The 494 Skilled Regional (Provisional) has replaced the 187 (RSMS) visa regime. It enables those sponsored by eligible employers to live and work in a region of Australia listed on the 494 skilled occupation list for five years where they can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
This visa is an alternative for those who do not meet the requirements of other visas (including Subclass 482) and can be used as a step towards permanent residency.
Eligible 494 sponsors can enjoy the below privileges:
Eligible 494 applicants can enjoy the below privileges:
There are three streams for Subclass 494 Visa.
This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.
This visa enables regional employers to sponsor members of the family unit of a Skilled Employee who is applying separately for their visa to join the primary visa holder in Australia.
To be eligible as a sponsor for a Subclass 494 visa, you must:
To be nominated for a Subclass 494 Visa, the sponsoring employer must:
To be eligible for a Subclass 494 visa, you must be:
Step 1: Sponsorship
To begin applying for Subclass 494, the sponsoring employer needs to be an approved standard business sponsor. If the current employer is not an approved sponsor, we can assist in applying for standard business sponsorship.
Step 2: Nomination
To begin applying for Subclass 494, your sponsoring employer needs to nominate you for a permanent position in your nominated occupation.
Step 3: Regional Certifying Body Approval
When you nominate someone for a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Direct Entry visa stream, the position you nominate them for must be assessed by a regional certifying body. Regional certifying body assessments give the Department information about local labour market conditions and other relevant regional matters.
Step 4: Visa Application
Once nomination and RCB has been applied for, we will help you apply for Subclass 494 visa.
The visa validity period is 5 years.
Visa holders must commence work within 90 days of the visa being granted a 494 visa. You are only allowed to work in your nominated occupation and nominating employer in regional Australia. If you do not, your visa may be cancelled.
Working in regional Australia does not mean that you have to live in a remote area. All of Australia is classified as “regional” except for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
You may be eligible for age-limit exemptions if you are:
Breach of the above condition could result in visa cancellation.
We have summarised the costs for a Subclass 494 application.
75% of applications are processed in: 4 months
90% of applications are processed in: 8 months
It is possible to apply for a permanent Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years.
Unlike the transitional pathway 186 or 187 visas, the Subclass 191 visa does not require:
Applicants, however, must still meet certain income requirements and be able to prove their residence in regional Australia for the 3-year period.
Unit 7, 242-224 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
18 Tambling Terrace Lyons, NT 0810
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Unit 7, 242-224 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
18 Tambling Terrace
Lyons, NT- 0810