qualify for 494 visa sponsorship.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the biggest benefits of the 494 visa is the clear pathway to permanent residency. After holding the 494 visa for 3 years and meeting income and residency conditions, you may be eligible for the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Key Benefits of the 494 Visa

  • ✔️ Live, work, and study in regional Australia

  • ✔️ Bring eligible family members

  • ✔️ Pathway to permanent residency

  • ✔️ Priority visa processing

  • ✔️ Contribute to communities where your skills are most needed

Final Thoughts

If you're a skilled professional looking to build a future in Australia, the 494 visa occupation list is your starting point. With hundreds of occupations eligible and a direct path to permanent residency, this visa is an attractive option for those ready to explore regional life and long-term opportunities.

Stay up to date with occupation list changes and always seek advice from a registered migration agent to ensure your application is successful.

Location: Australia

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