494 Visa Lawyer Australia – Skilled Regional Sponsorship Support

The 494 visa Australia, officially known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494, is designed for skilled workers nominated by regional employers. It allows overseas workers to live, work, and contribute to Australia’s designated regional areas for up to 5 years.

If you’re applying for this visa or you’re an employer looking to sponsor a skilled migrant, working with an experienced 494 visa lawyer Australia ensures every step is completed correctly — from employer sponsorship to nomination and visa application.

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Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494 – Work and Live in Regional Australia

Work in regional Australia under an employer-sponsored visa.
A five-year visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
Gain priority processing and full-time work rights.

What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494 is a provisional skilled visa that allows workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It is designed for skilled professionals who have been nominated by an approved regional employer to fill a position that cannot be sourced from the local workforce.

Unlike temporary work visas, this visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, provided the applicant meets the work and residency requirements over three years. Successful applicants gain full work rights, access to Medicare, and the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.

Key Features & Benefits

Migrants who obtain the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) enjoy:

Five-Year Regional Visa: Work and live in a designated regional area.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional Visa 191 after three years.
Full-Time Work Rights: Work for your sponsoring employer with no restrictions on hours.
Priority Processing: Faster processing compared to other employer-sponsored visas.
Access to Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
Family Inclusion: Include a spouse and dependent children in the visa application.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Subclass 494 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Employer Nomination Requirement

Must be nominated by an Australian employer located in a designated regional area.
The position must be full-time, genuine, and available for at least five years.
The employer must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor.

2. Occupation & Skills Requirement

The nominated occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
A skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required.
At least three years of full-time, relevant work experience is required.

3. English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

4. Health & Character Requirements

Applicants must meet Australian health and character standards.
Police clearance and medical examinations are mandatory

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) Application Process

The 494 employer sponsorship Australia process begins with the employer becoming an approved sponsor. They must prove they are located in a designated regional area, have a genuine need for the nominated role, and comply with Australian labor laws.

Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the occupation, skills, and work experience requirements.
Obtain a Skills Assessment: Complete an assessment through the appropriate assessing authority.
Find an Employer Sponsor: Secure a job offer and nomination from an Australian employer in a regional area.
Employer Submits a Nomination Application: The sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Submit Visa Application: Lodge your visa application within six months of nomination approval.
Complete Health & Character Checks: Provide necessary medical and police clearance documents.
Await Visa Decision: If successful, receive a five-year visa to live and work in regional Australia.

Employers must demonstrate that they cannot find a suitable Australian worker before sponsoring an overseas applicant.

Why Choose Jade Immigration Lawyers?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we specialise in Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) applications, offering:

Expert support for employers and employees.
Comprehensive application preparation to ensure approval.
Legal representation for nomination refusals and appeals.

Book a Consultation Today and secure your future in regional Australia.

Get Your Question Answered

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) immigration services and processes. For further support, contact Jade Immigration Lawyers.

How long does the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494 take to process?

Processing times typically range between 6 and 12 months, depending on employer nomination approvals and individual circumstances.

Does the 494 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. After holding the visa for three years and meeting income and residency requirements, applicants can apply for permanent residency via the 191 visa.

Can I include family members in my 494 visa application?

Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included in the visa application.

Is employer sponsorship required for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494?

Yes. This visa requires a valid job offer and employer nomination in a regional area.

Does the 494 visa grant Medicare access?

Yes. Visa holders are eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Can I live in a major city on a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494?

No. Applicants must live and work in a designated regional area. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are not eligible.