Skilled Employer Sponsored Subclass 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa is a temporary visa that lets skilled workers live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa is for people who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to fill a skilled job in a designated regional location, where there may be a shortage of qualified workers.

With a 494 visa, you can live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency if you meet certain conditions, such as working in the designated region for at least three years. This visa helps address skill shortages in regional areas while providing skilled workers with a long-term option to stay in Australia.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

Work and Live in Regional Areas

Visa holders can live and work in designated regional areas of Australia, which often have a lower cost of living.

Job Security

The visa is linked to employment with the sponsoring employer, providing job stability in a skilled occupation.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 494 visa provides a route to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after meeting residency and work requirements.

Access to Medicare

Visa holders gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.

Family Inclusion

Eligible family members can be included in the application, allowing them to also live, work, or study in Australia.

Subclass 494 Visa

MAIN REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

Nomination by an Employer
Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position in a regional area.

Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is required for the nominated occupation to confirm qualifications and experience.

Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, although some exemptions may apply.

English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate a competent language level of IELTS 6 or equivalent

Health and Character
Applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances.

Different Streams of Subclass 494 visa

Employer-Sponsored Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position in a regional area.

It allows employers to fill specific labor shortages in their business by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas.

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for applicants sponsored by employers who have a formal labour agreement with the Australian government.

It allows employers to recruit foreign workers for positions that meet specific labor market needs under the terms of the agreement, often involving occupations not typically eligible for other streams.

Steps to apply for the Subclass 494 Visa

Secure a Job Offer

Obtain a job offer from an approved Australian employer willing to sponsor you.

  1  

Employer Nomination

Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs for the skilled position.

  2  

Skills Assessment

Complete the necessary skills assessment relevant to your nominated occupation.

  3  

Gather Documentation

Collect required documents, including proof of skills, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, health assessments, and police clearances.

  4  

Submit Visa Application

Once the nomination is approved, submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.

  5  

Processing

Wait for the Department to assess your application. Additional information may be requested during this process.

  6  

Receive Visa Decision

If approved, you will be granted the Subclass 494 visa, allowing you to live and work in regional Australia.

  7  

Current Processing Time: Subclass 494 Visa

When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.

Stream 50% applications are processed in 90% applications are processed in
Employer-Sponsored Stream 4 Months 5 Months
Labour Agreement Stream 4 Months 7 Months

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • Eligible occupations are listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. Applicants should check this list to ensure their occupation qualifies.

  • Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse/partner and dependent children, in your application.

  • Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, although some exemptions may apply for certain occupations.

  • Yes, a positive skills assessment is required for the nominated occupation as part of the visa application process.

  • The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa typically valid for up to 5 years. It allows for a transition to permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa.

  • Yes, after meeting the residency and work requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.