The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa is aimed at helping employers in regional Australia fill skilled job vacancies and address local labour shortages.
To qualify for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), you must have a job offer from an Australian employer in a regional area and meet the minimum eligibility criteria for your occupation. Additionally, you must meet health and character requirements and demonstrate strong English language skills.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) offers three streams:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia.
- Labor Agreement Stream: This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer under a labour agreement.
- Subsequent Entry Stream: This stream allows family members of individuals holding a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), or subclass 491 or 494 visas, to join them in Australia.
If your application is approved, you will receive a temporary visa allowing you to live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to five years. After residing and working in a regional area for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency via the Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa.
It is highly recommended to consult with a registered migration agent to assess your eligibility and enhance your chances of successfully obtaining the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).