Did you know that Australia’s regional areas contribute over 40% to the nation’s GDP?
With the introduction of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, the Australian government has opened new pathways for skilled migrants to contribute to these thriving regional economies.
This visa is designed for talented individuals like you, ready to contribute your skills to designated regional areas and build a future in 494 Visa Australia.
This comprehensive 494 Visa Guide will break down everything you need to know about the 494 Visa Requirements and the 494 Visa Application Process.
Understanding The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Introduced in November 2019, the Subclass 494 visa replaced the old 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa. With approximately 10,000 places available annually, this visa targets skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in regional areas.
It’s a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme designed to boost the economies and communities outside of Australia’s major cities.
The 494 Visa benefits are significant. It’s a temporary visa, valid for five years, allowing you to live, work, and study exclusively in designated regional areas of Australia.
You can travel freely in and out of Australia during this time. Crucially, it also provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years for eligible visa holders.
Key Components Of 494 Visa Eligibility
Requirement Category | Details |
Age Limit | Under 45 years at time of application |
Work Experience | Minimum 3 years relevant full-time experience |
English Proficiency | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) |
Location Restriction | Must work in designated regional areas |
Visa Duration | 5 years validity |
Pathway to Permanency | Eligible for permanent residency after 3 years |
Essential 494 Visa Steps For Application
The 494 Visa process involves three distinct phases that require careful attention to detail and thorough preparation.
Phase 1: Employer Sponsorship
To sponsor a skilled worker under the 494 visa, an employer must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor or hold a work agreement under the Labour Agreement stream.
Employer-Sponsored Stream
- The employer must prove that they are an operating business by providing financial statements, company registration, and other necessary documents.
- Approved business sponsorship lasts for five years, allowing businesses to sponsor multiple workers.
- Employers must comply with sponsorship obligations, as they can be monitored by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Overseas businesses cannot sponsor workers under this stream.
Labour Agreement Stream
- The employer must be a party to a work agreement with the Australian Government.
- The agreement allows for employing skilled workers under specific conditions.
Phase 2: Position Nomination
For a 494 visa nomination, employers must meet specific criteria:
- The nominated position must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- The employer must conduct labour market testing to prove that no Australian worker is available for the job.
- The job position must be located in a designated regional area.
- Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate, ensuring the worker receives at least AUD $53,900 plus 9.5% superannuation.
- The position must be full-time and available for at least five years.
- Employers must contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF):
- $3,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
- $5,000 for businesses with an annual turnover above $10 million.
Phase 3: Visa Application
Once the employer’s sponsorship and nomination are approved, the skilled worker must meet the following requirements to qualify for the Subclass 494 visa.
Employer-Sponsored Stream Requirements
- At least three years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
- A valid positive skills assessment for the occupation.
- Age must be under 45 years, unless exempt.
- Competent English proficiency, proven through one of the following tests:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0 in each component
- PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each component
- TOEFL, OET, and Cambridge English are also accepted.
- Dependents over 18 years must have at least functional English or pay a fee of AUD $4,890 per person.
Labour Agreement Stream Requirements
- Under 45 years of age (unless the agreement allows exceptions).
- Skills, qualifications, and work experience required for the occupation.
- At least three years of relevant full-time work experience.
- English language proficiency is suitable for the nominated occupation.
Required 494 Visa Documents
A successful application requires meticulous attention to documentation requirements. Here’s a comprehensive 494 Visa checklist:
Document Category | Requirements |
Identity Documents | Valid passport and photographs |
Skills Evidence | Skills assessment and qualifications |
Work Experience | Employment references and contracts |
English Proficiency | Valid test results |
Health and Character | Medical examinations and police certificates |
Financial | Health insurance evidence |
Understanding 494 Visa Benefits
The visa offers several advantages for successful applicants:
- Five-year validity period
- Ability to include family members
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Work rights in regional Australia
- Travel privileges
494 Visa Timeline And Processing
The processing duration varies depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application and the current departmental workload. The 494 Visa application fee structure includes both the primary application cost and additional charges for family members.
494 Visa Sponsorship Requirements
Employers must demonstrate:
- Genuine business operations
- Financial capacity to support sponsored positions
- Compliance with Australian workplace laws
- Commitment to training Australian workers
Need Help With Your 494 Visa Application?
Applying for a 494 Visa can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it becomes much smoother. At Excel Migration, we simplify your visa journey with expert advice, personalised support, and a deep understanding of Australian immigration laws. Whether you need help with sponsorship, nomination, or visa application, our team is here to assist every step of the way.
