Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Overview

This visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to live and work in regional Australia temporarily for 5 years. This visa has a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Visa applicants must be nominated by their employer and have an eligible skilled occupation.

Employers must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor in order to make a nomination.

There are multiple streams available. We will help you to identify the most suitable stream for you, depending on the details of the role and any relevant personal history.

This may be the right visa for you if:

What You Can Do & How Long You Can Stay

This is a 5 year temporary visa. You can apply for permanent residency after 3 years if you meet minimum income requirements.
The visa holder can travel to and from Australia multiple times.
The visa holder can work in Australia whilst on this visa.
The visa holder can bring family members to Australia.
The visa holder may be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for this visa to be processed.

Limitations and Important Things to Know

In general, employees must have a valid Skills Assessment for an eligible occupation, and have 3 years of relevant work experience. However, exemptions exist in certain circumstances.
Employees may have to meet minimum English requirements. However, exemptions exist in certain circumstances.
Employees applying inside Australia need to hold a visa.
Employees must only work in the nominated role for the nominating employer.
Employers must apply to be a Standard Business Sponsor, and apply to nominate the position before the employee can make a visa application.
Employers must pay the employee at least the same salary that would be paid for an equivalent Australian worker. This is known as the Annual Market Salary Rate. This must be signed off by a Regional Certifying Body.
Employers must meet Labour Market Testing requirements (i.e. ensure that there are no suitable Australian worker available to fill the position).
Employers must pay a levy to the Skilling Australians Fund (also known as the nomination training contribution charge). The amount is dependent on the business turnover, starting from $3000 for every 5 years.

If you are worried about encountering issues or restrictions when applying for this visa, we may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.

As part of the specific visa requirements, you may have to:

Be under 45, unless exempt
Have an occupation that is on a specified skilled occupation list and located in a regional area
Have a Skills Assessment obtained in the last 3 years, unless exempt
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless exempt
Meet minimum English requirements, unless exempt
Be nominated by an eligible business sponsor

As part of the sponsoring an nomination requirements, employers may have to:

Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
Be complying with all relevant immigration and workplace laws
Have no adverse information known about the business
Demonstrate a commitment to employing local labour
Demonstrate there is a genuine need for the employee to fill the position
Demonstrate that the skilled position is full time, and will be continuing for 5 years and beyond
Perform Labour Market Testing
Pay the employee at least the Annual Market Salary Rate, which must pass assessment from a Regional Certifying Body
Pay the empPay the Skilling Australians Fund levyloyee at least the Annual Market Salary Rate, which must pass assessment from a Regional Certifying Body