SUBCLASS 494
Skilled employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)) is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
This visa enables employers in designated regional areas to sponsor suitably skilled overseas workers to fill positions that they are unable to fill with appropriately qualified and experienced Australian workers.
Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa
Work and career development opportunities in Australia
- Live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia
- Visa validity is up to 5 years.
- Build your career and gain work experience in Australia
Flexible study and travel rights
- Study in regional Australia while the visa remains valid
- Multiple entry rights to Australia for the duration of the visa's validity.
- May be eligible to enrol in Medicare under an Interim Medicare Card while holding the visa
Pathway to permanent residency
- Opportunity to transition to permanent residency (PR) if eligible after 3 years from visa grant
- Build a long-term settlement pathway for yourself and your family
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa application, you must meet the following core requirements:
Employer Sponsorship
Be sponsored by an eligible Australian employer in accordance with the visa requirements.
Age
Be at least 18 years old and under 45 years of age at the time of visa application.
Work experience
Have at least 3 years of full-time, relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field.
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment (unless exempt).
English
Demonstrate at least Competent English. English test results must be valid at the time of invitation and visa application.
Healthcare
Meet the Australian Government's health requirements.
Character documents
Meet the Australian Government's character requirements, including:
- Have no substantial criminal record.
- Have not had an Australian visa refused or cancelled.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, including any family members included in the visa application.
Subclass 494 Visa Streams
FROM SUBCLASS 494 TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY
Subclass 494 visa Application Process
Submit SBS/LA
The employer submits an application to become an approved sponsor(SBS/Labour Agreement)
Assess Eligibility
Assess the applicant's eligibility, nominated occupation, and complete Labour Market Testing (LMT), if required.
Lodge Nomination
After obtaining the SBS/LA, the employer lodges a nomination application for the sponsored position.
Apply
After the business's nomination is approved, the applicant submits a visa application if eligible.
Visa Processing
DHA assesses the application and may request additional information or supporting documents if required.
Visa Grant
Visa application has been approved.
HOW CAN SKILL DIRECT HELP YOU?
We support you throughout your journey, from lodging your EOI to achieving your goal of Australian permanent residency.
Identify an Eligible Regional Area & Employer
Support the Employer with SBS / Labour Agreement / Nomination
Guide employers through SBS and nomination process to ensure compliance with DHA requirements and minimise the risk of refusal.
Prepare the Visa Application
Gathering and preparing all required documents to ensure the application is complete, accurate, and ready for lodgement.
Ongoing Support & Subclass 191 Pathway
Monitor the progress of nomination and visa applications, respond to requests for further information, and provide ongoing advice on PR pathways.
ARE YOU READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY FROM VISA 494 TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY?
Book a consultation with Skill Direct to develop a visa strategy tailored to your profile.
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. When applying for a 494 visa, was I currently employed in that job?
It may not be necessary, but you need to have at least 3 years of full-time experience in the last 5 years (equivalent part-time experience, not including casual) and a skills assessment. If you are not currently employed but already meet these conditions, it will not affect your application.
2. How is Visa 482 different from Visa 494?
– The Subclass 482 visa is a temporary visa, valid for up to 4 years depending on the sponsor. Typically, applicants must seek other avenues to apply for permanent residency (PR) if they meet the requirements, as this visa itself does not offer a direct pathway to PR. This visa requires the sponsored individual to work in a location assigned by the employer.
– The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa with a validity period of 5 years, and provides a pathway to permanent residency (PR) through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after holding the 494 visa for 3 years. This visa requires the sponsored individual to work in a regional area of Australia, and the sponsoring company must also have a base in a regional area of Australia.