The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494 offers employers the opportunity to sponsor skilled workers working in regional Australia and immediately contribute to regional Australia’s economy.

What is an employer-sponsored visa?

An employer-sponsored visa is a type of visa that allows an employer to sponsor an employee for immigration to Australia. The employer must demonstrate that they cannot fill the position with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. In addition, the sponsored employee must have the skills and qualifications required for the position. 

The subclass 494 visa is a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa. It allows employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled workers for positions that local workers cannot fill.

Which occupations are eligible?

The subclass 494 visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. 

  • To be eligible, you must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and be sponsored by an eligible employer. 
  • Applicants will also need at least two years of work experience in their field from outside Australia and English language proficiency.
  • It’s worth noting that applicants cannot apply for a subclass 494 visa if they currently work in Australia or have lived there for the last 18 months.

The sponsorship fee for Visa Subclass 494

The sponsorship fee for this visa is AUD 1,265. This cost is for the primary applicant and does not include dependent application fees. The fee must be paid in full before an application can be lodged. You must also pay the visa application charge if you are applying from outside Australia. This charge is currently AUD 3,060 for the primary applicant and AUD 1,530 for each dependent child aged 18 and under.

English language requirements

To be eligible for this visa, you must have Functional English, just like Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 491. This means you must communicate effectively in English in daily situations.

  • You must provide evidence of your English proficiency when applying for this visa. The most common way to do this is by taking an approved English test.
  • Suppose you have a degree, diploma, or trade qualification taught in English in most English-speaking countries. In that case, you may also be able to provide evidence of your Functional English skills.

What documents do you need to apply?

To apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa subclass 494, 

  • You will need to have a valid passport
  • A completed application form and supporting documentation. 

This documentation includes evidence of your skills and qualifications, a detailed job description, and proof of your English language proficiency. You will also need to pay the application fee.

How long does it take for the application to be processed?

The time it takes for your application to be processed depends on several factors, including:

Generally, you can expect your application to take two to six months to be processed.