Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Provisional
About this visa
The Subclass 494 Visa is an employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers designed to address labor shortages in Australia’s designated regional areas. It requires a job offer from an employer in a regional area, skills assessment, and typically grants up to five years of work rights. After working for a specific period in a regional area, it may lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa. English language proficiency, health, and character checks are standard requirements.
Eligibility for Applicant
- Age
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation. - Approved Sponsor Nomination
The applicant needs employer nomination from an Australian business operating lawfully.
The applicant’s employment should be in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring business or its associated entity, situated in a designated regional area of Australia.
Before applying for the visa, the applicant’s employer must submit a nomination application on their behalf, either as an approved work sponsor or by initiating the process to become a standard business sponsor. - Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment, obtained from the relevant assessing authority, demonstrating your suitability for the nominated occupation is required before lodging your application, with some exemptions for certain visa holders and academic nominations. - Working Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and expertise. This experience should ideally be gained within the last 5 years and may include equivalent part-time work, but casual work is not eligible. - English Proficiency
Must demonstrate competent English through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries. Applicants must demonstrate competent English through approved tests. The acceptable tests and scores are: |
IELTS: A minimum score of 6 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50 in each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Applicants may also provide equivalent English language scores or may be eligible for exemptions. - Health and Character
Fulfill health and character requirements.
Eligibility for Sponsor
Lawful Operation
The sponsoring employer’s business must be lawfully operating in Australia.Approval as a Sponsor
The sponsoring employer must have obtained approval as a Standard Business Sponsor or have at least submitted an application to become one.Genuine Need
The sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated skilled position within their business operations.Compliance with Australian Laws
The employer must comply with all relevant Australian laws, including employment and workplace regulations.Training Commitment
Some employers may be required to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to support training initiatives in Australia, depending on the nominated occupation and the turnover of the business.
Regional Area Definition
Regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, as Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional areas
Process
Step 1
Sponsorship
In this initial step, an eligible Australian employer agrees to sponsor the applicant for a skilled job in a designated regional area.
Step 2
Nomination
The sponsoring employer formally nominates the applicant for the specific skilled position, outlining the job details.
Step 3
Visa Application
The applicant submits their Subclass 494 Visa application with required documents, demonstrating suitability for the nominated occupation.
Stay Period
The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to reside and work in Australia in the designated regional area for a specified period. This visa is typically granted for up to 5 years from the date of visa grant, and it includes a travel component that remains valid during this period.
It’s important to note that the Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency. To attain permanent resident status, you may need to meet specific criteria and transition to another permanent visa, such as the Subclass 191 Visa, after fulfilling the required stay period on the Subclass 494 Visa.
Permanent Resident Pathway
If eligible, apply for permanent residence (subclass 191) after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.
Cost
Subclass 494 Visa Employer Costs – Nomination Fee
The nomination fee is typically AUD $540.
This fee is paid by the employer when nominating an applicant for a specific position. Like the sponsorship fee, nomination fees may change over time and can vary based on specific circumstances, so it’s advisable to check the latest fee information before applying.
Subclass 494 Visa Employer Costs – Skilling Australians Fund Levy
Employers are required to make a contribution known as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when nominating a skilled worker for the Subclass 494 Visa. The SAF levy aims to support the overall skills development of the Australian workforce.
- Small Businesses (with an annual turnover less than $10 million): AUD $3,000.
- Other Businesses (with an annual turnover of $10 million or more): AUD $5,000.
Subclass 494 Visa Applicant cost – Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $2,320
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,160
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 3 months
90% processed in 8 months
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 494 Visa can work for their sponsoring employer in the designated regional area of Australia, gaining valuable work experience.
Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
Family Sponsorship: Eligible Subclass 494 Visa holders have the opportunity to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Subclass 494 Visa can be a pathway to apply for permanent residence in Australia.
Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Family
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) allows you to include the following family members in your visa application:
- Spouse or Partner: This includes your legally married spouse or de facto partner (opposite-sex or same-sex).
- Dependent Children: You can include your dependent children in the application. Dependent children are generally unmarried and under the age of 18. In some cases, dependent children over 18 but financially dependent on you may also be eligible.
- Other Dependent Relatives: In certain circumstances, other dependent relatives can be included in the application, such as elderly parents or financially dependent siblings. However, specific requirements and limitations may apply.
It’s important to note that all family members included in the application must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to support their inclusion. Additionally, each family member must be listed in the visa application form, and their details and relationship to the primary applicant must be accurately declared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: The Subclass 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa, is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
Q: Who can apply for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to work in a designated regional area can apply for the Subclass 494 Visa.
Q: What is the purpose of the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: The visa is designed to address skill shortages in regional areas of Australia by allowing skilled workers to fill specific job vacancies.
Q: Is the Subclass 494 Visa a permanent or temporary visa?
A: The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary visa that is valid for up to five years.
Q: Can Subclass 494 Visa holders apply for permanent residency?
A: Yes, Subclass 494 Visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa after meeting specific criteria.
Q: How long does it take to process a Subclass 494 Visa application?
A: Processing times can vary, but it typically takes several months to process a Subclass 494 Visa application.
Q: What are the key requirements for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Key requirements include having a valid job offer from a regional employer, relevant skills and qualifications, and meeting health and character requirements.
Q: Do I need a skills assessment for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Yes, a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation is typically required.
Q: Can family members be included in the Subclass 494 Visa application?
A: Yes, family members such as spouses and dependent children can be included in the application.
Q: What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy?
A: The SAF levy is a contribution that some employers are required to pay to support training initiatives in Australia when nominating a worker for the Subclass 494 Visa.
Q: How can I find a regional employer to sponsor me for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: You can search for job vacancies in regional areas and apply directly to employers or utilize government job search resources.
Q: Is there an age limit for Subclass 494 Visa applicants?
A: Applicants must generally be under the age of 45 at the time of application.
Q: Do I need to prove my English proficiency for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Yes, you must demonstrate competent English language skills through approved tests.
Q: What are the income requirements for Subclass 494 Visa applicants?
A: You must earn a minimum income as specified by the Australian government to be eligible for the visa.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency if I hold a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa pathway after meeting specific criteria, including residing in a designated regional area for at least three years.
Q: Is there a points test for the Subclass 494 Visa?
A: No.
Q: Can I change employers after obtaining a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: In some cases, you may be able to change employers, but you must notify the Department of Home Affairs and meet certain conditions.
Q: What is the Regional Area Postcode List, and how can I access it?
A: The Regional Area Postcode List specifies the postcodes of designated regional areas. You can find it on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I include my partner in my Subclass 494 Visa application if we are not married?
A: Yes, you can include your de facto partner in the application if you can demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Q: Are there restrictions on the type of work I can do on a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: You must work in the nominated occupation specified in your visa application.
Q: Can I apply for other visas while holding a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for other visas, but you should consult with your registered migration agent.
Q: What happens if my regional employer goes out of business?
A: If your regional employer goes out of business, you may need to find a new eligible employer.
Q: Can I study in Australia on a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Yes, you can study in Australia on this visa, but you must meet the conditions of your visa.
Q: Can Subclass 494 Visa holders access Medicare in Australia?
A: Yes, Subclass 494 Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Q: What is the Subclass 494 Visa holder’s obligation regarding the designated regional area?
A: Subclass 494 Visa holders are generally required to live and work in the designated regional area specified in their visa application.
Q: Can I travel outside Australia while holding a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Yes, you can travel outside Australia and re-enter while your Subclass 494 Visa is valid.
Q: Are there any conditions on bringing family members to Australia on a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Family members must meet certain health and character requirements to be included in the visa application.
Q: What happens if I change my nominated occupation after obtaining a Subclass 494 Visa?
A: Changing your nominated occupation after obtaining the visa may have implications, and you should consult with your registered migration agent for guidance on how to proceed.