The 494 visa, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, is a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia.
This visa allows successful applicants to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years. If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent visa after three years.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 494 visa requirements to help you determine if this visa option is right for you.
Eligibility Criteria for the 494 Visa
To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 494 visa.
- English language skills: You must meet the English language requirements, which vary depending on your nominated occupation.
- Skills assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Work experience: You must have at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Sponsorship: You must have a nomination from an eligible employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements for the visa.
Designated Regional Areas for the 494 Visa
The 494 visa is only available for positions in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas are defined as:
- All of Australia except for the Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, Greater Brisbane, Perth, and Gold Coast metropolitan areas.
- Some regional centers and low population growth metropolitan areas may also be eligible.
It’s important to check the designated regional areas for your specific visa application, as these areas can change over time.
Nominated Occupation and Skills Assessment
To be eligible for the 494 visa, your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. This list is updated regularly, so it’s essential to check the current list before applying.
Once you have identified your nominated occupation, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. The skills assessment process varies depending on your occupation and may include:
- Providing evidence of your qualifications and work experience
- Passing a written or practical exam
- Demonstrating your English language proficiency
It’s crucial to start the skills assessment process early, as it can take several months to complete.
English Language Requirements
To meet the English language requirements for the 494 visa, you must demonstrate that you have competent English skills. The specific requirements vary depending on your nominated occupation, but generally, you must achieve a minimum score of 6 in each component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam or an equivalent score in another approved English language test. If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may still be eligible for the visa if you have a higher skills assessment or additional points for your age or qualifications.
Work Experience Requirements
To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must have at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation. This experience must be gained after you have completed the relevant qualification for your occupation. The work experience can be gained in Australia or overseas, but it must be in a paid, full-time position or the equivalent in part-time work. Volunteer work, unpaid internships, or self-employment generally do not count towards the work experience requirement.
Sponsorship Requirements
To apply for the 494 visa, you must have a nomination from an eligible employer in a designated regional area of Australia. The employer must be a standard business sponsor and must nominate you for a position that is in your nominated occupation and meets the relevant skill level and salary requirements. The employer must also demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents for the position before nominating you.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants for the 494 visa must meet the health and character requirements. This includes:
- Undergoing a medical examination to ensure that you do not have any health conditions that could pose a significant cost or burden to the Australian community
- Providing a police clearance certificate to demonstrate that you have no criminal record
- Meeting other character requirements related to national security, war crimes, and human rights violations
If you do not meet these requirements, your visa application may be refused.
Application Process for the 494 Visa
The application process for the 494 visa involves several steps:
- Identify your nominated occupation and obtain a skills assessment
- Meet the English language requirements
- Find an eligible employer in a designated regional area of Australia who is willing to sponsor you
- Obtain a nomination from the employer
- Complete the visa application form and provide supporting documents
- Pay the visa application fee
- Undergo health and character checks
The visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s essential to start early and seek professional advice if needed.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
If you are granted a 494 visa and meet the relevant requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent visa after three years. The specific requirements vary depending on the permanent visa option you choose, but generally, you must:
- Continue to work in your nominated occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years
- Meet the relevant age, English language, and skills requirements for the permanent visa
- Demonstrate that you have made a positive contribution to the regional community
Some of the permanent visa options available to 494 visa holders include the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191) and the Permanent Employer-Sponsored visa (subclass 186).
Conclusion
The 494 visa is a valuable pathway for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. By meeting the visa requirements and committing to working in a designated regional area for at least three years, you may be eligible for permanent residency and the opportunity to build a new life in Australia. However, the application process can be complex, so it’s essential to carefully review the requirements and seek professional advice if needed.