Requirements to apply for a Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)
To qualify for the Subclass 494 Visa, applicants must have a job offer in a regional area of Australia and meet specific requirements related to their occupation, skills, and qualifications. The sponsoring employer must also prove a genuine need for the role and follow labour market testing rules.
A key benefit of this visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After holding the Subclass 494 Visa for at least three years and meeting certain conditions, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. This pathway highlights Australia’s focus on supporting regional development by keeping skilled workers in these areas.
The Subclass 494 Visa helps employers fill skill gaps while giving skilled workers the chance to live and work in Australia’s thriving regional communities. It reflects the government’s commitment to using skilled migration to boost regional growth and prosperity.
Types of 494 visas
Visa Subclass 494 offers various pathways designed to meet the needs of skilled workers and their families. Each visa stream is tailored to specific circumstances, ensuring a smooth application process for both applicants and employers in Australia's regional areas.
Apply for a Regional Sponsorship visa
Ready to apply for the 494 Visa? Book a discovery call with our visa and immigration experts today! We’ll guide you through the entire application process and support your journey to live, work, or study in regional Australia as a skilled worker.
Step 1
Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.
Step 2
From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.
Step 3
Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!
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Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 494 Visa allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an approved employer to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. It offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after meeting certain requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be nominated by a regional Australian employer.
- Work in an occupation listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Yes. After holding the 494 Visa for 3 years and meeting income and employment conditions, applicants can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.
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