A skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa is a temporary visa that is issued by Australia and enables skilled workers and their families to reside and work in the country’s regions. At present, regional Australia is facing labor and talent shortages in specific sectors. A 2023 assessment of skill shortages indicates that this is the case.
The nationwide skills deficit (332 out of 916) was observed in thirty-six of the occupations examined in the regional areas, which is five points higher than the deficiency recorded on the 2022 Skills Priority List (SPL).
The Australian Government is prioritizing visas that permit migration to regional areas to address the manpower deficit. The most advantageous alternative for qualified individuals seeking to relocate to Australia in 2024 is a skilled employer-sponsored regional (Subclass 494) visa. This category of visas comprises three streams: subsequent entrant, labor agreement, and employer-sponsored.
Each stream has its own set of terms and conditions. Select the stream that most closely aligns with your preferences and needs. The subsequent blog article offers a comprehensive explanation of an employer-sponsored stream, which includes the application process and eligibility requirements.
We will commence by providing a fundamental understanding of the employer-sponsored stream, and subsequently, we will delve into other critical topics in greater detail.
What is the Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)?
Regional firms that are interested in addressing the labor deficit in their respective regions of the country may apply for this stream of skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visas. This visa category allows you to reside, work, or pursue education in a designated regional area of Australia for a maximum of five years.
Additionally, this visa allows for unlimited entry and exit from Australia within the specified time frame. Employer-sponsored streams also provide a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years of employment in the country.
Please be advised that this visa is only valid in specific regions. All regions, except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, are subdivided into designated regional areas.
Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Stream
- Job Security: The visa is associated with an employer, which results in a greater degree of job security. The visa holder is typically employed by the employer for a predetermined duration.
- Simplified Visa Process: The applicant is frequently assisted by the employer in the visa application process, which simplifies the process. This may involve the submission of required documentation, the payment of visa fees, and the coordination with immigration authorities.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Numerous employer-sponsored visas provide a pathway to permanent residency, particularly if the employee maintains employment with the employer for a specified duration or fulfills additional criteria.
- Work Rights: Visa holders typically possess full work rights in the position for which they were sponsored. This encompasses the capacity to work full-time and, in certain circumstances, the ability to bring family members who may also have work and study privileges.
- Social Services Accessibility: Employer-sponsored visa holders may have access to specific social services, including healthcare, education, and social security benefits, contingent upon the country in which they are located.
- Career Development: Positions that are sponsored can offer valuable work experience in the host country, which can improve one’s career prospects and open up additional opportunities both domestically and internationally.
- Employer Support: To facilitate the settlement of the visa bearer into their new environment, employers may offer supplementary support, including relocation assistance, housing, and orientation services.
- Skilled Workers’ Flexibility: The specialized skills of skilled workers in high demand may allow them to negotiate terms, including higher wages, improved working conditions, and additional benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Employer-Sponsored Stream
Before applying for an Australian visa, it is imperative to comprehend the qualifying criteria. The following is a comprehensive inventory of the requirements that must be met to secure visa approval.
1. Age requirement.
To register for the employer-sponsored stream (Subclass 494) in Australia, one must be under the age of forty-five.
2. Nomination Requirement
Initially, you must be nominated by an authorized regional employer to apply for this visa. Your employer is required to submit a nomination application on your behalf before your visa application. This is only possible if they have either been approved as a work sponsor or have filed to become a standard company sponsor.
3. Skill Assessment
Good skill assessments are required for primary applicants. Relevant talents, academic degrees, and work experience are necessary to apply for a 494 visa in Australia. You must possess a minimum of three years of experience in the designated discipline and satisfy the skill requirements of the nominated occupation.
4. English language requirement.
Migration to Australia necessitates proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the table below for information regarding the minimum scores required for a variety of English language assessments.
Test Requirement Score:
| Test | Required Score |
| IELTS | 6.0 for each band |
| TOEFL | Listening: 12Reading:13Writing: 21Speaking: 18 |
| PTE | 50 for each band |
| OET | B for each band |
5. Health and Character Requirements.
To qualify for an employer-sponsored stream (subclass 494), you and your family members must satisfy the health requirements. Additionally, you must uphold a high moral standard.
6. Immigration History.
The Department of Home Affairs will evaluate your immigration history to determine whether you have previously experienced a visa refusal or cancellation. The likelihood of being granted a 494 visa in Australia will be reduced by a history of visa refusal.
Application Process for an Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)
You must comprehend the numerous phases that comprise the employer-sponsored stream application process. Understand these procedures and adhere to the instructions.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility.
The initial step is to ascertain your eligibility. The age, nomination, qualification, health, and character standards must be met.
Step 2: Gather your documents.
The subsequent step is to obtain all necessary and supplementary documentation after determining whether you are eligible to apply for a 494 visa in Australia. These documents serve as evidence of your academic qualifications, work experience, and abilities.
Step 3: Receive a positive skills assessment.
It is imperative to acquire a favorable talent evaluation. The Australian Government mandates that the skill assessment authority conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you possess the requisite skills for your profession. The Department will reject your visa application if you are unable to secure a positive skills evaluation.
Step 4: Apply for the visa.
Complete the application form, which is accessible on their official website. Establish an online account and complete the application form with the appropriate information. Subsequently, compile all pertinent documentation and submit it with your application form. Complete the form and pay the application fee. Await the Department’s determination regarding the visa.
Visa Processing Time For 494 Visa
The processing period for an employer-sponsored visa stream in Australia is contingent upon a variety of factors. Processing will be delayed if the application is not completed accurately or if fraudulent information is submitted. At present, 75% of applications are processed within three months, while 90% are processed within four months.
Check Also: Australia Skills In-demand Visa – Apply Now
What is the cost of the employer-sponsored stream (Subclass 494)?
The fees for the Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) visa are contingent upon a variety of factors, such as the employer’s annual turnover, the type of stream, and the number of applications. Nevertheless,
- The principal application fee is AUD 4,640.00.
- Dependents who are 18 years of age or older are required to pay AUD$2,320.00.
- Dependents under the age of 18 are required to pay AUD 1,160.00.
An additional fee of AUD$ 9,800 is required for dependents who are 18 years of age or older and do not speak English proficiently. Additionally, expenses will be incurred for biometrics, police certificates, health evaluations, and English language competency exams.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for visa 494?
You must have worked full-time in the nominated occupation for at least three years, maintaining the necessary skill level. Generally, you should have gained your experience within the last 5 years. The period does not need to be continuous.
Who is eligible for an employer-sponsored visa in Australia?
To be eligible for employer-sponsored visas in Australia, you need to have: an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List; a minimum of 2 years of recent, relevant work experience; but not necessarily qualifications (which vary with each occupation). These are the visa subclasses: Subclass 482: Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS)
Can I apply for PR after two years on a 494 visa?
The subclass 494 is a five-year visa. The Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa grants permanent residence when the following criteria are satisfied: You have worked in the designated regional area for at least three years while holding a 494 visa.
