494 visa

The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) in November 2019.

Overview of subclass 494 visa:
  1. Purpose: The subclass 494 visa aims to address skill shortages in regional areas of Australia by enabling employers in these regions to sponsor skilled workers from overseas.
  2. Regional Areas: To be eligible for the subclass 494 visa, the nominated position must be located in a designated regional area of Australia. Regional areas are defined as any area of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth.
  3. Employer Sponsorship: To apply for the subclass 494 visa, you must be sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for your skills and meet certain requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
  4. Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list specified for the subclass 494 visa. This list may differ from the lists used for other skilled migration visas.
  5. Labour Market Testing: Employers sponsoring skilled workers for the subclass 494 visa are generally required to undertake labour market testing to demonstrate that no suitable Australian workers are available to fill the position.
  6. Duration: The subclass 494 visa is granted for a period of up to five years. After living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years and meeting other eligibility criteria, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)).
  7. Family Members: Subclass 494 visa holders can include certain family members in their visa application, such as spouses/partners and dependent children.
  8. Application Process: The application process for the subclass 494 visa involves three stages: employer nomination, visa application, and approval by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants need to provide various documents and evidence to support their application.

It's important to note that the subclass 494 visa is subject to specific eligibility criteria and requirements, and the application process may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's advisable to consult with a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalized advice and guidance regarding the subclass 494 visa application.