Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
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Key Features of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Overview: The Subclass 494 visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, addressing labor shortages by enabling regional employers to sponsor skilled workers.
- Duration: 5 years with eligibility to apply for permanent residency from November 16, 2022.
- Eligibility: Includes nomination by an approved sponsor, relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, a positive skills assessment, working only for the sponsor, age under 45, and competent English proficiency.
- Family Inclusion: Family members can be included in the application.
- Travel: Unlimited travel to and from Australia during the visa validity.
- Nomination by an Approved Sponsor: Employer must lawfully operate in Australia.
- Skills and Experience: Relevant skills, qualifications, and at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
- Skills Assessment: Positive assessment from a relevant authority.
- Age: Must be under 45 years old, unless exempted.
- English Proficiency: At least Competent English (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent).
- Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements.
- Reside, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
- Travel in and out of Australia as needed.
- Access to Medicare.
Permanent Residence Pathway: Apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) after holding the 494 visa for at least 3 years with a taxable income above the threshold.
DAMA Agreement Overview
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a tailored visa program that allows regional areas in Australia to address local labor shortages by sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers. DAMAs are designed to provide flexibility to regions facing unique economic and labor challenges, offering concessions to standard visa requirements, including age, English language proficiency, and salary thresholds.
- Northern Territory
- Orana, New South Wales
- Far North Queensland
- Adelaide City and Regional South Australia
- Great South Coast, Victoria
- Goldfields, Western Australia
- South West, Western Australia
- Pilbara, Western Australia
Each region has specific occupations and concessions applicable under their DAMA agreement. For detailed information, contact Auzworld Migration or visit the official Australian Government immigration website.
- Addressing Skill Shortages: DAMA helps regional areas fill skill gaps by allowing employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
- Flexibility: Offers concessions to standard visa requirements, including age, English proficiency, and salary thresholds, tailored to regional needs.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides pathways for workers to transition to permanent residency.
- Boosting Regional Economy: Supports economic growth and development in regional areas by addressing labor market needs.
- Retention of Workforce: Encourages workers to live and work in regional areas, aiding in long-term retention.
Changing Employer Under the 494 Visa
If you hold a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) and wish to change employers, the following steps are generally required:
- New Nomination: Your new employer must lodge a new nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Approval: The new nomination must be approved before you can start working with the new employer.
- Update Visa Conditions: Ensure compliance with visa conditions, including working only in a designated regional area.
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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.
