Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa – Subclass 494
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows Australian employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled foreign workers for positions that cannot be filled by local workers. This visa aims to address skill shortages in regional Australia while providing a pathway to permanent residency.
This visa has two streams:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream – For workers sponsored by an approved regional employer.
- Labour Agreement Stream – For workers nominated under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.
Key Benefits:
- Work in a regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.
- Include eligible family members in the visa.
- Pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after 3 years of living and working in a regional area.
Who is eligible for the Subclass 494 visa?
To qualify, you must:
Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Meet skills assessment requirements.
Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply).
Be nominated by an approved regional employer.
Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Meet skills assessment requirements.
Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply).
Can I apply for permanent residency on a 494 visa?
Yes, after 3 years of living and working in a regional area, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Can my family accompany me on a 494 visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will have work and study rights in Australia.
Can I change employers on a 494 visa?
You must work for your sponsoring employer in a regional area. If you wish to change employers, the new employer must sponsor and nominate you for a new Subclass 494 visa.
What are the work conditions of the 494 visa?
You must live and work in a designated regional area.
You must work only for your sponsoring employer.
You cannot apply for other skilled visas unless you meet the requirements for permanent residency.
You must work only for your sponsoring employer.
You cannot apply for other skilled visas unless you meet the requirements for permanent residency.
How long does it take to process a 494 visa?
Processing times vary but generally range from 4 to 12 months, depending on the application details and employer nomination approval.
Do I need a skills assessment for a 494 visa?
Yes, a positive skills assessment is required from a recognized assessing authority unless exempted based on experience or occupation.
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