Subclass 494 Visa

The Subclass 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, allows employers in Regional Australia to address skilled worker shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. This visa is designed for employers who are unable to find suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents for specific roles.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Class GK) Subclass 494 Visa allows employers in regional Australia to address skilled worker shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when they cannot find suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Visa Subclass 494 Employer Sponsored Stream

This stream enables regional employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill identified labor shortages in their regions when they cannot source an appropriate Australian worker (permanent resident or citizen).

Subclass 494 Visa Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is designed for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs).

Including Family Members as Subsequent Entrants

This visa allows family members of a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa holder to apply separately to join the primary SESR visa holder in Australia.

Visa Holders Work Rights in Australia

The Subclass 494 Visa is granted for five years, and holders can apply for permanent residence (Subclass 191 visa) after three years from the visa grant date. Visa holders may live, work, and study only in a Designated Regional Area.

Visa Fees

  • Base Application Charge: A$4,770
  • Additional Applicant Charge (18 years and older): A$2,385
  • Additional Applicant Charge (under 18): A$1,190
  • Nomination Application Fees: A$0
  • Skilling Australia Fund Levy:
    • A$3,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of less than A$10 million
    • A$5,000 for businesses with an annual turnover of more than A$10 million

Subclass 494 Processing Time

  • Nomination Processing Time in Employer Sponsored Stream:
    • 75% of applications processed in 3 months
    • 90% of applications processed in 5 months

Subclass 494 Visa Requirements

Regional Employer Sponsored Visa Qualifications and Experience

The nominated applicant must possess relevant qualifications and at least three years of relevant experience for the occupation being nominated.

English Language Requirements for 494 Visa

You are exempt from providing English language evidence if:

  • You hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
  • You have completed at least five years of full-time study at a secondary institution where the majority of classes were in English.
  • Your occupation will be performed at a diplomatic or consular mission of another country, or an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan.
  • You require a license, registration, or membership that proves your English language competency.
  • You are nominated by an overseas business with a guaranteed annual salary of at least AUD 96,400.

English Test Requirements:

  • Short Term Stream: Minimum overall band score of 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each test component.
  • Medium Term Stream: Minimum overall band score of 5.0 with at least 5.0 in each test component.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: Must demonstrate English skills as specified in the labour agreement.

Subclass 494 Regional Visa Skills Assessment

Skills assessments are conducted by relevant authorities to verify that your skills meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. This assessment may be mandatory based on your occupation and visa subclass.

Subclass 494 Nomination Application

The employer must nominate an occupation for a prospective SESR visa applicant or existing visa holder after obtaining approval for 494 sponsorship.

Labour Market Testing for 494 Visa

Before lodging a nomination application, the nominee must conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) to demonstrate to the Department of Home Affairs that they cannot find a suitable Australian worker. LMT typically requires advertising the position in Australia unless specified exemptions apply.

Annual Market Salary Rate for 494 Visa Nomination Application

For nomination approval, the delegate must verify that the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 53,900, excluding non-monetary benefits.

Subclass 494 Visa Nomination Refusal

If a nomination is refused, it can be appealed at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s Migration and Refugee Division (AAT-MRD), provided there is an approved or pending application for ‘Standard Business Approval’ for the sponsoring business.

Subclass 482 Visa Estimated Processing Time

  • Short Term Stream: 75% of applications processed in 49 days; 90% in 5 months
  • Medium Term Stream: 75% in 4 months; 90% in 8 months
  • Labour Agreement Stream: 75% in 5 months; 90% in 12 months

Designated Regional Areas for Subclass 494 Visa

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, categorized into two classes with various incentives for skilled migrants.

Category 2: Cities and Major Regional Centres

Cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and others enjoy priority processing of regional visas and access to a broader Regional Occupations List.

Category 3: Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

All other areas not listed above are eligible for dedicated regional places, priority processing, and access to the Regional Occupations List, along with additional incentives for regional agreements.

Designated Regional Area Post Codes

New South Wales: Includes specific post codes for cities, major regional centers, and other regional areas.
Victoria: Covers major regional centers and additional regional areas.
Queensland: Lists relevant post codes for regional centers.
Western Australia: Encompasses all post codes not mentioned under cities and major regional centers.
Tasmania: Identifies post codes for major regional centers.
Australian Capital Territory: Includes all post codes in the ACT.
Northern Territory: All post codes in the Northern Territory are classified as regional areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 494 Visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. It is designed to address labor shortages in regional areas by allowing employers to sponsor overseas workers for skilled positions.

The Subclass 494 Visa has two streams:

  • Employer Sponsored Stream: For workers nominated by a regional employer for an eligible skilled occupation.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a labor agreement between their employer and the Australian government.

The Subclass 494 Visa is valid for 5 years. Holders can live, work, and study in a designated regional area during this time. After three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

Eligibility includes having an approved sponsor, working in an eligible skilled occupation, meeting English language requirements, and having a positive skills assessment for the nominated role. Aussie Migration Services can assess your eligibility and provide expert guidance.

Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse and dependent children in your application. They will have the same rights as the primary applicant to live, work, and study in regional Australia.

Employers must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position, offer market salary rates, and meet other sponsorship requirements. Aussie Migration Services provides tailored assistance to employers to ensure compliance with all obligations.

Yes, after holding the Subclass 494 Visa for three years and meeting specific income and residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

Processing times typically range from 4 to 10 months, depending on the complexity of the application and individual circumstances. Aussie Migration Services ensures your application is complete and submitted promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.

At Aussie Migration Services, we offer:

  • Eligibility assessments and stream selection advice
  • Preparation and submission of complete, accurate applications
  • Guidance for employers on sponsorship requirements
  • Support with transitioning to permanent residency

Our team of experts simplifies the process, saving you time and ensuring your application’s success.

If your application is refused, Aussie Migration Services can review the refusal reasons, provide advice on addressing the issues, and guide you through the reapplication or appeals process to improve your chances of success.