Challenges and Advantages of the Subclass 494 Visa in Australia.

What is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) Visa?

This provisional visa allows employers to address the labour shortages in their regional areas by sponsoring overseas skilled workers where Australian skilled workers cannot be sourced.

Likewise, a skilled overseas worker can make a significant contribution to Australia by filling roles in occupations currently experiencing skill shortages. Understanding the 494 visa pros and cons is important for both parties before initiating the process.

Employers

If an employer seeking to sponsor an applicant via the subclass 494 visa route, they must first become an approved sponsor by obtaining a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS).

Following this, the approved employer must submit a nomination application, nominating the applicant as a skilled worker to fill a position located in a designated regional area, given the occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

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Basic Requirements for Employers:

• Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor
• Employment is located in a designated regional area of Australia
• The skilled position is in genuine need of employment
• The occupation is on the relevant occupation list
• The position must be full-time and available for the duration of the visa (5 years)
• The applicant must be paid at the Australian market salary rate for the occupation

The Cons:

• Navigating this pathway can be complex and financially demanding
• The Australian market salary rate increases each new financial year.
• Employers must ensure full compliance with the sponsorship obligations
• New hires may require additional support adapting to regional Australian workplaces.

The Advantages:

• Employers can recruit candidates from a boarder talent pool
• Business can attain streamlined growth by filling the skilled shortage
• Supporting skilled workers through to Permanent Residency
• One of the 494 visa benefits for employers is the opportunity to build a stronger workforce in regional Australia.

Applicants

Visa applicants who are seeking employment in regional Australia can apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) Visa if they are nominated by an Australian employer in a regional area.

Basic Requirements for Applicants:

• The applicant holds a positive skills assessment
• There is evidence of English proficiency
• The applicant must be under 45 years age at the time of application
• The occupation is on the occupation List (ROL)
• The applicant has a minimum of 3 years work experience in the nominated occupation

The Challenges:

• The applicant must continue living in regional Australia with their nominated employer for the duration of their visa.
• Strict documentation requirements
• Expensive visa costs
• Applicants should carefully weigh the 494 visa pros and cons before proceeding with their application.

The Advantages:

• Clear pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia
• Living and working in regional Australia
• Access to public healthcare (Medicare)
• Dependents (spouse and children) can be included in the application
• Among the key 494 visa benefits is the chance to build a life in Australia with long-term security.

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What Australian Areas are Considered Regional for Migration Purposes?

Most locations outside of major Australian cities are considered regional areas. Major Australian cities include Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

For the purpose of the Subclass 494 Visa, the Department of Home Affairs use a Postcode List to specify the designated regional areas.

In some states or territories, all postcodes are considered regional. They are:

• Northern Territory (NT)
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
• Norfolk Island

Need Help with the Subclass 494 Visa?

If you are thinking of applying for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) Visa, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can streamline the process.

Ethos Migration Lawyers can assist individuals seeking an eligibility assessment for employer sponsored pathways and provide representation on your behalf.

Contact Ethos Migration Lawyers now on 1300 083 843 or at info@ethosmigration.com.au to get started.