Visa 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
A temporary visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer in regional Australia. Valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to permanent residence.
Overview
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an approved employer in regional Australia. This visa allows you to live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years, with an initial requirement to remain in the sponsored position and location.
Visa Benefits
Live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia
Include family members (partner and dependent children) in your application
Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
Access Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
Pathway to permanent residence through subclass 191 after 3 years
Work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated position
Change employers or work in a different position (with new sponsorship if required)
Access certain social security benefits after waiting periods
Eligibility Requirements
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor to work in regional Australia
- Have relevant skills and qualifications
- Have a suitable skills assessment (unless exempt)
- Under 45 years of age
- Have at least 3 years of work experience
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Stream-specific requirements vary.
Application Process
Find an employer who will sponsor you
Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (if applicable)
Submit a Nomination application
Submit a visa application
Costs & Fees
- Main applicant: $4015
- Additional applicant over 18: $4015
- Additional applicant under 18: $1005
Processing Times
50% of applications: 7 months
90% of applications: 11 months
Restrictions & Conditions
- Must work for an approved sponsor
- Limited to the nominated occupation
- Cannot change employers without new nomination
- Hold the 494 for 3 years, then if eligible apply for permanent residence
- Only live and work in designated regional areas of Australia
Additional Information
Apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (subclass 191) visa after working for your sponsor for at least 3 years.
Official Information
For the most current and official information about this visa, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
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