494 Visa – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Skilled Work Regional subclass 494 visa is a temporary one, valid for five years. You can apply for permanent residency after three years from the time your visa is granted.
The subclass 494 enables employers in regional areas to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source a skilled Australian worker. This visa entitles visa holders, together with their families, to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
The visa is a points-tested visa, requiring either state government nomination or sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia.
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, otherwise, you won’t meet the eligibility criterion on age.
494 Visa Requirements for Applicants
In order to qualify for a Subclass 494 visa, you will need to:
- be nominated by an approved work sponsor
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- be under 45 years of age
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency
- have a suitable skills assessment for the relevant occupation
Steps involved in Applying for a 494 Visa
- obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- wait for your invitation to apply for your Skilled Visa
- apply for your visa
Processing Time
Processing times are impacted each month by changes in application volumes, seasonal peaks, complexity, and incomplete applications. Estimates of processing times are provided as a guide only. Individual processing times may vary from the published estimates. See the estimated processing times at Global visa and citizenship processing time.
494 Visa Cost
The current government application fee starts from AUD$4,770. This will vary depending on the number of dependants included in your application and their age.
Our consultancy fee will be dependent on your individual circumstances.
Before any immigration advice can be provided, we must hold an initial consultation which will attract a fee commencing from $385.
