The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494 is designed to allow employers in Australia to employ foreign workers if they can show that there are no citizens or permanent residents of Australia who have the skills and qualifications required for the vacant positions. The visa has many restrictions, including an employer nomination certificate, requirements around the salary being offered to the employee, and the source of funds being used to pay the employee's wages. If you're considering hiring someone from outside Australia, check out this guide to learn more about the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Visa 494

All skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia need a skilled employer regional visa 494 before traveling. The following are some of the general requirements for this type of visa:

  • You must be sponsored by an employer.
  • You must have at least 2 years of work experience in your occupation (or equivalent) in the last 5 years.
  • You must have English language proficiency, TOEFL iBT score of at least 500, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 overall band.
  • You must be under 50 years old unless you have lived in regional Australia for more than 10 years with no significant gaps.
  • Your skills and qualifications must suit the Australian economy's needs, including having a permanent job offer from an Australian business.
  • The government reserves the right to refuse any application without providing reasons as long as it does not violate discrimination laws.

The Application Process of Skilled Visa 494

The process of applying for the Skillful Employer Sponsored Regional Visa is a long one that involves multiple steps.

  • The first step is to file an Expression of Interest (EOI) with a state or territory government in Australia.
  • Once your EOI has been approved, you must apply for nomination by nominating your employer.
  • Once your nomination has been accepted, you will need to apply for a temporary work visa, and then once it expires, you can apply for permanent residency in Australia.

There are two options for regional visas:

The Nomination Process for Visa Application

To be eligible for the nomination process, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be under 50 years of age.
  • Have at least two years of relevant work experience in a skilled occupation.
  • Meet certain educational requirements.

The nominee will also need to sign an undertaking that they will not become a public charge and accept any offer of employment within 180 days of their arrival in Australia or upon approval by DHA if it is more than 180 days from their date of arrival. If no Australian jobs are available, a nominated person can apply for an employer-assisted visa ENS (subclass 187). Nominations can take up to 12 months, so applicants should apply well before their planned move date.

Benefits of Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494

  • The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa 494 is a great way for skilled workers in regional areas of Australia to be sponsored by employers.
  • It allows them to stay in their home country and work in a region experiencing skill shortages.
  • The visas are designed for people who have skills, such as nurses or shearing technicians.
  • They allow workers from overseas to stay and work at jobs Australians can't fill.
  • The visa also allows holders to bring family members with them.