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If you’re a skilled worker looking to build a future in regional Australia, the 494 visa could be your ideal pathway. Officially known as the Subclass 494 visa, this employer-sponsored regional visa allows you to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years. Additionally, it offers a clear route to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa—provided you meet the relevant criteria.
The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area. It replaced the Subclass 187 (RSMS) visa and is designed to support regional employers while addressing local skill shortages.
Unlike standard employer-sponsored visas, this visa requires the position to be located in a regional area, which includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
To qualify for the 494 visa, applicants must:
Additionally, employers must demonstrate they cannot find a suitable Australian worker for the role.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the application process:
You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. These include:
Living outside these areas may breach your visa conditions.
One of the key benefits of the 494 visa is its pathway to the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. To be eligible, you must:
Yes. You can include eligible family members (such as your spouse and dependent children) in your application. They will also be granted the same visa conditions, allowing them to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we understand the complexity of employer-sponsored and regional migration. We assist with:
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Find answers to common questions about our Work Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.
The 494 visa is a skilled, employer-sponsored regional visa that allows you to live and work in designated areas of regional Australia for up to five years.
You must be nominated by an approved employer, have a relevant occupation, pass a skills assessment (if required), be under 45 years old, and meet English, health, and character requirements.
Processing times typically range from 5 to 10 months, depending on your circumstances and the completeness of your application.
Yes. After holding the 494 visa for 3 years and meeting income and residency conditions, you may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent regional visa.
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application. They will receive the same visa conditions as you.
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