*Last updated on: 25 Nov 2024
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Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

Empowering Regional Growth: Skilled Workers Supporting Future in Regional Communities

Overview of the Subclass 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary employer-sponsored visa aimed at addressing skill shortages in Australia’s designated regional areas. It enables skilled workers to work in regional roles nominated by approved Australian employers for up to five years. This visa also serves as a potential pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa, provided eligibility criteria are met. Applicants must fulfill a range of requirements, including a skills assessment, English proficiency, health, and character checks.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa Applicants

Age Requirements

Must be under 45 years at the time of application.

Employer Nomination

Applicants must have a job offer from an Australian business lawfully operating in a designated regional area. Employers must submit a nomination on behalf of the applicant, either as an approved work sponsor or through the process to become a standard business sponsor.

Designated Regional Areas

Regional areas in Australia exclude metropolitan centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Notably, areas like Perth and the Gold Coast are classified as regional. Verify with us prior to decision making.

Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is typically required, demonstrating the applicant’s suitability for the nominated role. Certain exemptions may apply for specific visa holders or academic nominees.

Relevant Work Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of three years of work experience in the nominated occupation. This experience should ideally be gained within the last five years and can include equivalent part-time work. Casual work is not accepted.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate competent English through approved tests or hold a passport from designated English-speaking countries (Canada, NZ, Ireland, UK or US).

Acceptable minimum scores include:
IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 in each skill.
Equivalent scores from other approved tests or valid exemptions may also apply.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet health and character requirements as determined by the Australian government.

Assessing Your Occupation

General Rule: To apply for the medium and long-term stream, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

To apply for the short term stream, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Check My Occupation*

*(Type in relevant occupation and select subclass 494)

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

1. Business Operations: The sponsoring employer must be a lawfully operating business in Australia.

2. Sponsorship Approval: Employers need to be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor or have applied for such approval.

3. Genuine Position: Sponsors must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated role within their business operations in a regional area.

4. Legal Compliance: Employers must adhere to all relevant Australian workplace and employment regulations.

5. Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Contribution: Some employers may need to contribute to the SAF Levy, which supports skills development and training within Australia.

Application Process

Sponsorship Approval

An eligible Australian employer agrees to sponsor the applicant for a skilled position in a regional area.

Nomination Submission

The sponsoring employer formally nominates the applicant for the role, providing relevant job details.

Visa Application

The applicant submits their visa application, providing all required documentation and demonstrating eligibility for the nominated role.

Duration and Conditions

The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary visa that permits you to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for a specified duration, typically up to five years from the date of grant. This visa also includes a travel component, allowing for multiple entries into and exits from Australia during its validity period.

While the Subclass 494 Visa is temporary, it offers a pathway to permanent residency. To transition, holders may apply for a permanent visa, such as the Subclass 191 Visa, after meeting specific criteria and completing the required period of stay in a regional area.

In addition, holders are generally required to live and work in the designated regional area specified in their visa.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Eligible visa holders may apply for the Subclass 191 Visa (Permanent Residence) after three years, provided they meet specific criteria.

Visa Costs and Fees

For Employers:

Sponsorship Fee: $420
Nomination Fee: Nil
SAF Levy: Small Businesses (annual turnover < AUD $10 million): AUD $3,000 one-off; Other Businesses (annual turnover ≥ AUD $10 million): AUD $5,000 one-off

For Applicants:

Primary Applicant Fee: AUD $4,770
Secondary Applicants (18 and over): AUD $2,385
Dependent Children (under 18): AUD $1,190
An additional visa fee of $9,800 and 4,890 (for primary and secondary applicant respectively) applies if an applicant does not have functional English.

Note: Fees are subject to change and should be verified prior to application and any decision making.

Processing Times

50% of applications are processed within 5 months.
90% of applications are processed within 7 months.

Note: Processing times vary based on the completeness of documentation and other factors. They are obtained from The Australian Department of Home Affairs website and only serve as guidance.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

1. Work in Regional Australia: Gain valuable work experience in a designated regional area.
2. Study Opportunities: Enhance your skills and qualifications by pursuing further studies.
3. Family Sponsorship: Include eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Transition to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 Visa.
5. Healthcare Access: Visa holders may access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
6. Multiple Entry: Travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid.

Family Members Eligible for Inclusion

Eligible family members may include:
1. Spouse or Partner: Legally married or de facto (including same-sex partners).
2. Dependent Children: Generally unmarried and under 18 years. Financially dependent children over 18 may also be eligible.
3. Other Dependents: In some cases, elderly parents or financially dependent relatives may be eligible.

Note: All family members must meet relevant eligibility and documentation criteria.

Your Questions Answered

Who is eligible to apply for the Subclass 494 Visa?

Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position in a designated regional area, be under 45 years of age, have at least three years of relevant work experience, and possess a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation.

What are designated regional areas in Australia?

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Notably, Perth and the Gold Coast are classified as regional for this visa.

Does the 494 Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, after holding the visa for at least three years and meeting specific criteria, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes, eligible family members, including spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children, can be included in the visa application.

Is there an age limit for Subclass 494 Visa applicants?

Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.

What are the English language requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate competent English proficiency, typically by achieving a minimum score of 6 in each component of the IELTS test or equivalent scores in other approved tests.

What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy?

The SAF levy is a contribution that employers must pay when nominating a worker for the Subclass 494 Visa, supporting training initiatives for the Australian workforce.

Can Subclass 494 Visa holders change employers?

Yes, but the new employer must be an approved sponsor, and a new nomination must be lodged. The visa holder must continue to work in a designated regional area.

Do Subclass 494 Visa holders have access to Medicare?

Yes, holders of the Subclass 494 Visa are eligible to enroll in Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare.

What happens if the employment of a Subclass 494 Visa holder is terminated?

If employment ceases, the visa holder has 90 days to find a new employer who is willing to sponsor them; otherwise, they may need to depart Australia.

Are there any restrictions on the type of work Subclass 494 Visa holders can perform?

Visa holders must work in the occupation specified in their nomination and for the sponsoring employer or an associated entity, unless an exemption applies.

Are there any obligations regarding living in regional areas for Subclass 494 Visa holders?

Yes, visa holders and their family members must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas to comply with visa conditions.

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