Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

Two Streams of the Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

• Employer Sponsored stream – this applies if applicants: 

  • have an occupation on the Occupation List for Subclass 494 Visa

  • have 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation;​​

• Labour Agreement stream – this applies if:

  • standard visa programs are not available, for example, because of an applicant’s low English proficiency

  • employer must first negotiate a labour agreement with Commonwealth/state government

  • terms and conditions of the labour agreement are flexible and negotiable, allowing for concessions and lower visa requirements

Eligibility Criteria for the Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494)

For employer:

For applicant:

Sponsorship Obligations:

• Ensure the visa holder works only in the nominated occupation
• Ensure the visa holder is paid at least the same salary as Australian employee working in the same occupation
• Tell the Immigration if there is a change to the legal name, trading name, registration details business structure, owners or business address

Application Process:

Step 1 – Sponsorship application

• the employer must apply to become a standard business sponsor.​

Step 2 – Regional Certifying Body (RCB) application

• the employer applies to obtain RCB endorsement in relation to the genuineness of the position

Step 3 – Nomination application

• the employer nominates the applicant to fill a full-time position.​

Step 4 – Skills assessment application

• the applicant must obtain a positive skills assessment

Step 5 – Visa application

• the applicant lodges the Subclass 494 visa application.

Processing Time:

5 to 6 months – Please contact us for update as processing time constantly varies.

Visa Conditions:

Duration of Stay:

This visa is valid for 5 years.

Fees and Costs:

Benefits and Pathway to PR

• Lower cost to the employer: there is only one SAF levy for the Subclass 494 nomination whereas there will be two for permanent residence pathway from Subclass 482 visa through to Subclass 186 visa.

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As the holder of this visa, you may:​

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• migrate to Australia together with your family

• apply for permanent residency in as soon as 3 years through Subclass 191 visa if eligible without having to be sponsored again

• stay in Australia for 5 years

• potentially bring your extended family members to Australia permanently on parent visa or visa intended for other relatives

• travel overseas and back to Australia without any limitations for any purposes (e.g. overseas holiday, visiting family and/or attending family matters in home country)

• access Australia’s public health care scheme (Medicare) which essentially provides free medical consultations, operations and hospitalization for a wide range of medical conditions

• work in Australia full-time

• study in Australia without any limitations

• attend free English language course provided by Australian government

FAQ