What is this Visa?

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. This visa is designed for workers who are sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia, addressing labour shortages in those regions.

Overview:

The Subclass 494 visa enables skilled workers to work in regional areas of Australia in occupations that are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). It is a provisional visa, meaning it is temporary, but it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187), after working for three years in the nominated role and region.

Eligibility Requirements for Employees (Workers):

  1. Sponsorship by an Approved Employer: The applicant must be nominated by an approved employer in a regional area of Australia.
  2. Skilled Occupation: The applicant must be nominated for an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)or Regional Occupation List (ROL).
  3. Age: Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application, though there are some exemptions based on occupation or other criteria.
  4. Skills and Qualifications: The applicant must meet the skill level required for the nominated occupation, typically proven through a skills assessment by a recognized authority.
  5. English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting the minimum required score in an English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).
  6. Health and Character: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements, including health checks and police clearances.

How It Works:

  1. Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination for the skilled worker in a designated regional area of Australia. The employer must be located in a regional area and be approved to sponsor employees under this visa.
  2. Visa Application: After the nomination is approved, the applicant can submit a visa application for the Subclass 494 visa, which will allow them to live and work in the designated regional area for up to five years.
  3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: After holding the Subclass 494 visa for three years, the worker may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187).

Key Benefits:

  • Work in Regional Australia: This visa is designed specifically for skilled workers to fill roles in regional areas of Australia, helping address labour shortages in those regions.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After working for three years in the regional area, workers on the Subclass 494 visa may apply for permanent residency.
  • Family Inclusions: The visa holder can include family members (spouse, de facto partner, dependent children) in their application, allowing them to live and work in Australia as well.

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is an excellent option for skilled workers looking to gain temporary work experience in regional Australia with the potential for permanent residency down the line.