Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

Need skilled workers for your regional business or looking to secure your future in Australia? The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) could be the answer.

At CIA Lawyers, we specialise in helping regional employers connect with overseas talent and assisting skilled workers to navigate the visa process smoothly.

Costs & Details of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

Understanding the costs and details of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is essential for both skilled workers and employers.

Below is a clear breakdown of the visa streams, associated costs, durations, and typical processing times:

Visa Stream	Stay Duration	Cost (AUD)	Processing Time
Employer-Sponsored Stream	Up to 5 years	From $4,770	Varies (Check guide)
Labour Agreement Stream	Up to 5 years	From $4,770	Varies (Check guide)
Subsequent Entrant Stream	Up to 5 years	From $4,770	Varies (Check guide)

Important Notes:

Processing Times: Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances. Be sure to check the visa processing time guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Cost Variations: The fees provided are indicative and may vary. Always check for the latest information before applying.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stream

Understanding the different streams of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) is key to choosing the right path. Here’s how each stream works:

Stream	Description
Employer-Sponsored	For regional employers who cannot find suitably skilled Australian workers. Employers nominate workers for specific roles.
Labour Agreement	For skilled workers nominated under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
Subsequent Entrant	For family members of Subclass 494 visa holders, allowing them to join their loved ones in regional Australia.

#1. Employer-Sponsored Stream

This stream is designed for regional businesses facing challenges in finding skilled Australian workers. Employers can nominate overseas workers for roles that meet genuine business needs.

Eligibility: Employers must prove the position is genuine and matches the skill level required.
Stay Duration: Up to five years.
Benefits: Successful applicants can work, live, and study in designated regional areas and may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years.

If your business needs highly skilled professionals for critical roles, this stream ensures the right talent is available to support regional growth.

#2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is tailored for skilled workers nominated under a labour agreement. These agreements are contracts between regional employers and the Australian Government to address unique workforce needs.

Eligibility: Employers must have a formal labour agreement with the Government.
Stay Duration: Up to five years.
Benefits: Ideal for niche industries or roles with specific requirements, ensuring access to international talent where local skills are unavailable.

If you’re an employer needing specialised workers, this stream can bridge the gap effectively.

#3. Subsequent Entrant Stream

Family members of Subclass 494 visa holders can join their loved ones in regional Australia through this stream.

Eligibility: Applicants must be members of the family unit of an existing Subclass 494 visa holder.
Stay Duration: Matches the primary visa holder’s remaining validity.
Benefits: Families can enjoy the same work, study, and lifestyle opportunities in regional Australia.

This stream ensures families can stay together while contributing to regional communities. With these streams, the Subclass 494 visa is a comprehensive solution for regional employers and skilled overseas workers alike.

Benefits of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) offers significant advantages for skilled workers and regional employers in Australia.

Here’s how it benefits both parties:

Address Skill Shortages in Regional Areas: Employers in regional Australia often struggle to find workers with the right skills. The Subclass 494 visa allows businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill critical roles, ensuring their operations run smoothly and thrive.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After holding the Subclass 494 visa for three years, skilled workers can apply for the Subclass 191 visa, which provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Work and Study in Regional Australia: As a Subclass 494 visa holder, you can live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. Regional Australia is known for its vibrant communities, excellent job opportunities, and a great work-life balance.
Family Inclusion: Under the Subsequent Entrant Stream, the Subclass 494 visa allows workers to bring their family members to Australia. This is an excellent opportunity for families to reunite and enjoy the benefits of living in a regional area together.
Job Security with a Long-Term Visa: The Subclass 494 visa offers a stay of up to five years, providing workers with job stability. With a long-term visa, workers and their families can settle in regional Australia, enjoy a stable lifestyle, and plan for the future.

These benefits make the Subclass 494 visa an excellent option for both skilled workers seeking opportunities in Australia and regional employers looking to meet labour demands.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) offers two main visa streams: Employer-Sponsored Stream and Labour Agreement Stream, along with an option for Subsequent Entrants (family members).

Here’s an overview of the eligibility criteria for workers and employers under these streams.

For Workers

Employer-Sponsored Stream:

Nominated Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills and Experience: A positive skills assessment is mandatory. You need at least three years of work experience in your nominated occupation.
Age: You must be under 45 years old unless an exemption applies.
Language: You need to meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement unless exemptions apply.

Labour Agreement Stream:

Nominated Occupation: You must be nominated under the terms of a labour agreement between your employer and the Australian Government.
Skills and Experience: You must have at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
Skills Assessment: A relevant skills assessment is required, but exemptions can apply depending on the labour agreement.
Age: You must be under 45 years of age unless the labour agreement specifies otherwise.
Language: You must meet minimum English language proficiency.

Subsequent Entrant Stream:

Family Unit: You must be a member of the family unit of a primary SESR visa holder applying separately to join them in Australia.
Family Relationship: You should be able to demonstrate your relationship to the primary visa holder (such as being a spouse or dependent child).

For Employers

Location: Your business must be located in a designated regional area of Australia.
Genuine Need: You must demonstrate that there is a genuine need for the overseas worker and the role is critical for your business operations.
Fair Pay: You must offer the worker at least the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

By meeting these eligibility requirements, businesses and skilled workers can access the many benefits the Subclass 494 visa has to offer, including a pathway to permanent residency after three years of holding the visa.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494

Applying for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494 can be a challenging process. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

At CIA Lawyers, we make the visa process straightforward, efficient, and stress-free. Here’s how we can assist you:

Expert Guidance: We understand the ins and outs of the Subclass 494 visa and will provide expert advice on which visa stream suits your situation best—whether you’re an employer or a skilled worker.
Eligibility Assessment: We’ll help assess your eligibility and ensure you meet all the requirements before you apply. Whether you need assistance with a skills assessment or English language proficiency, we’ve got you covered.
Document Preparation: Gathering all the necessary documents can be time-consuming and confusing. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure your paperwork is in perfect order to avoid delays.
Employer Nomination Support: If you’re an employer, we’ll assist in preparing nomination applications that meet all the compliance requirements, including ensuring your salary meets the AMSR and TSMIT standards.
Minimise Mistakes: We’ll make sure that your application is complete and accurate from the get-go. This significantly reduces the risk of errors that could cause delays or rejection, saving you time and money.
Tailored Solutions: Every case is unique. Whether you’re a business looking to hire skilled workers or a professional hoping to relocate to regional Australia, we provide personalised advice to ensure the best possible outcome.

We take the hassle out of the visa application process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your business, your career, or your new life in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I switch employers while on a 494 visa?

A: Yes, but the new employer must also be an approved sponsor and nominate you for the same occupation.

Q: What is considered a “designated regional area”?

A: Most parts of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as regional. Check the official postcode list for details.

Q: Can family members join me on this visa?

A: Absolutely! Family members can apply under the Subsequent Entrant Stream to live and work with you.

Q: Is there a way to get permanent residency after this visa?

A: Yes, after three years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 visa if you meet the criteria.

Q: How long does it take to process this visa?

A: Processing times vary but typically range from a few months to over a year, depending on the application’s complexity.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.