494 Visa - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 visa
SUMMARY
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)) 494 visa is a new and enhanced employer-sponsored visa to assist regional Australia, with two streams: Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement. Perth is classed as regional for this visa.
There are 3 stages to the visa. Firstly, the company would need approval from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) , then a nomination would be lodged and finally the visa application itself submitted. There are 2 streams to the visa (Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement Streams) . Length of stay - 5 years with option for permanent residency after 3 years if certain criteria is met.
VISA STATUS
For an applicant who satisfies the primary criteria, it is a temporary visa permitting the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia for 5 years from the date of grant. |
GOV PROCESSING TIMES
Employer Sponsored 50% assessed in 7 months 90% assessed in 13 months Labour Agreement 50% assessed in 7 months 90% assessed in 12 months Actual processing times may vary depending on a range of factors. |
VISA COSTS
Main Applicant $4,910 Additional Applicant (over 18) $2,455 Additional applicant (under 18) $1,230 Sponsorship fees $420 Nomination $330 Other fees may include: - Migration Agent Fees -SAF Payments - Skills Assessment Fees - Private medical insurance - Medicals - Police Certificates - English Language Testing |
LOCATION
Business needs to be located in a designated 'regional area'. All Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Applicants can be onshore or offshore. You are should live and work in the regional area. |
VISA REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
EMPLOYEE
- Applicants must have at least three years of full time and relevant skilled work experience
- Competent English is required for the 494 visa. (eg IELTS 6,6,6,6, PTE 50)
- The applicant has the skills, qualifications and employment background that Immigration considers necessary to perform the tasks of the nominated occupation
- Skills assessments are required for your chosen occupation.
- Be under 45 years of age
- The applicant’s intention to perform the nominated occupation is genuine and the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine.
- If mandatory for the occupation hold the relevant licensing, registration or professional membership. e.g nurses, teachers, electricians.
EMPLOYER
- To be actively and lawfully operating a business in Australia.
- Your employer will need approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in your area
- Skilling Australian Fund (SAF) payment made.
- Nominating an occupation on the 'Occupation List' for the 494 visa.
- Proving there is a ‘genuine need’ for the position to be nominated within the business.
- Nominating the employee to work in the position for a full time position for 5 years.
- Meeting the Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements.
- Meeting the ‘Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)’ criteria and the 'guaranteed annual earnings'
