Regional Employer Sponsored (Subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 visa, also known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, is a temporary skilled work visa introduced by the Australian government to address skill shortages in regional areas of the country. This visa allows employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill vacancies that cannot be met by the local workforce.
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Key features of the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
- Regional Focus: The Subclass 494 visa is specifically aimed at addressing skill shortages in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas are typically outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Employer Sponsorship: To apply for the Subclass 494 visa, an applicant must have a nominating employer who has lodged a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and meet various requirements.
- Eligible Occupations: The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the Subclass 494 visa. The list may vary depending on the specific regional area.
- Visa Validity: The Subclass 494 visa is granted for up to five years. During this period, visa holders can live, work, and study in the designated regional area.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 494 visa is a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. After holding the Subclass 494 visa and meeting specific criteria, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
- English Language Requirement: Applicants for the Subclass 494 visa may need to meet certain English language proficiency requirements, depending on their nominated occupation and circumstances.
- Health and Character Checks: Like all Australian visas, applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements.
- Age Limit: Generally, there is no age limit to apply for the Subclass 494 visa. However, applicants over the age of 45 may have additional requirements.
- Genuine Need: The sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position and prove that they have tried to hire local workers before seeking overseas talent.
- Family Members: The Subclass 494 visa allows visa holders to include certain family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) in the application. Family members can also study and work in Australia.
Note : As immigration policies and visa requirements can change, it’s important to consult our registered migration agent (Mr. Manmohan Makkar) for the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Auzworld Migration, We’re a team of Registered Migration Agents & Immigration Lawyers.
Australia offers a variety of visas to cater to different needs. The primary categories include:
- Tourist visas: For short-term visits.
- Student visas: For international students.
- Work visas: For skilled workers and temporary workers.
- Family visas: For partners, parents, and children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Migrant visas: For permanent residency.
The specific documents required vary depending on the visa type. However, common documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Proof of education or employment
- Relationship evidence (for partner visas)
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. It’s essential to check the estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. Factors such as the time of year, lodgement location, and the complexity of the application can also influence processing times.
Yes, most student visa holders are allowed to work part-time during their studies and full-time during designated breaks. However, there are limitations on the number of hours you can work.
The requirements for permanent residency vary depending on the visa pathway chosen. Common pathways include skilled migration, family sponsorship, and employer sponsorship. Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, including age, skills, work experience, and English language proficiency.
