Australia offers numerous opportunities for international residents, and one of the pathways to work and apply for a skilled permanent visa is the 494 visa. Let’s explore this visa category in this blog.
Overview of Visa 494
Visa 494, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa, is specifically designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in regional areas. Additionally, it replaces the previous Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa 187. And, this visa requires sponsorship from an eligible employer in a designated regional area.
What is Visa 494?
Specifically, the 494 visa category is further divided into three distinct pathways:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream: For skilled workers sponsored by eligible employers in regional areas.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated through special labor agreements.
- Subsequent Entrant Stream: For family members joining the primary visa holder in Australia.
These pathways create opportunities for skilled individuals, address regional labor needs, and promote family unity. It is important to carefully review and understand the specific requirements of the chosen pathway before proceeding with the visa application process.
Key Benefits of Visa 494
Visa 494 offers several benefits to skilled workers seeking employment opportunities and permanent residency in Australia. Here are some key advantages of visa 494:
- Work and live in regional areas: Visa 494 allows you and your family to work and live in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.
- Pathway to permanent residency: One of the key advantages of this visa is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency. After holding the 494 visa for an amount of time and meeting specific conditions, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
- Include family members: Visa holders are eligible to include their immediate family members in their application. This means that spouses or partners and dependent children can also come to Australia and enjoy the benefits of living in a regional area, such as a safe and family-friendly environment, access to quality education and healthcare, and a strong sense of community.
- Access to Medicare: Visa 494 holders are eligible for Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare.
- Study and travel: Visa holders can study in Australia and travel in and out of the country during the validity of your visa.
Visa 494 is a pathway to permanent residency.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Visa 494
Before embarking on your journey to regional Australia, it is crucial to understand the fundamental requirements for obtaining Visa 494. From regional sponsorship to occupation qualifications, here, we have outline the critical eligibility conditions applicants must meet:
- Regional sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible employer located in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Occupation requirements: Your occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Employer Sponsored Occupation List (ESOL).
- Skills assessment: You must undergo a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- English language proficiency: You need to meet the minimum English language requirements, usually by achieving a specified score in an approved English language test.
- Age limit: Generally, you must be under the age of 45 at the time of application.
Meeting all the requirements is crucial prior to submitting your Visa 494 application
Pathways to Permanent Residency from Visa 494
If your goal is to establish a long-term life in Australia, it is essential to explore the options for obtaining permanent residency from Visa 494. There are several steps to be a permanent residency from Visa 494 such as:
- Fulfill the employment conditions: Work for at least 3 years with the employer who sponsored you under the Visa 494 program.
- Meet the regional residence requirements: Demonstrate that you have lived in a designated regional area while holding Visa 494.
- Apply for the Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa: After meeting the above requirements, you can apply for this visa, which grants permanent residency.
Conclusion
The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa gives skilled workers a unique chance to reside and work in Australia’s regional areas.
Our dedicated team of immigration experts is ready to assist you throughout your visa application process. With our personalized guidance and support, we will help you navigate the complexities of the application, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Contact us today and take the first step towards a promising future in Australia’s vibrant regional communities.
Get in touch with us at:
Hotline: (84) 333-311-168
Email: info@kailianss.vn