The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional residency visa designed for skilled workers who aspire to live and work in Australia’s regional areas. Unlike the 491 visa, applicants for the 494 visa need sponsorship from an employer and will be subject to a SAF Levy.

The Skilled Sponsored (Regional) (Subclass 494) visa enables employers in regional areas to sponsor employees and their families across a broad spectrum of occupations. These occupations include Aquaculture Farmers and Health and Welfare Services Managers, among others, to address specific regional skills shortages and attract migrants with diverse skills, experiences, and expertise. As of November 16, 2019, the 494 visa replaced the previous 187 (RSMS) visa.

The 494 visa imposes a 45-year-old age limit, with certain exemptions, requires competent English, RCB advice, and compliance with the AMSR. Visa applicants must also have a suitable skills assessment and at least 3 years’ experience in their occupation.

Employees currently using standard business sponsors can also benefit from this program, with no additional steps required for existing sponsors wishing to sponsor subclass 494 visa holders.

Advantages of the 494 visa:

• Eligibility to apply for permanent residence, without a second nomination stage (if eligible), through the subclass 191 visa.
• A cost-effective option for employers, with only one SAF levy stage for the nomination of the subclass 494 visa.
• This visa can be cancelled under section 116 of the Migration Act if the visa holder does not genuinely intend to perform the nominated occupation at the time of grant, or if the visa holder no longer has a genuine intention to perform that occupation, or if the position associated with that occupation is no longer genuine.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa can be obtained by those who meet the requirements of the permanent visa (from November 2022). To apply for this visa, applicants must have held a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least three years and must have complied with all visa conditions, as well as met the minimum taxable income requirements.

How should I Apply for a Subclass 494 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme?

At EDT Migration, we simplify the visa application process unlike other migration law firms. Our team of experienced lawyers will guide you through each step, ensuring a swift processing of your application. Here’s our step-by-step procedure:

• Arrange a free consultation with our team of proficient lawyers. During this session, we will evaluate and recommend the Australian visa option that is most suitable for you.
• In this phase, we will collect and organize all necessary documentation, as well as conduct any additional checks required to submit a visa application.
• Following this, we will start to prepare your application and submit it promptly.

Meanwhile, if you are applying from within Australia, you will be granted a bridging visa until your current visa expires. This will allow you to work until a decision is made on your Subclass 494 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme application.

• Lastly, we will inform you of the result. If your application is successful, you will be granted the rights mentioned below.

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