Subclass 494 Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494 allows eligible regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker. It is a provisional visa that allows the holder to live, work and study in designated regional Australia for up to five years. Eligible visa holders may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting the relevant requirements.
To apply under the Employer Sponsored stream, you must be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in a designated regional area. The employer must also meet the applicable sponsorship and nomination requirements.
494 visa holders
May change employers, but must continue to comply with the conditions attached to their visa. If their employment ends, they generally have up to 180 consecutive days at a time, and no more than 365 days in total during the visa period, to find a new sponsoring employer, apply for another visa or make arrangements to leave Australia.
Can access Medicare
May be restricted from applying for certain other visas while holding the Subclass 494 visa unless an exemption applies. Eligibility to apply for another visa will depend on the applicant's circumstances and the relevant legislative requirements.
The Application Process
Here's a simplified process for Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa. In case of questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
The employer must meet the applicable sponsorship requirements. This generally includes demonstrating that the business is lawfully and actively operating and that it can comply with its sponsorship obligations.
Depending on the stream, the employer must either be an approved sponsor or have access to an applicable labour agreement.
Permanent Residence
The Skilled Residence
Eligible Subclass 494 visa holders may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa – Subclass 191.
However, you cannot apply directly for the Subclass 191 visa. To be eligible, you must have held an eligible Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years. You must also provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years while holding your eligible visa. There is no minimum income requirement. Throughout this period, you must have complied with the conditions of your visa, including living and working in designated regional Australia where required.
If you'd like to learn more about 191 Visa requirements and its benefits then please follow the link below.
The Skilled Residence
The Skilled Residence (Permanent Residence) – Subclass 191 allows its holders to work and study anywhere in Australia, sponsor eligible relatives, and apply for Australian citizenship.
Considering a non-regional employer-sponsored pathway instead? See our comparison of the Subclass 494 and Subclass 482 visas.
Book a Migration Consultation
We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Simply follow the link below and you'll be able to pick an agent for consultation.
If you're having any trouble booking your consultation then don't hesitate to contact us either via info@pathwaytoaus.com or by calling us +61 7 5526 5900
Frequently Asked Questions
In case you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.
Where can I work on this visa?
The position must be located in a designated regional area of Australia. For migration purposes, designated regional Australia generally includes all areas outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Applicants and employers should confirm that the specific work postcode is eligible.
What occupation can apply for this visa?
Your position must be on the relevant occupation list. Occupation eligibility is drawn from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Regional Occupation List, and is regularly updated, so you can check your specific occupation using the link above.
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes. The Subclass 494 visa provides a potential pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa.
To qualify for the regional provisional stream of the Subclass 191 visa, you will generally need to:
- have held an eligible regional provisional visa, such as a Subclass 494 visa, for at least three years
- provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years during which you held the eligible visa
- have complied with the conditions attached to your eligible visa.
There is currently no prescribed minimum income amount for the three Notices of Assessment. Eligibility will depend on the requirements in force when you apply.
How much does a Subclass 494 visa cost?
The government visa application charge for a primary applicant currently starts from AUD 6,140. Additional charges may apply for family members, applicants without the required level of English, health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and professional services. Government charges are subject to change.
How does the 494 compare to the Skills in Demand (482) visa?
The main difference is location: the 494 requires the sponsored position to be in a designated regional area, while the 482 does not. Age limits, permanent residency pathways, and Regional Certifying Body involvement also differ between the two. See our full comparison guide for details on eligibility, cost and the permanent residency pathway for each.
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
Give us a call
Australia: +61 7 5526 5900
Fiji: +679 922 3842
United Kingdom: +44 20 3948 3865
Send an email
info@pathwaytoaus.com
Gold Coast Office
2242 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
UK Office
5 Merchant Square
London, W2 1AY, United Kingdom
(By Appointment Only)