Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is a temporary employer sponsored visa that allows you and your family to live and work in ‘regional Australia’. This visa requires you to be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia.
If you are seeking assistance in this visa category, Discuss your Case with us today.
2 streams of this Visa
Employer Sponsored stream – For workers who have at least 3 years relevant work experience in same nominated occupation with your nominating employer.
Labour Agreement Stream – For workers who have at least 3 years relevant work experience with same employer in a specified occupation under the terms of a labour agreement, where your employer has labour agreement with the Australian government.
What is considered ‘Regional Australia’?
Most locations of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane considered designated regional areas for purpose of migration. Regional areas are defined on basis of following categories:
Category 2 regional areas – Cities and Major Regional Centres’ of Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart.
Category 3 regional areas – Only certain locations are considered regional or low-population growth metropolitan area in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania. The entirety of ACT, NT and Norfolk Island are deemed ‘regional or low-population growth metropolitan area’.
Requirements for Subclass 494 Visa
- Nominate an occupation eligible for the 494 Visa
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia
- Meet competent English Requirement (i.e. IELTS score of 6 or more OR PTE score of 50 or more in each of the four components of the test – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening OR an equivalent score in any other official English tests such as Cambridge Advanced English, Occupational English Test and TOEFL)
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
You can either be onshore or offshore while lodging the application. However, if you are in Australia, you must hold a valid visa at that time. We can assist you in preparing your visa application and required documents, Contact Us. We also offer visa solutions for people wanting to apply for Skilled Regional Visas, Skilled Migration Visas, Skilled Nominated Visas.
Advantages of Subclass 494 Visa
- Work, study and live in n designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
- May be eligible to apply for permanent residency after 3 years of employment
- Bring dependent family members to Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia
Fill our Contact Us form today to check your eligibility for this visa and we will get back to you shortly.
494 Visa Australia - Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 494 Visa valid for in Australia?
The 494 Visa in Australia is valid for 5 years from the date it was granted. It allows you to stay in regional Australia to work or study in your nominated position.
Are there any conditions attached to the 494 Visa?
Yes, there are several conditions that must be met in order to maintain the validity of a 494 Visa. 494 visa requirements include having to work only in your nominated occupation and only work for the nominating employer in regional Australia. You must also commence work within 90 days of being granted the 494 visa.
What are some benefits to holding a 494 Visa?
The main benefit of holding a 494 Visa in Australia is that it allows employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Additionally, the 494 visa provides holders with access to employment opportunities in their chosen industry and allows them to gain experience and skills necessary for long-term career prospects.
Finally, living and working in regional areas can provide 494 visa holders with an increased sense of community engagement, which can lead to greater job security, professional growth, and personal development.
