The 494 visa Australia, officially known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years and offers a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa. To be eligible for the 494 visa, applicants must be nominated by an approved employer and have an occupation listed on the 494 visa occupation list, which includes roles from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Additional requirements include a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, competent English, and being under 45 years of age unless exempt.