The Subclass 494 Visa enables regional Australian employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for jobs where local skilled candidates are unavailable. This provisional visa allows holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas and provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
Streams of the Subclass 494 Visa
1. Employer Sponsored Stream
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.
Key Features:
- Work, live, and study only in designated regional areas.
- Pathway to permanent residency after holding the visa for three years.
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including nomination and skills assessment.
Stay: Up to 5 years.
Cost: From AUD4,770.
Processing Times: Vary depending on individual circumstances. Use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimate.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers with an active labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Key Features:
- Employers must have a valid labour agreement in place.
- Applicants must meet the agreed-upon criteria within the agreement.
Stay: Up to 5 years.
Cost: From AUD4,770.
Processing Times: Refer to the visa processing time guide tool for an indication.
3. Subsequent Entrant
This stream is for family members of existing Subclass 494 visa holders who wish to join them in Australia.
Key Features:
- Allows family members to live and work in regional Australia with the primary visa holder.
- Members of the family unit must apply separately for this visa.
Stay: Up to 5 years.
Cost: From AUD4,770.
Processing Times: Vary. Check the processing time guide tool for estimates.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 494 Visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved regional Australian employer.
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Hold a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Meet English language proficiency standards.
- Commit to living, working, and studying in designated regional areas only.
Special Provisions for COVID-19 Affected Visa Holders
Certain Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa holders had their visas extended by three years on 18 February 2022 due to COVID-19 impacts.
Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa
With this visa, you can:
- Contribute to Australia’s regional workforce in your area of expertise.
- Include eligible family members in your visa application.
- Transition to permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements.
How WIDEN Migration Experts Can Help
At WIDEN Migration, we understand the complexities of applying for a Subclass 494 Visa and provide tailored guidance to ensure a successful application.
Our Services Include:
- Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your qualifications, skills, and employer nomination to confirm your eligibility for the visa. - Employer Support
Assistance in navigating labour agreements or sponsorship requirements for your employer. - Skills Assessment
Guidance in obtaining and submitting your skills assessment to meet visa criteria. - Application Management
End-to-end support, from preparing your application to liaising with the Department of Home Affairs. - Family Inclusion Assistance
Help with applications for family members joining you under the Subsequent Entrant stream.
Ready to make the move?
Contact WIDEN Migration Experts today to take the next step in your journey toward working and living in regional Australia.