Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
TemporarySkilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Duration
5 years
Processing
Generally 6-11 months (median)
Family
Included
PR Pathway
Yes
Overview
The subclass 494 visa allows regional employers to address identified labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for positions they cannot source locally. Healthcare positions are a priority.
Key Benefits
- Regional Employment: Secure a sponsored position in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Pathway to PR: Provides a direct pathway to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after three years.
- Include Family: You can include eligible family members in your application.
- Medicare Access: Holders are generally eligible to enrol in Medicare.
- Travel Rights: Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Eligibility Criteria
- 1Be nominated by an approved employer sponsor for a position in a designated regional area.
- 2Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- 3Have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation.
- 4Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- 5Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (exemptions may apply).
- 6Meet the 'Competent English' language requirement.
- 7Meet the mandatory health and character requirements.
Application Process
Find Regional Employer
Secure job offer in regional area
Employer Sponsorship
Employer becomes approved sponsor
Skills Assessment
Complete assessment if required
Employer Nomination
Employer nominates position
Visa Application
Apply within 6 months
Health & Character
Complete all checks
Visa Grant
Receive 5-year visa
Estimated Costs
- Visa applicationFrom $4,640
- Additional applicant 18+From $2,320
- Additional applicant <18From $1,160
- Nomination feeFrom $540
- SAF levy (employer)From $5,000 per year
Requirements
English
You must demonstrate Competent English. For IELTS, this means a minimum score of 6.0 in all four bands.
Age
Under 45 years of age at the time of application (exemptions may apply).
Salary
Your salary must be at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently $73,150 + superannuation.
Your Rights
Work
Work for sponsoring employer in regional location
Study
Yes, unrestricted
Travel
Multiple entry for 5 years
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