What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa allows skilled workers to work in regional Australia for up to five years. It is designed for workers who have been nominated by an approved employer to fill a position in an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and are willing to live and work in a regional area. Applicants for this visa must be sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area of Australia.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 494 Visa
To apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Employer Nomination: The applicant must be nominated by an approved Australian employer located in a regional area. The employer must demonstrate that the position is genuine and that the business cannot find a suitably qualified local worker to fill the role.
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: The applicant’s nominated occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which identifies occupations that are in demand in Australia’s labor market. The occupation must be relevant to the applicant’s skills and qualifications
- Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation. They will need to provide evidence of their qualifications and relevant work experience, and some occupations may require a formal skills assessment by an authorized Australian assessing authority.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by achieving the required score on a recognized English test, such as the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The required English proficiency level will depend on the occupation.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under the age of 45 at the time of application. However, age exemptions may apply for certain applicants who have exceptional skills or who have worked in Australia for a long time.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This includes undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates to demonstrate that the applicant has no criminal record.
- Regional Location: The employer and the applicant must be located in an eligible regional area of Australia. Regional areas include locations outside major metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
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The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa, but it offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Permanent) (Subclass 191) visa. After holding the Subclass 494 visa for three years, workers may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, providing them with long-term security and access to a range of benefits in Australia.
Application Process
The application process for the Subclass 494 visa involves the following steps:
- Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination to the Australian government, demonstrating the need for a skilled worker in a regional area.
- Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, the applicant can submit their visa application. This includes providing documentation related to their skills, qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
- Visa Approval: If the visa application is approved, the applicant will be granted the Subclass 494 visa, allowing them to live and work in Australia for up to five years in a designated regional area.
