Who is this visa for?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) visa (subclass 494) allows an Applicant to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.

The Applicant must be nominated by an eligible Employer however after having worked for the Employer for 3 years (on the subclass 494), they can then make an independent application for Australian permanent residency by applying for the Permanent Residence (Regional) visa (subclass 191).


Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) - Information for Applicants

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)(subclass 494) visa is for persons being sponsored by an eligible employer to live and work in regional Australia for a period of up to 5 years.


To satisfy the requirements for a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), the Primary Applicant must be able to demonstrate that they:

  • 1. Have a positive Skills Assessment for an occupation listed on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSS), Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL);
  • 2. Have completed at least 3 years relevant full-time work at the required skilled level expected for the occupation;
  • 3. Hold registration or licencing if required for the occupation;
  • 4. Have at least ‘competent’ level English e.g. IELTS score equal to (or above) 6 for each of the four test components;
  • 5. Have an Employment Contract offering full-time work for the period of the visa – the nominated salary must be equal to (or above) $73,150 per annum (based on a 38 week);
  • 6. Have private health insurance for themselves and any dependent family members throughout the processing of the visa application.
  • 7. Are under 45 years of age.

Note: Holders of this visa may not apply for any other skilled visa or a partner visa for a minimum period of 3 years.

Additional requirements may apply
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PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Subclass 494 visa holders will be able to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after they have held the subclass 494 visa for three years and are able to show that they have continued to live and work for the Employer in the regional area for this period.

Subclass 494 visa holders do not need their Employer to sponsor them for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), nor do they have to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Subclass 494 visa holders are also eligible for Medicare and so they don’t need to maintain private health once the visa has been granted unless they wish to do so.