Visa fees · Subclass 494
Subclass 494 visa cost and processing time (2026-27)
Reviewed by a registered migration agent ·
MARN 1795282
Updated
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) costs A$6,140 for the main applicant, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,535 for each applicant under 18. Home Affairs reports that 75% of applications are finalised within 11 months and 90% within 12 months (Employer Sponsored). Fees are from the official Home Affairs pricing table, checked 7 October 2026; processing times are as at 29 September 2026.
How much is the subclass 494 visa application charge?
| Stream | Main applicant | Each extra applicant 18+ | Each applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored stream | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
| Labour Agreement stream | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
| Subsequent entrant | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Current visa pricing, checked 7 October 2026. Charges are indexed each 1 July. Card payment surcharges, health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and translations are extra. Confirm the final amount with the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge.
What does the employer pay?
Employer-side government costs for a subclass 494 sponsorship (one-off, paid at nomination where shown):
- Standard Business Sponsorship: about A$420
- Nomination: about A$540
- Skilling Australians Fund levy: A$3,000 (turnover under A$10 million) or A$5,000 (A$10 million or more), one-off
Total them for your business with our sponsorship cost calculator.
How long does the subclass 494 visa take?
| Stream | 75% of applications | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsored | 11 months | 12 months |
| Labour Agreement | 11 months | 12 months |
Source: Home Affairs global visa processing times, as at 29 September 2026. See how times have moved on our processing times tracker.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 494 visa cost in 2026-27?
The base visa application charge for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is A$6,140, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,535 for each applicant under 18, according to the Department of Home Affairs pricing table checked on 7 October 2026. Health checks, police certificates and other third-party costs are extra.
How long does the subclass 494 visa take to process?
Home Affairs reports that 75% of subclass 494 applications (Employer Sponsored) were finalised within 11 months and 90% within 12 months, as at 29 September 2026. Individual applications can take longer, for example if information is missing or extra checks are needed.
What does an employer pay to sponsor a subclass 494 worker?
On top of the visa charge, the employer pays Standard Business Sponsorship (about A$420), Nomination (about A$540), Skilling Australians Fund levy (A$3,000 (turnover under A$10 million) or A$5,000 (A$10 million or more), one-off). The Skilling Australians Fund levy and nomination fee cannot be passed on to the worker.
Full eligibility, steps and pathways: 494 Regional Employer Visa: Rules & PR Pathway · All visas: Australian visa fees table. General information only, not migration advice.