Regional Employer Sponsored (494 Visa) - Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 494

The subclass 494 visa is a provisional residency visa available to skilled workers. It is available both to skilled workers who are already living and working in Australia as temporary residents, and to skilled workers living outside Australia. To be eligible for this visa, a worker must be skilled in an occupation on the Regional Occupation List and be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area.

WHAT DOES THIS VISA ALLOW YOU TO DO?

Once a 494 visa is granted, provided the visa holder maintains the nominated employment within the designated regional area, they can remain in Australia for up to five years, with a permanent residency pathway available after three years. Dependent family members may be included and must also live, work and study in a designated regional area.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE SUBCLASS 494 VISA?

Skilled workers with an occupation on the ROL can apply for these visa provided they are subject to an employer nomination. You must be the holder of a substantive visa, or a bridging visa A, B or C to make a valid application within Australia.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A SUBCLASS 494 VISA?

In order to be eligible for a 494 visa, primary applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between the ages of 18 and 44
Have Competent English or higher, and their dependent family members over 18 years of age have at least Functional English
Hold a positive skill assessment in the nominated occupation
Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience
Meet health and character requirements

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SUBCLASS 494 VISA?

An employer nomination must be lodged on behalf of an applicant before a visa application can be made. This nomination will outline the nominated occupation, terms and conditions of employment, and the financial viability of the nominating business. Employers must also detail how the position came to be available and justify the need to nominate the applicant. The nomination must also be accompanied by the Skilling Australia Fund levy. A corresponding visa application can then be submitted.

Permanent residence:

The 494 visa provides a pathway to apply for permanent residence in Australia. With Australian permanent residency you can stay in Australia permanently, work and study in Australia, enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system Medicare, sponsor your relatives to come to Australia, travel to and from Australia for 5 years, and if eligible you can apply for Australian citizenship.

To apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) you must have held an eligible visa (491 or 494) for at least 3 years, have had a taxable income at or above the income threshold ($53,900/year) for at least 3 years, and all applicants must have complied with the conditions of their visa.

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