This visa allows employers in regional areas to address Labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when they are unable to find an Australian worker with the required skills. The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 494) visa is a temporary visa, valid for five years, and permits the holder and their family to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. After three years from the date the visa is granted, holders can apply for permanent residency.

494 Visa Requirements

In order to qualify for a Subclass 494 visa, you will need to:

• be nominated by an approved work sponsor
• have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• be under 45 years of age
• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency
• have a suitable skills assessment for the relevant occupation

494 nomination requirements

A summary of the requirements are:

• A genuine, full-time position located in a designated regional Australia, everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
• Work in the sponsor’s business unless an associated entity
• Sponsor will need approval from Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
• A salary in line with market rates, not below $73,150
• Subject to Labour Market Testing, unless exemptions apply
• On the relevant occupation lists

To learn about the specific requirements for each visa, and to find out which one is most suitable for you, contact us at enquiries@panaceaimmi.com.au or book in a consultation to ensure you know all the options you have.