Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is a temporary visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It replaced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) in November 2019 and plays a key role in supporting regional development and addressing skill shortages outside major cities.

Overview of the Subclass 494 Visa:

1. Purpose: The 494 visa is designed to help regional Australian employers fill genuine skill shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers where suitable local candidates are unavailable.
2. Regional Areas: To be eligible, the nominated position must be located in a designated regional area. Regional areas include all parts of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth.
3. Employer Sponsorship: Applicants must be sponsored by an approved employer operating in a designated regional area. Employers must show a genuine need for the position and meet sponsorship obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs.
4. Occupation List: The nominated occupation must be included on the relevant skilled occupation list for the subclass 494 visa, which may differ from those used for other skilled migration programs.
5. Labour Market Testing: Employers are generally required to undertake labour market testing to prove that no qualified Australian workers are available for the role before sponsoring a foreign worker.
6. Duration and Pathway to PR: The 494 visa is valid for up to five years. After living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years and meeting other eligibility criteria, holders may apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) visa.
7. Family Members: Visa holders may include eligible family members in their application, such as spouses, partners, and dependent children, who will have the same visa conditions.
8. Application Process: The 494 visa process involves three main stages:
   • Employer nomination by an approved regional business.
   • Visa application submission by the nominated worker.
   • Assessment and approval by the Department of Home Affairs.
   Applicants must provide evidence of skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to the nominated occupation.

The subclass 494 visa provides a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in regional Australia while supporting local businesses facing labor shortages. As requirements can vary based on location and occupation, consulting a registered migration agent or referring to official government resources is strongly recommended before applying.