VISA 494 - SKILLED EMPLOYER SPONSORED REGIONAL

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

BENEFITS 

Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.

Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.

If eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the date your visa is granted.

Free tuition for your children from grade 1 to grade 12 if they study at public schools.

There are two streams for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): 

Employer-Sponsored stream

This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Labour Agreement stream

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.

ELIGIBILITY 

Have a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list for the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.

Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation.

Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.

Be able to score 65 points or more on the Point Test.

Submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited to apply.

Be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in Australia.

Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

Have at least competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each band level).

Meet certain health and character requirements.

Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.