Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa Subclass 494
The Australian Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa, subclass 494, is one of the new visas. Subclass 187 of the RSMS visa has been changed. Employers can transfer this new employer-sponsored temporary visa to skilled workers.
Is Permanent Residency Granted by Subclass 494?
A skilled employer-sponsored (regional) visa (subclass 494) does not directly permit permanent residency. However, in the future holders of this visa may be eligible for a skilled local permanent residence visa (subclass 191).
Employer Criteria
Below are the highlights for employers:
- The employer must operate in a designated region of Australia.
- Areas such as Adelaide, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Geelong, Perth and the Sunshine Coast are considered local areas. Areas such as Wollongong, Newcastle and the New South Wales Central Coast are expected to be classified as regional areas soon.
- For skilled workers, the facility must be in the relevant sector, which currently includes more than 700 jobs.
- Employers must obtain approval from the Regional Certification Body (RCB) in their jurisdiction before selecting candidates.
- The job must be physical, full-time, and available for five years.
- Compensation should be commensurate with market wage rates.
Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers
- Conduct a skills assessment.
- Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience.
- Must be under 45 years of age.
- Provide proof of English proficiency.
Can the Subclass 494 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
The subclass 494 visa is valid for five years and provides a route to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – subclass 191.
- Employment in a designated regional location for three years of the 494 visa
- Submit proof of receipt for three years each year. This applies if your spouse includes a subclass 494 visa application. Only one spouse should be included.
- A spouse accompanying a subclass 494 visa application must be a primary applicant for a subclass 191 visa. However, both partners met the annual income criteria.