Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa (Temporary)
The Company Sponsored Regional Temporary 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) Visa, is an important visa designed to address skills shortages in less densely populated areas of Australia. This visa allows businesses in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers and provides an opportunity for permanent residence.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa is intended to assist businesses in regional areas, defined as all cities and regions outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to find the skilled workers they need. This visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia for up to five years, provided they live and work in the designated regional areas. More importantly, after completing three years on this visa, they can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence 191 Visa.
Once the requirements for the Regional Temporary 491 visa have been met, applicants can apply for the Australian Permanent 191 Visa and be eligible for permanent residency. The applicant must have lived in a designated area for at least three years and have earned an income of at least AUD 53,900 for three years.
Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa Application Process
The application process for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa consists of three main stages: Company Sponsorship Application, Profession Approval Application, and Visa Application.
1. Business Sponsorship Application
A business that is legally and actively operating in Australia must first apply for sponsorship. The company must prove that it is actively operating in an area with a low population density and can sponsor a skilled worker. This requires the company to verify its financial capacity and compliance with workplace laws to the Australian Government.
2. Occupation Approval Application
The second stage involves nominating the occupation for which the company needs a skilled worker. The occupation must be on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), or the Regional Occupations List (ROL). The company must also provide evidence that it is unable to find a suitably qualified Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. This stage is critical and involves meeting several criteria to justify the need for an overseas employee.
MLTSSL Occupations: Visas can be issued for up to four years, with eligibility for permanent residence after three years.
STSOL Occupations: Visas may be issued for up to two years, extendable for a further two years.
ROL Occupations: Visas may be issued for up to four years in designated regional areas, with eligibility for permanent residence after three years.
3. Visa Application
The final stage is the visa application by the prospective employee. The applicant must meet all criteria specific to the nominated profession, including qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.
Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa Essential Details
While the 494 Visa offers an attractive path to permanent residence, there are a few important points to consider:
SkillSelect System: SkillSelect is used to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Company Sponsorship 494 Visa. Potential applicants should be invited to apply for a visa through this system. Employers can access the SkillSelect database to find suitable candidates to nominate.
Eligibility for Sponsorship Responsibilities: Employers must comply with sponsorship obligations, including ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment of sponsored workers are equivalent to those of Australian workers. Employers must also keep records and notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in the sponsored worker’s employment status.
Residence Requirement: Visa holders must live, work, or study in the specified regional area.
Employment Requirement: Visa holders must work in the defined occupation and for the sponsoring employer. If employment ends, the visa holder must find a new sponsor within 90 days or the visa may be revoked.
Real Position Requirement: The Home Office carefully screens employer nominations and applicants to ensure that the position nominated is actual and not created solely to sponsor the visa.
Regional Occupation Lists: Each state and territory may have a different list of eligible occupations and specific criteria. It is essential to review these lists and criteria, which are updated annually. You can access the current occupational lists here.
Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa Application Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Overall minimum IELTS score of 5, with minimum scores in each section varying according to the occupational list (5 for MLTSSL and ROL, 4.5 for STSOL).
Professional Recognition
Have sufficient qualifications and experience in the professions nominated by the relevant assessment authority.
Education and Work Experience
Relevant qualifications and at least three years of work experience in the nominated profession within the last five years.
Age Requirement
Applicants must not be older than 45 years of age at the time of application.
Accepted Exams and Scores for English Level
IELTS, can be Academic or General. An average score of 6, with a minimum of 5 in each section.
Occupational English Test, score equivalent to a B level in each section.
Pearson Test, with an average score of 50, with a minimum score of 36 in each section.
Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT, to score an average of 64 points, with a minimum score of 4 for listening and reading and a minimum score of 14 for writing and speaking.
Cambridge English Advanced Test, get an average score of 169 with a minimum score of 154 in each section.
Benefits of Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa
Employer Sponsorship
Family Participation
Permanent Residence Opportunity
Regional Incentives
Extended Length of Stay
Working in Regional Areas
One of the key advantages of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa is its comprehensive list of eligible occupations, which is broader than other company sponsorship visas. This makes it an attractive option for both employers and skilled workers.
Employer Sponsorship: Having an employer sponsor your visa application simplifies the process and significantly increases your chances of success. The employer takes on the responsibility of demonstrating that your skills and qualifications are essential for the position. This sponsorship also enhances the level of confidence in the applicant, as you are being recommended by someone who lives and works in Australia.
Family Participation: Visa holders can include close family members (spouse and children) in their application, allowing them to live, work and study in Australia.
Permanent Residence Opportunity: After three years, visa holders can apply for a Permanent Residence 191 Visa, which grants permanent residence.
Regional Incentives: The 494 Visa promotes living and working in rural areas, allowing you to contribute to local economic growth and become a valued employee.
Extended Length of Stay: The 494 Visa is valid for up to five years, providing long-term stability.
Working in Regional Areas: The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa for occupations in ROL supports regional development by directing skilled workers to areas outside major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Rural areas offer unique lifestyle benefits such as a lower cost of living, strong community ties and diverse job opportunities.
Australia Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa Support and Consulting
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 Visa is a critical route for skilled workers seeking employment opportunities in Australia and for businesses aiming to address labor shortages. By understanding the application process, eligibility criteria and benefits, employers and potential employees can make informed decisions about migration and employment strategies.
Compared to other visas, the application process can be complex. For comprehensive information and personalized advice, consider consulting a registered immigration agent who can guide you every step of the way and ensure that your application complies with all relevant requirements. For more detailed information and application, please contact us and request our advice at each stage of the application process.
Apply for Ozlinx Migration
Succeeding at the end of the immigration process to Australia requires careful planning and an understanding of the various pathways available. Whether you are a skilled professional, a student, or looking for opportunities in regional areas, there are options tailored to your circumstances. By staying informed and seeking guidance from reputable sources, you can make your journey to Australia safe and smooth.