Sc494
Skilled employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is a temporary skilled visa designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by an approved employer to work in a designated regional area of Australia.
The Benefits of Subclass 494 Visa
1. Live, study, and work in a designated regional area of Australia for a period of up to 5 years.
2. Opportunity to apply for PR after 3 years from the date your visa is granted.
3. Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa application, you must meet the following core requirements:
1. Sponsoring Employer
You must be nominated by an employer who is an approved standard business sponsor.
2. Skilled Occupation Lists
3. Positive Skills Assessment
4. Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
5. English Language Proficiency
Subclass 494 Visa Streams
01
Employer Sponsored stream
- This is a prominent visa pathway for regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when they are unable to find suitable local Australian labor.
- You may apply for Permanent Residency after holding your visa for a minimum of 3 years from the date of grant.
- Visa Validity: Up to a maximum of 5 years.
02
Labour Agreement stream
- A permanent residency pathway for skilled workers sponsored by employers who have a specific, formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.
- Your sponsoring employer must have a valid and active Labour Agreement with the Australian Government at the time of application.
- Visa Validity: Up to a maximum of 5 years.
03
Subsequent entrant
- The Subsequent Entrant stream: Designed for eligible family members of an existing Subclass 494 visa holder to apply for residency.
- Visa Validity: Valid until the expiry of the primary applicant's visa.
Subclass 494 visa Application Process
01
Nominated by an approved employer
Employers are required to provide evidence of Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove they were unable to source an appropriate local candidate for the role
02
Documentation preparation
- Ensuring skills assessment compliance
- Meeting minimum English proficiency requirements
03
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your points score meets the competitive threshold, you will receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa.
04
Visa Lodgement Stage
Required Documentation Checklist:
- Personal Identification,
- Evidence of Work Experience
- Educational Qualifications,
- English Proficiency Results,
- Health Examinations
05
Application Assessment & Outcome Stage
Track your application processing progress
Frequently asked questions
Below are our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you better understand our services and the migration process at Skill Direct.
1. Am I permitted to change employers while holding a Subclass 494 visa?
While switching sponsors is possible, any change in employment must align with Condition 8608. Failure to meet these obligations may result in your visa being cancelled.
2. Am I required to work within a designated regional area?
Yes, regional employment is a prerequisite for this visa. You can live and work anywhere in Australia, excluding the designated metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.