The 494 visa is a skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa. This visa allows skilled applicants to apply to work in the regional areas. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for a period of 5 years. However, this must be done in designated regional areas of Australia.
Eligibility for the 494 visas
- be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list – you must be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in Australia
- have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation – Generally, you should have gained your experience within the last 5 years. The period does not need to be continuous.
- have a relevant skills assessment, unless an exemption applies – you must have your skills assessed as suitable for the nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority. The assessment will show the government you have the skills to work in the nominated occupation. The skills assessment must be undertaken before your application is lodged
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless an exemption applies – You must only work in your nominated occupation and only work for your nominating employer in regional Australia.
- be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency – you must have at least Competent English to be granted this visa. To prove this, you must undertake an English language test which either includes: IELTS, TOEFL IBT, PTE, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced test.
Benefits of the 494 visa
Under this subclass you are able to bring your family members as long as they also work, live and study in the regional areas. You can also travel to and from Australia as many times as you like. Moreover, since November 16 2022, applicants on the 494 visa can apply for permanent residency after 3 years of living and working in the regional area. In addition, currently, 75% of applications are processed within 3 months and 90% of applications are processed within 4 months. This means that this visa subclass might be perfect for you if you would like quick processing times.