What is a Subsequent Entrant Stream (Subclass 494)?

If you are a family member of a skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa holder, and want to join them in Australia, a subsequent entrant stream might be a good option for you. A skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494) is designed to meet the workforce requirements in the labor market in Australia in specific areas. 

This visa has three streams which are employer nomination stream, labor agreement stream and subsequent entrant stream. Each stream has its own set of requirements and visa conditions. 

“As a subsequent entrant, you can join your family member who is working in Australia under a skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494). You will have the same rights and obligations as the main visa holder, including complying with visa conditions and Australian laws.” 

– John Smith (Immigration Officer)

Subsequent entrant stream is for those who have family members residing in Australia under a 494 visa. This visa allows a lot of relaxation and concession on visa requirements and conditions. You can also get PR in Australia and access to public facilities such as Medicare. 

To know more about a subsequent entrant stream, its eligibility requirements and the application process, read on this blog post. But, let’s first understand what a subsequent entrant stream is.

What is a Subsequent Entrant Stream?

This visa stream allows you to reside, work and study in regional Australia for approximately five years. With this visa, you can also leave or enter Australia as often as you want.  This is a provisional visa and will have the same expiry date as your family member’s skilled employer-sponsored regional visa.

Conditions Under which You Can Apply for Subsequent Entrant Stream

Usually, you apply for a subsequent entrant stream along with the main visa application. However, under certain circumstances it might not be possible. This could happen if the family’s makeup changes after:

• The primary visa applicant has already applied for a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa and is waiting for the decision of the Department.
• The primary visa holder has already been awarded a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa. 

Under these conditions, you will have to separately apply for a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa. This is a subsequent entrant stream.

If you are applying for a visa as a subsequent entrant, you must present a written letter from the employer of your family member extending their sponsorship to include you in the nomination as a family member.

Remember with this visa you can only stay in the specified regional areas. Regional Australia includes all the regions except major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Eligibility Requirements for a Subsequent Entrant Stream

To be eligible for the subsequent entrant stream (subclass 494), you need to meet the following requirements;

• You must be under forty-five years of your age to apply for a subsequent entrant stream (subclass 494).
• You must have a family member residing in Australia on a skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494). 
• You must be nominated by the sponsor of a skilled employer-sponsored visa holder.
• You must be nominated for a job position that is mentioned in the Regional Occupation List or the Medium and Long-Term Strategic List (MLTSSL).
• You must have three years or more of relevant work experience in the relevant occupation.
• You must receive a positive skills assessment from a recognized authority.
• You must work only for your sponsor or a related company, unless your circumstances change.

English Language Requirement

You must be fluent in English to apply for a subsequent entrant visa stream (subclass 494). Look at the table below to gain insight into the required score you need to obtain in different language tests.

Application Process for a Subsequent Entrant Stream

The application process for a subsequent entrant stream (subclass 494) consists of the following steps;

• Check if you are eligible for a subsequent entrant stream (subclass 494).
• After checking your eligibility status, get a nomination from the sponsor of the main visa holder of a skilled employer-sponsored regional.
• Prepare all the necessary additional documents required to apply for a subsequent entrant stream. 
• Register yourself on the official ImmiAccount website and download the application form. Fill out the application form correctly and attach the required documents.
• Submit the application form and pay the visa fee. Wait for the decision of the Department of Home Affairs.

Processing Time for a Subsequent Entrant Stream

The processing time of each subsequent entrant stream varies depending on several factors. Usually, the processing time for a following entrant stream (subclass 494) takes between 12 and 14 months on average. The factors that can affect visa processing of a subsequent entrant stream are as follows

• Incorrect or misleading information in the visa application form.
• Insufficient documents or didn’t provide the additional documents required.
• Verification of provided information or documents that takes longer than expected.
• Number of applications that the processing center receives.

So, there you have it- all about a subsequent stream visa application. By now, you have understood the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the processing of a subsequent entrant stream.

Still confused?

Get Professional Help with The Migration

The Migration is a registered company that provides authentic and genuine consultation services to its clients. We have a team of experienced MARA-certified agents in Australia who can help you with a subsequent entrant stream in the following ways;

• We provide consultation by assessing your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
• We help you lodge the visa application for a subsequent visa by preparing the necessary documents and filling out the application form correctly.
• We assist you in getting a positive skills assessment from a recognized authority by evaluating your skills and work experience.

Therefore, book a meeting with our experts to get assistance regarding your visa-related issues, from getting a positive skills assessment to lodging your visa application. Your journey toward your dream journey is just a click away.

Related Articles

Labor Agreement Stream | Eligibility and Application Process Explored

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

494 Visa in Australia | Eligibility and Application Process Explored

FAQs

Is it possible to add my partner to my 494 visa?

Yes, you can add your partner to a 494 visa in Australia. However, you need to provide evidence of your genuine relationship, identification documents, and health, and character certificates.

What is the processing time of a subsequent entrant stream?

The processing period for the subsequent entrant stream 494 is estimated to be between one to six months unless there are exceptional circumstances that cause the delay in processing.

Who is eligible for a subsequent entrant stream subclass 494?

If you have a family member who is a visa holder of a skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494), you can apply for a subsequent entrant stream. But you have to apply separately for your own skilled employer-sponsored stream.

Can I get permanent residency on a 494 visa?

Yes, you can get PR on a 494 visa. For this purpose, you will have to apply for a 191 visa after spending three years in the nominated occupation in regional Australia under a 494 visa. You must meet the requirements for applying for PR in Australia.