494 Visa

You’ve found a job you love in regional Australia, and your employer is considering sponsoring you to stay and live in Australia. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa may be a great pathway for you to obtain permanent residency.

The 494 visa is a permanent residence sponsored work visa for those who want to work in regional Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be sponsored by your employer for a job in a regional area.The occupation your employer sponsors you for must be listed as needing to be filled regionally, or the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

If you are granted a 494 visa, you will become a permanent resident. This means you will be able to access Medicare, travel in and out of Australia as often as you choose, and apply for citizenship when you meet the eligibility requirements.

What are the requirements for a 494 visa?

The 494 visa has two streams – the temporary residence transition stream and the direct entry stream. The requirements for the visa will vary depending on which stream you are applying for. All streams share the following requirements:

• You are nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia
• The occupation you are nominated for appears on the RSMS or MLTSSL occupation lists
• You have evidence of at least three years of relevant work experience
• You are under 45 years of age (limited exceptions can apply to this)
• You have at least competent English
• You have the required skills and qualifications for the position you have been nominated for
• You meet the health and character requirements

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT)

The temporary residence transition stream is for applicants who hold a medium-term Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) 482 visas, and have worked for their current employer during their visa duration. In addition to other requirements, to apply for this stream you must have worked for your employer full-time in Australia and in the same position they are sponsoring you for at least three out of the previous four years, or two out of three years for 482 visa holders.

Direct Entry Stream

The direct entry stream is for applicants who do not meet the requirements for the TRT stream, but are seeking permanent residency. In addition to other requirements, if you obtained your qualifications overseas, you must secure a formal skills assessment for the occupation you are applying for.

Which parts of Australia are considered regional?

The parts of Australia considered regional is determined by legislation. At the time of writing, the whole of the ACT, NT, SA, and TAS are considered regional, as well as some parts of NSW (including Newcastle, Wollongong and Byron Bay), VIC, and WA.

Employer Nomination

Just like with other employer sponsored visas, the nominating business must prepare a Nomination. This needs to show the Department that there is a position available for you to fill. Nominations must meet a wide variety of requirements, and the process can be complex, with a variety of legal and regulatory needs to be met.

Looking for a Sponsored Work Visa Migration Agent or Immigration Lawyer in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane? We can help. Contact us today to find out how we can make your Work Visa application easy and stress free.