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Subclass 494: Skilled Employer

Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

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Australia’s commitment to bolstering regional development and addressing skill shortages has led to the introduction of the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. This visa offers skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in designated regional areas, contributing to local communities and economies. At Stepping Stones Careers Solutions, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the Subclass 494 visa application process, ensuring a seamless transition to your new life in Australia.

Overview Subclass 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers nominated by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. It enables you and your family members to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years. After meeting specific requirements, such as working in the designated area for three years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Subclass 494 Requirements

  • Applicant must be nominated by an approved work sponsor
  • Applicant must possess an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
  • Must have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Must be under 45 years of age
  • Meet minimum standards of English Language proficiency

Subclass 494 Occupation List

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers
  • Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
  • Accountant (General)
  • Actor
  • Dancers and Other Entertainers nec
  • Actuary
  • Acupuncturist
  • Advertising Manager
  • Advertising Specialist
  • Aeronautical Engineer

For more occupations, visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or click on the link.

Subclass 494 Regional Areas

  • This visa allows successful candidates to live, work, and study in defined regional areas of Australia. These areas include;
  • Perth
  • Gold Coast
  • Sunshine Coast
  • Newcastle
  • Lake Macquarie
  • Illawarra
  • Geelong
  • Wollongong
  • Adelaide
  • Hobart.

Subclass 494 to PR

  • Subclass 494 skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa can lead to permanent residency (PR) in Australia after three years.

Key Streams of the Subclass 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 visa comprises two primary streams:

Employer Sponsored Stream

  • Subclass 494 visa skilled workers is for applicants nominated by an approved sponsor to work in a specified occupation within a designated regional area.

Stay

  • 5 Years

Cost

  • AUD 4,770

Labour Agreement Stream

  • This stream caters to applicants nominated by an employer under a labour agreement approved by the Australian government.

Stay

  • 5 Years

Cost

  • AUD 4,770

Subsequent Entrant

  • The Subsequent Entrant visa under subclass 494 is designed for family members of a primary Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa holder who wish to apply separately to join them in Australia.

Stay

  • Up to 5 Years

Cost

  • AUD 4,770

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa

  • To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Nomination by an Approved Sponsor: You must be nominated by an employer who is an approved sponsor and is located in a designated regional area.
  • Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Skills Assessment: You must have a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
  • Work Experience: A minimum of three years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation is required.
  • Age:You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
  • English Language Proficiency:You must demonstrate competent English language skills.
  • Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

Application Process for Subclass 494 Visa

  • The application process for the Visa Subclass 494 involves several steps:
  • Sponsorship and Nomination by Employer: Your employer must become an approved sponsor and nominate you for a position in a designated regional area.
  • Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
  • Lodge the Visa Application: Submit your visa application online, including all necessary documentation to support your eligibility.
  • Health and Character Checks:Undergo required health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
  • Await Decision:The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and notify you of the outcome.

Processing Time

  • Processing times for the Subclass 494 visa can vary based on individual circumstances and the stream under which you apply. As of recent data:
  • Employer Sponsored Stream:
  • 25% of applications: processed within 57 days.
  • 50% of applications: processed within 6 months.
  • Employer Sponsored Stream:
  • 75% of applications: processed within 10 months.
  • 90% of applications: processed within 12 months.
  • Labour Agreement Stream:
  • 25% of applications: processed within 5 months.
  • 50% of applications: processed within 5 months.
  • 75% of applications: processed within 7 months.
  • 90% of applications: processed within 9 months.
  • Subsequent Entrant:
  • To estimate the processing times for this visa, please utilize the visa processing time guide tool. This resource provides approximate timelines based on recently processed applications. Please note that these are general estimates and may not reflect the specific processing time for your individual application.
  • Please note that these times are indicative and can change based on various factors, including the completeness of your application and the volume of applications received.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the significant advantages of the Subclass 494 visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After holding the Subclass 494 visa for at least three years and meeting specific requirements, such as working in your nominated occupation in a designated regional area, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

  • Work and Live in Regional Australia: Enjoy the opportunity to contribute to and become part of regional Australian communities.
  • Include Family Members: Your family members can be included in your application, allowing them to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides a clear route to permanent residency, offering long-term stability and opportunities in Australia.

How Stepping Stones Careers Solutions Can Assist You?

  • Navigating the complexities of the Australian immigration process can be challenging. At Stepping Stones Careers Solutions, we offer comprehensive services to assist you, including:
  • Personalized Consultation: Understanding your unique circumstances to provide tailored advice.
  • Skills Assessment Guidance: Assisting you in obtaining the necessary skills assessment for your occupation.
  • Application Preparation and Lodgement: Ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and submitted promptly.
  • Liaison with Authorities: Communicating with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf to address any queries or additional requirements.
  • Post-Visa Services: Offering support to help you settle into your new life in regional Australia.

The Subclass 494 visa presents a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to experience life in Australia's vibrant regional areas, contributing to local communities and economies. With the potential pathway to permanent residency, it offers a promising future for you and your family. At Stepping Stones Careers Solutions, we are committed to providing expert guidance and support throughout your visa application journey, ensuring you have the best chance of success.

FAQs on Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) allows regional Australian employers to address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for positions they cannot fill with local talent.

Yes, after holding the 494 visa for three years and meeting specific requirements, including a minimum taxable income threshold, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

The visa application fee for the main applicant is AUD 4,770. Additional applicants over 18 years old need to pay AUD 2,385, and additional applicants under 18 years old need to pay AUD 1,195.

Applicants must demonstrate competent English language proficiency, which requires a minimum score of 50 in each component of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.

Yes, 494 visa holders can change employers. However, the new employer must lodge a new nomination, and it must be approved before the visa holder can commence employment with them. It’s essential to adhere to visa conditions to avoid potential cancellation.

The 494 visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency and enables employers to fill labor shortages with qualified overseas workers.

Yes, you can add your partner to your 494 visa application. To do so, you must provide evidence of your genuine relationship, such as a marriage certificate, joint financial statements, or shared rental agreements.

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