The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa allows Australian employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas workers for a five-year period. It is designed to address labor shortages in designated regional areas. Holders of the 494 visa can apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Regional) visa after three years, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
494 Nomination Application
The sponsoring employer must be actively operating in a regional area and meet specific requirements. The employer must nominate the employee they wish to sponsor for the 494 visa and lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
494 Visa Application
Once the nomination application is approved, a visa application can be lodged for the nominated employee.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
After 3 years, the Subclass 494 visa holder can apply for a Subclass 191 permanent residence visa independent of their employer, as long as they meet certain conditions. They may also be eligible to apply for other visa types.
Our team of qualified migration professionals can help you to understand if this pathway is right for you.
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