SC 494
April 08, 2024

Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) Guide

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) is a temporary visa designed to address labor shortages in regional Australia. It allows Australian employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers from overseas or temporary residents already in Australia to fill positions that cannot be filled by the local workforce. This visa has a validity of five years and provides a pathway to permanent residency.

The Subclass 494 visa comprises three streams:

  1. Employer Sponsored Stream
  2. Labour Agreement Stream
  3. Subsequent Entrant

Employer Sponsored Stream

  • Features: This stream allows employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers for specific occupations listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Stay Limit: Up to 5 years
  • Cost: From AUD 4,115
  • Processing Time: Approximately 3 to 5 months

Labour Agreement Stream

  • Features: This stream is for employers with a Labour Agreement that allows them to sponsor overseas workers when standard visa programs are not available.
  • Stay Limit: Up to 5 years
  • Cost: From AUD 4,115
  • Processing Time: Varies depending on the agreement

Subsequent Entrant

  • Features: This stream allows family members of Subclass 494 visa holders to join them in Australia.
  • Stay Limit: Same as the primary visa holder (up to 5 years)
  • Cost: From AUD 4,115
  • Processing Time: Approximately 3 to 5 months

Benefits of Subclass 494 Visa

  • Opportunity to live, work, and study in regional Australia
  • Pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)
  • Includes family members in the application
  • Access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare scheme

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 494 visa serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency in Australia. After three years of living and working in a designated regional area, visa holders may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191), which grants them permanent residency status.

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  • Understand the eligibility criteria and requirements
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With Aussizz Group, you can ensure a smooth and successful journey towards achieving your Australian migration goals.

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