It is not about just filling out forms. It is about understanding your unique situation, strategizing, and with you, deciding upon the best course of action.

Let us guide you to live your Australian dream with the Subclass 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Provisional Visa, which can lead you to a permanent visa in 3 years.

Subclass 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Provisional Visa

The Subclass 494 is a regional employer-sponsored visa that provides a pathway for skilled workers to live, work, and contribute to regional Australia. This visa aims to address specific labour market shortages in these regions and is a gateway to permanent residency.

This visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer in a Designated Regional Area of Australia will need to be nominated by an approved regional employer in Australia, have relevant qualifications and skills for the nominated position, and meet additional criteria, including English language proficiency.

A Designated Regional Area of Australia is a specific geographic location that has been identified by the Australian government as an area that is in need of skilled workers to support its economic growth and development. They are typically located outside of major cities and metropolitan areas, and may include regional cities, towns, and rural areas. 

Areas that are not classified as Designated Regional Areas at the time of writing include major cities and metropolitan areas, more specifically Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These areas have a higher population density and are not considered to be in need of additional skilled workers to support their economic growth and development.

The Subclass 494 is a regional employer-sponsored visa that offers a path for skilled workers to live, work, and contribute to regional Australia. Aimed at addressing labour market shortages in regional areas, this visa is also a stepping stone to permanent residency.

To qualify for this visa, there are specific criteria that both the employer and the potential employee must meet.

Employer Requirements

Employers interested in nominating a foreign skilled worker under the Subclass 494 visa must:

  • Become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS): This involves applying to the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating lawful and active operation in Australia, commitment to training Australian workers, and compliance with Australian laws.
  • Meet Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements: The employer must demonstrate that they have tested the local labour market and were unable to find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident for the nominated position.
  • Nominate the Applicant in an Approved Occupation: The nominated position must be in the list of eligible skilled occupations specific to the Subclass 494 visa, and must be likely to exist for the next five years.

Employee Requirements

As an employee, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa:

  • Skills and Qualifications: You must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated position. This includes having at least three years of full time relevant work experience and obtaining a Skills Assessment with the appropriate Skills Assessment authority.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a competent level of English through approved English language tests. That is a score of 6 in each component of the IELTS exam or an equivalent language test.
  • Age Limit: You must be under 45 years of age when you apply, unless an exemption applies.
  • Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements, including undergoing health examinations and providing police certificates.

Once the employer’s nomination has been approved and the visa applicant’s qualifications verified, a visa application can be made.

The entire process can take several months and involves multiple steps. It is vital to have professional guidance to navigate the process, ensuring that every requirement is met in a timely manner.

This is where our expert team at TN Migration steps in, assisting both employers and employees throughout the process to maximise their chances of a successful visa application.

Are you ready to take the first step towards your Australian dream?

Get in touch with TN Migration today and let’s get started on your journey to a Subclass 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Provisional Visa. Our team is ready to help you navigate the journey towards your new life in regional Australia. Let’s start this journey together, because your success is our success.