Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is designed to help regional employers address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when no suitably skilled Australian workers are available. This visa allows skilled professionals to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Why Choose This Visa?
The Subclass 494 visa is ideal for skilled workers looking to:
- Gain work experience in regional Australia.
- Access a pathway to permanent residency.
- Work for a nominated employer in high-demand occupations.
Application Process
1. Employer Nomination
- The employer submits a nomination application for an eligible skilled position.
- The position must be genuine and located in a designated regional area.
- Employers must show commitment to hiring local workers before nominating overseas workers.
2. Visa Application
- Submit a valid visa application after the nomination is approved.
- Provide evidence of skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Basic Eligibility
To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, you must:
- Be nominated by an approved work sponsor.
- Have an occupation listed on a relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your occupation.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Visa Application Process
- Sponsorship: The employer must be or must apply to become an approved sponsor.
- Nomination: The employer lodges a nomination specifying the position details and the nominee.
- Visa Application: The applicant applies for the Subclass 494 visa under the relevant stream.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 494 visa, you must:
- Have a valid nomination approved by your employer.
- Be employed in a genuine position.
- Work for an approved sponsor in a designated regional area.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Comply with Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
- Satisfy Nomination Criteria, including:
- Having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Holding an approved position in a designated regional area.
- Receiving a positive assessment from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) (if applicable).
Highlights
- You can apply from inside or outside Australia.
- The visa allows you to work, study, and live in regional Australia.
- There are two visa streams:
- Employer Sponsr Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
- This visa is provisional and allows a stay of up to 5 years.
- After 3 years on this visa, you may become eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.
1. Employer Sponsor Stream
- Meet health requirements.
- Be employed in the nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer.
- Be under 45 years of age (exemptions may apply).
- Have a positive Skills Assessment from the relevant assessing authority (unless exempt)
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate Competent English proficiency (exemptions may apply).
2. Labour Agreement Stream
- Meet health requirements.
- Your nominated occupation must be part of a work agreement between your sponsor and the Australian Government.
- Be under 45 years of age (unless agreed otherwise by the Minister).
- Possess suitable qualifications, experience, skills, and English proficiency.
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in your nominated occupation (unless exempt).
Pathway to Permanent Residency
At AK Migration & Visa Services, we assist both employers and skilled workers with the Subclass 494 visa process. Our expert services include:
- After holding the Subclass 494 visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 - Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
How We Can Help
At AK Migration & Visa Services, we assist both employers and skilled workers with the Subclass 494 visa process. Our expert services include:
- Assessing employer sponsorship eligibility.
- Guiding businesses and employees through the nomination and visa process.
- Ensuring compliance with Australian immigration laws.
Contact us today for professional advice on securing your Subclass 494 visa and planning your future in Australia!
Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Due to frequent changes in migration law, the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. For the latest updates, please refer to the official Australian Government website.