494 Visa in Australia | Eligibility and Application Process Explored

 

Are you searching for the best Australian visa option that provides a lot of concession and relaxation on visa requirements? If so, you have come to the right place. A 494 visa in Australia is an amazing opportunity for skilled workers who want to work in regional areas of the country. This visa is designed for the regional employers to meet the skills and labor shortage in the local areas of the country by inviting international skilled workers to these areas.  

“The 494 visa is a win-win situation for both employers and workers. Employers can fill the gaps in their workforce with qualified and experienced workers. On the other hand workers can living and working in such regional area, such as lower cost of living, less traffic, and more community spirit.” 

– Karen Andrews, Minister for Home Affairs (January 17, 2022)

So, if you want to migrate to Australia, you must consider this fantastic opportunity. However, understanding the eligibility requirements, steps of the application process, visa processing time, and benefits of a 494 visa in Australia are important.

Therefore, read this blog post as it provides valuable information and insights on the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494). But before moving towards in-depth analysis, let’s first understand what a 494 visa is in Australia.

 

What is a Skilled Employer- Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa?

A Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is designed for skilled workers either living in Australia or outside of Australia. To be eligible for a 494 visa in Australia, you must have skills and qualifications related to the occupation mentioned on the Regional Occupation List.

With this visa, you can reside in Australia for up to five years and also have access to permanent residence. Moreover, you can also invite your dependent family members to reside in the country in these designated regional areas for five years. 

There are different visa streams of a 494 visa in Australia each with its own set of terms and conditions.

 

Visa Streams of a 494 Visa in Australia

A Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is divided into three main streams, which are;

• Employer-Sponsored Stream
• Labor Agreement Stream
• Subsequent Entrant Stream

Let’s discuss them in detail for better understanding

1. Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)

This visa stream of a 494 visa is intended to meet the labor or skills shortage in the regional areas of Australia. The regional employer is responsible for identifying and sponsoring skilled workers in the regional areas to enhance the local economy. With this visa stream, you can work and study in the country for approximately five years. Moreover, it also provides a route to permanent residence after spending three years working in the designated occupation in the country.

Read this blog post to learn more about this visa stream

What is an Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) in Australia?

2. Labor Agreement Stream (Subclass 494)

The Labor Agreement stream of a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is designed for employers who possess a labor agreement. A labor agreement allows authorized employers to sponsor international skilled workers to meet the workforce shortage when standard visas become unable to meet the market needs.

This agreement is developed between the Department of Home Affairs and the employers. So, if you plan to migrate to Australia under this visa stream, make sure that the employer and the Commonwealth enter into a labor agreement in conjunction with the designated occupation. 

3. Subsequent Entrant Stream (Subclass 494)

This visa is intended for family members of holders of a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional who want to meet their primary SESR visa holder. With this visa stream, you can live in Australia for up to five years. During your stay, you can study, work, or live in the country and can also leave or exit the country within the allotted five-year time period. To get this visa stream, you must have a family member who is a major skilled employer-sponsored regional visa holder in Australia.

 

Who is Eligible for a 494 Visa in Australia?

Before applying for any Australian visa, it is important that you understand its eligibility criteria, as each visa category has its own set of requirements and conditions. By now, you understand that there are different categories of a 494 visa in Australia, and each has different terms and conditions. However, here, I’ve discussed some of the general requirements that you need to meet before applying for an Australian visa. Have a look at them;

• You must be under the age of 45 while submitting an application for a 494 visa in Australia.
• You must be proficient in the English language at the time of lodging your visa application.
• You have to meet the skill requirements for the nominated occupation and must have worked full-time in the designated occupation for at least three years.
• You should have work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years. A continuous length of time is not required. Part-time work could be taken into consideration, but casual labor is not accepted by DHA.
• If you are in Australia and have one of the bridging or substantive visas A, B, or C, you are exempt from the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
• It is important to meet the health and character requirements for you if you are applying for a 494 visa in Australia.

Still confused? Wait for a moment!

Consider consulting an immigration expert to understand whether you are eligible for a 494 visa in Australia or not. You can also contact us at The Migration to get customized help according to your age, skills, qualifications, and work experience. We assist you in choosing which visa is best for you, depending on your needs and preferences.

 

How to Apply for a 494 Visa in Australia?

The Australian visa application process is quite challenging and stressful. Therefore, you must have knowledge about the basics steps of the visa process. Here, I’ve discussed the important steps of a 494 visa application in Australia. Understand these steps and follow the instructions carefully for successful visa application.

Step 1: Organize your Documents

Before applying for an Australian 494 visa, prepare and organize your documents. These documents include evidence of your skills assessment, health assessment, character certificate, English language test, and identity documents. Gather all the documents carefully before applying for a 494 visa in Australia.

Keep in mind that providing inaccurate or misleading information will lead to cancellation of your visa application. So, provide accurate information to avoid visa refusal in Australia.

Step 2: Apply for the Visa

Once you gather all the necessary and supporting documents, the next step is to apply for a visa. You can apply for a 494 visa in Australia online via an ImmiAccount. Create an account on the official website and provide all the necessary information, attach your documents, and pay the application fee. Remember the Department of Home Affairs will not proceed with your application until you pay the application fee.

Step 3: Things to Do After Application Submission

The Department of Home Affairs will notify you after receiving your visa application. Moreover, you must stay updated as the Department can ask for more information, such as providing the biometrics. In case you change your email address, phone number, or any other important information regarding your application, inform the Department of Home Affairs. Otherwise, the Government will cancel your application.

 

Processing Time for a 494 Visa in Australia

The processing time for a 494 visa in Australia is different for each case, depending upon various factors. The processing of your visa could take longer if you haven’t completed your visa application correctly. Moreover, if you don’t answer the necessary questions asked by the Department of Home Affairs immediately, the application processing for your visa will be extended.

 

Major Update About 494 Visa Australia

The Australian Government announced the extension of three years in a 494 visa for those who were affected by COVID-19 restrictions. According to the spokesperson of the Department of Home Affairs,

 

“We will extend visas for Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa holders if the primary visa holder was outside Australia at any time between February 1, 2020, and December 14, 2021 (inclusive) as the holder of a valid Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa.”

 

After that, impacted holders of skilled regional (provisional) visas will have time to arrange their travels based on their plans of living and working in regional Australia.

 

Benefits of an Australian 494 Visa

Subclass 494 visa in Australia offers numerous benefits, which are;

Reduced Cost for Employers:  The subclass 494 nomination requires only one SAF levy stage. On the other hand, subclass 482 to ENS subclass 186 permanent resident pathway consists of two stages. 

Pathway to Permanent Residency: A skilled employer-sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494) provides a direct route to permanent residence in Australia without acquiring the second nomination stage. For this purpose, you have to apply for a subclass 191 visa.

 

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is a registered company with a team of experts and MARA-certified agents in Australia. We ensure authenticity at every step of the process. We are well aware of the fact that each case is unique and demands customized solutions. 

Therefore, we help you choose the best visa option according to your age, skills, qualifications, and work experience. Book a meeting with our experts and get personalized advice and assistance in obtaining positive outcomes for your skills assessment.

Related Articles

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FAQs

1. How much does a subclass 494 visa cost? 

The cost to apply for an Australia 494 visa is approximately AUD 4,640.

2. Can I switch employers on an Australian 494 visa?

No, you cannot change your employer after getting a 494 visa in Australia until another employer nominates you.

3. How can you differentiate between a 494 and a 491 visa?

In the case of a 494 visa, it is compulsory that an authorized employer sponsors you, while in order to apply for a 491 visa, state nomination or nomination by an eligible family member is the requirement.

4. Can I apply for a 190 visa after a 494 visa in Australia?

Yes, you can apply for a 190 visa in Australia after spending three years under a 494 visa in Australia. However, make sure that you meet all the conditions and requirements for that visa subclass for successful approval.

1. Which is the best visa, 494 or 482?

A skilled employer-sponsored regional visa (Subclass 494) is the best visa option as compared to a temporary skills shortage visa (Subclass 482). The reason is that the 494 visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after spending a specified time period. On the other hand, a TSS visa offers limited PR pathways.

 

Get Help with Your Application

So, by now, I hope you have understood the basics of a 494 visa in Australia, its eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits. So, what’s next? If you need more information or have any questions related to a 494 visa in Australia, I recommend seeking professional advice. Complete your research and hire an experienced lawyer. Remember, that professional must be a registered agent or a legal practitioner. 

Be aware of the scams!

You can also contact us at The Migration if you need any help related to application lodging, getting skills assessment, or visa processing. We provide authentic and genuine consultation services for securing successful visa approval.