Subclass 494 visa- The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

On November 16, 2019, the Department of Home Affairs Australia unveiled an all new Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 visa. With this visa, the government of Australia hopes to boost the economy of regional areas of the country by motivating skilled overseas workers to live and work for three years in any regional area of Australia before applying for an Australian permanent residency visa. The subclass 494 visa has 10,000 places allocated every year.

The regional areas of Australia excludes big cities such as, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The purpose is to invite skilled overseas workers who have the ability to strengthen the economy of these regional areas.

As a pathway to Australia PR Visa, there are basically two types of regional (provisional) visas:

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: The visa replaced the earlier 489 visa in November 2019, with 14, 000 places reserved each year. The subclass 491 visa is basically a skilled migration visa which follows a points-tested stream to invite skilled workers to Australia. The visa requires the candidate to either obtain a nomination from the state government or get sponsored by an eligible family member who is already a resident or citizen of Australia. The relative must also be living in the designated area.

The age limit for this visa is 45 years, and the applicant must get his/her credentials assessed before applying for the visa.

Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored: the subclass 494 visa substituted the 187 visa which allows the visa holders to live, work, and study in the regional area of Australia. Visa holders must work in their nominated position only and start working within 90 days of the visa being granted by an Australia-based employer. Employer sponsorship is a must and the position offered must exist for 5 years.

Basic Requirements for Subclass 494 Visa:

• The candidate must be under 45 years of age;

• He/she must demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience;

• Demonstrate competent English language skills and undertake a positive skills assessment in their occupation;

• be nominated by an approved work sponsor

• meet all health and character requirements

• Family members are also eligible to apply to live, study and

• The subclass 494 visa is granted for five years.

Contact us if you have any questions about the Subclass 494 visa or any other PR visas for Australia. You may drop us an email at web@abhinav.com or connect with us via Skype or telephone to know about your options.