Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

The Subclass 494 Visa is a regional visa that allows skilled workers to work for an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia. It is a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa.

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.