Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (SUBCLASS 494)
The Australian Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa, subclass 494, is one of the new visas. Subclass 187 of the RSMS Visa has been superseded. Employers are able to designate skilled personnel with this new temporary employer-sponsored visa.
Does Subclass 494 Grant Permanent Residency
Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa does not grant permanent residency. Unlike previous RSMS visa, the 494 holders can be eligible for Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa – subclass 191 in the future.
Criteria For Employers
Enlisted are some points that are part of the criteria
- Your employer must be located in the designated regional area of Australia
- Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Geelong, Perth and Sunshine Coast are some existing regional areas. But, some regions like Wollongong, Newcastle and New South Wales Central Coast are expected to become regional areas soon
- If you are a skilled worker, your position has to be part of relevant occupation list. Currently, there are more than 700 occupations
- Before nomination, your employer will require approval from RCB (Regional Certifying Body) in your specific area
- Your current position has to be genuine, full-time and it should be available for five years
- Your salary must be in tune to the market salary rate
Eligibility Criteria For Skilled Workers
- Possess a skills assessment
- Relevant work experience of 3 years, i.e. full time
- Your age should not exceed 45 years
- Show proofs of Competent English
Does Subclass 494 Visa Lead To Permanent Residency
Subclass 494 is a five-year visa. Seek access to permanent residence with the help of Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – subclass 191. But before PR grant, you have to meet certain conditions such as
- Work in the designated regional area for three years while you are holding a 494 visa
- Provide annual earnings of 3 years. It is your partner whose name is part of the 494 visa application. Only one of the partners is part of the visa application.
- Your partner has to be the principal applicant of Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. Both partners, however, have to meet the annual earning requirement.
Visa Class
Employer Sponsored Visa
The employer-sponsored visa allows Australian employers to sponsor specific skilled labour to serve their business needs…
FAQs for Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) Australia
A skilled worker can work for a recognized employer in a specific regional area of Australia using the Subclass 494 Visa, a regional visa. With the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa, it is a route to permanent residence.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), have a valid job offer from an employer in a designated regional area, meet the skills and English language requirements, and pass health and character checks.
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is a list of occupations that are in demand in designated regional areas of Australia. To apply for the Subclass 494 Visa, your occupation must be on this list.
Yes, you must have a valid job offer from an employer in a designated regional area to apply for this visa. The employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate you for the visa.
Generally, you need to demonstrate competent English language skills. This can be done by providing the results of an approved English language test, such as IELTS, or by showing evidence of having studied in English.
Yes, you can include certain family members in your visa application, such as your spouse or partner and dependent children. They will have the same visa conditions as you.
Processing times for visas can vary depending on individual circumstances and the visa office’s workload. You can check the estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa, provided you meet certain residency and employment requirements.
The Subclass 494 Visa is usually granted for up to five years, depending on the length of the employment contract.
Generally, you must work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated position in the designated regional area. Changing employers may require a new visa application and sponsorship.
Yes, in some cases, you can add eligible secondary applicants (family members) to your visa after it has been granted. There are specific requirements and conditions for doing so.
Yes, you can study in Australia on a Subclass 494 Visa, but you will not have access to government funding for tertiary education.
If your employer ceases to sponsor you, you will have a limited period to find a new employer who can sponsor you or make other visa arrangements.
In some cases, you may be able to apply for the Subclass 494 Visa from within Australia if you currently hold an eligible visa. However, you must meet specific requirements to do so.
Yes, Subclass 494 Visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa after meeting certain criteria, including holding the Subclass 494 Visa for a specified period and meeting income requirements.
