Back

Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa Subclass 494

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494 is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. This visa replaces the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa – Subclass 187 and requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer for a role listed on the Skilled Occupation List. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including qualifications, English language proficiency, health, and character requirements.

This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186, once applicants meet the necessary conditions. It also allows workers to bring eligible family members, who will have the same work and study rights. Employers must comply with sponsorship obligations, ensuring they offer competitive salaries and help fill skill shortages in regional Australia.

The Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa – Subclass 494 does not directly grant permanent residency. However, holders of this visa can become eligible for the Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa – Subclass 191 in the future, provided they meet certain criteria.

Criteria for Employers

To sponsor an employee under the Subclass 494, the employer must be located in a designated regional area of Australia. Current regional areas include Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Geelong, Perth, and Sunshine Coast, with more regions like Wollongong, Newcastle, and New South Wales Central Coast expected to be added soon. The employee’s position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, which includes over 700 occupations. Additionally, the employer must obtain approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in the specific area before nominating the worker. The job must be full-time, genuine, and available for five years, with a salary in line with market rates.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers

Skilled workers applying for this visa must meet several requirements: they must have a skills assessment, at least 3 years of relevant work experience, and be under 45 years of age. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate competent English proficiency.

Does Subclass 494 Lead to Permanent Residency?

While the Subclass 494 visa is a temporary five-year visa, it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191. To be eligible for PR, visa holders must meet specific conditions, including working in the designated regional area for at least three years. Additionally, applicants must meet the required annual earnings for three years. Only one partner can be the principal applicant for the PR visa, but both partners must meet the earning requirement.

Visa subClass
Visa Class
General Skilled Migration Visa

The General Skilled Migration Visa is ideal for skilled workers who wish to live and work permanently in Australia.

READ MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to be employed by an approved employer in a regional area of Australia. This visa serves as a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa.

To qualify for the Subclass 494 Visa, applicants must have an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), secure a valid job offer from an employer in a designated regional area, meet the required skill level and English language proficiency, and pass the health and character checks.

Yes, Subclass 494 visa holders can transition to permanent residency by applying for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa, provided they meet the specific employment and residency conditions.

Applicants are generally required to demonstrate competent English language skills. This can be done by submitting results from an approved English language test such as IELTS or providing proof of previous education in English.

Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse or partner and dependent children in your Subclass 494 Visa application. They will have the same visa conditions and rights to work or study during your stay in Australia.

The Subclass 494 Visa is typically valid for up to five years. However, the exact duration may vary based on individual circumstances. You can find the latest information regarding visa processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.