Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa Subclass 494

Subclass 494 of the Australian Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa is one of the new visas. RSMS Visa subclass 187 has been superseded by it. The new visa is an employer-sponsored, temporary one that enables firms to designate competent employees.

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Can Subclass 494 Lead to Permanent Residency?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa, known as subclass 494, does not immediately provide permanent residency. However, people with this visa might qualify for the Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa, subclass 191, later on.

 

Requirements for Employers

Here are some important points for employers:

  • The employer’s business should be in a regional area of Australia.
  • Places like Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Geelong, Perth, and Sunshine Coast are regional areas. Soon, places like Wollongong, Newcastle, and New South Wales Central Coast might also be considered regional areas.
  • If you’re a skilled worker, your job should be on the list of approved occupations. Right now, there are over 700 approved occupations.
  • Before offering a job, the employer needs to get approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in the area.
  • The job must be real, full-time, and should last for five years.
  • The pay for the job should match what others are paid for similar work.

 

Eligibility for Skilled Workers

  • Have an assessment that shows your skills.
  • Have worked full-time in your field for at least three years.
  • Be younger than 45 years old.
  • Prove that you can speak and understand English well.

 

Can the Subclass 494 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

The Subclass 494 visa is valid for five years and can pave the way to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – subclass 191. However, to be eligible for permanent residency, you must fulfill certain requirements, such as:

  • Working in a designated regional area for three years while holding a 494 visa
  • Providing proof of annual earnings for three years. If your partner is included in the 494 visa application, only one partner needs to meet this requirement.
  • Your partner must be the principal applicant for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. Nonetheless, both partners must satisfy the annual earning criteria.