494 Visa - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

Australia's beautiful regional areas are calling for talented individuals like you who want a rewarding life surrounded by stunning landscapes, lively communities, and great job chances.

If you have the skills Australia needs, the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is your ticket to growing your career and becoming a permanent resident in these thriving regions. This detailed guide explores all about the 494 visa, giving you the info you need to succeed in regional Australia.

Ready to talk to an expert migration agent about your 494 Visa application? Contact us today.

Need further information? Read through our complete guide to the 494 Visa below.

Understanding the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

This is a new visa, introduced in November 2019. It’s been designed to update the 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa. It has roughly 10,000 places per year and is for applicants with skills that are needed in certain regional areas.

The visa allows you to live and work in Australia and travel in and out of the country as frequently as you wish for 5 years. It’s also a pathway to permanent residency. If eligible, apply for permanent residency after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

It is a temporary visa granted to skilled workers who have been nominated by an eligible employer in a designated regional area of Australia. Upon successful grant of the 494 visa, you are authorized to work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation, opening doors to professional advancement and valuable work experience.

The step-by-step process to apply for a 494 visa

The first step is assessing if you meet the criteria for application. You must:

• have a skill/ trade that is on the skill shortages list

• have, at minimum, three years of work experience in that occupation

• have a relevant skills assessment

• work only for your sponsor or associated entity

• be less than 45 years old, unless an exemption applies

• meet minimum English standards

If you meet the criteria, then you can start looking for a job. Your future employer either must already have a labour agreement with the Australian Government, or willing to apply for one. The employer must be in regional Australia, outside of the main cities. This includes Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Adelaide, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Canberra, Newcastle, Geelong, Perth and Wollongong.

Once your job application is successful, you can then start the visa application process. Create an ImmiAccount logon. Follow the instructions to apply for your visa with your potential employer as your sponsor.

Once your visa has been approved, you can then book your flights to Australia, your new home.

494 visa fees

Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website as the visa cost can vary.

494 visa processing time

Applications are accessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances.

Documents required to apply for your 494 visa

There are several documents you need to supply. If these are not supplied correctly, in English, then your visa will not be approved. Spend time putting your application together, as the list of the required paperwork is long. While this list is not exhaustive, you may need to supply:

• proof of minimum English language skills

• ID proof, including valid passport copies

• any change of name paperwork

• if you must perform a skills assessment, the results must be part of your application

• if you don’t have to perform a skills assessment, you will need proof of your qualification/ licences/ registrations and references from previous employers.

• certificate of health

• proof you have obtained health insurance for your stay in Australia

• proof of good character. This requires a police certificate for every country that you have lived in for twelve months or longer. There also may be additional forms, but the immigration department will advise.

• if you’re bringing a partner, they will require ID documents, character documents, and proof of marriage/ de facto relationship.

• if you intend to bring dependents with you, you’ll need to give passport copies, birth certificates, and depending on their age, character documents.

• if you don’t advise the immigration department you were in a marriage, de facto relationship, or were engaged, your visa may be cancelled.

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) opens doors to establish yourself in regional Australia. Understand the eligibility, craft a strong application, and follow visa rules diligently.

And of course, if you are finding any part of the process confusing, reach out to us for expert guidance throughout this process, by leveraging IDP's visa and migration services to ensure a smooth journey towards your Australian dream.

There are a number of conditions for your 494 visa. You must:

• not be disruptive or harmful to the Australian community or group of people in the community

• maintain your health insurance while residing in Australia

• stay in a designated ‘regional’ area of employment

• continue to work in the occupation you were nominated for

How do I apply for a 494 visa?

You must meet a range of criteria:

• be under 45 years old

• have 3 years+ work experience

• meet minimum English standards

• have a job/ qualification that the Australian Government has included on the skills shortage list

• be willing to work in a regional area

• be sponsored by an eligible employer

• meet the health and character requirements

If you meet those standards and are successful in getting a relevant role, then you can apply for a 494 visa.

Can I get permanent residence with a 494 visa?

While the 494 visa doesn’t get you permanent residency automatically in Australia, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of residing in Australia via 191 visa.

What is a 191 visa?

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) was the visa permanent residence visa for skilled workers who satisfy the requirement.

Can I buy a house on a 494 visa?

You may be able to buy Australian property while on a 494 visa. You need to gain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and may have to meet some criteria.

If I have 3 years of relevant casual work experience, will it be considered?

Full time and equivalent part-time work might be considered but casual work isn’t unfortunately. Generally, one should gain experience within the 5-year time frame and the period doesn’t need to be continuous.

May I extend my stay with the 494 visa?

You can’t stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. If eligible, you have an option to apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

Looking for more information in how to begin the 494 visa process? Then contact one of our expert agents today.