Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is an Australian work visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer in a designated regional area. The 494 visa serves as a dual-purpose pathway, specifically crafted for skilled professionals seeking rewarding opportunities in regional Australia, and to help regional employers fill high-demand roles.

The Subclass 494 visa:

Lets you live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.
Allows you to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid.
Provides a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Allows you to include family members in your visa application.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Subclass 494 Visa:

About the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 visa, opens a world of opportunities. This visa is not just a document; it is an invitation to live, work, and study in the diverse and welcoming regional areas of Australia for a period of five years. It offers you the freedom to travel, letting you explore the globe and return to Australia without restrictions while your visa remains valid.

But the advantages don’t stop there. One of the most appealing features of this visa is that it serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency in Australia. After residing for three years, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), bringing you a step closer to making Australia your permanent home.

The 494 visa has been created with a clear recognition of the importance of family. Allowing you to include your loved ones in your application, giving you the ability to embark on your Australian journey together as a family.

Streams

The 494 visa consists of two streams for applicants, with both streams offering a structured pathway.

1. Employer-Sponsored Stream

Tailored specifically for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer, this stream encourages professionals to bring their expertise to designated regional areas of Australia, bridging gaps in the local workforce.

2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer operating under a labour agreement. It respects and utilises these pre-agreed contracts, offering a direct pathway for professionals to contribute to the workforce in these regional areas.

Ready to start your journey to Australia with an employer-sponsored visa? Contact Visa Lounge today!

Eligibility Requirements

The Subclass 494 Visa involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, which is critical to ensuring a smooth process for both the applicant and the employer.

To be eligible, you need to:

● Be nominated by an approved Australian employer whose business is actively operating in a designated regional area of Australia.
● Be under 45 years old at the time of application, unless exemptions apply.
● Have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
● Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
● Meet the minimum standard of English language proficiency unless exemptions apply.
● Meet health and character requirements.

Nomination Process

A crucial component of the Subclass 494 visa application is the nomination process, which lays the foundation for a successful visa application.

For potential visa applicants, your employer plays a critical role in this process. The employer must:

Before the nomination process begins, the employer must already hold the status of an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This status demonstrates that the employer meets specific criteria set by Australian immigration authorities and is authorised to sponsor overseas employees.

Once the employer holds the approved Standard Business Sponsor status, they can proceed to nominate you for a specific position within their business. This position must be located in a designated regional area, highlighting the regional focus of the Subclass 494 visa.

A key condition for nomination is the employer’s inability to fill the position locally. They must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers and that such efforts have not been successful.

At Visa Lounge, we understand the complexities involved in the nomination process. Our team of experienced immigration professionals are well-equipped to guide both employers and employees through the process, ensuring all criteria are met to the highest standards.

Applying for the 494 Visa

Navigating the visa application process may seem daunting, but with Visa Lounge by your side, it’s a journey we undertake together. Once you receive the nomination from your employer, the process unfolds in three main steps:

Skills Assessment: Your skills, experience, and qualifications will be evaluated to ensure they align with the requirements for your nominated occupation. The team at Visa Lounge will guide you through the assessment, making sure your skills and expertise are presented accurately and effectively.

Employer Nomination: Your employer plays a critical role in this process by formally nominating you for a position within their business in a designated regional area. With our wealth of experience, Visa Lounge can assist employers in understanding the nomination requirements and filling out the necessary documentation.

Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, the final step is the visa application. This is where the expertise of Visa Lounge truly shines. We meticulously prepare your application, ensuring every detail meets Australian immigration standards.

With Visa Lounge, the subclass 494 visa application process becomes less complicated. Our experienced immigration specialists are committed to providing personalised assistance every step of the way, simplifying the process and making your Australian dream a reality.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and should be used as general advice only. Please consult one of our registered migration specialists for professional advice tailored to your circumstances.