The 494 visa is a regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) visa subclass in Australia. It allows employers in designated regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill job vacancies in their local area. The 494 visa is a permanent residency visa.

Visa applicants must have a suitable skills assessment and at least 3 years’ skilled employment. The validity of the visa is five years. Conditions will be put in place to enforce the government’s desire for visa holders to live, work, and study exclusively in regional areas and only in the designated job (condition 8579). Within 90 days of receiving their visa, visa holders are required to start working in their designated occupations for their designated employers solely in regional Australia. If not, your visa can be revoked.

Eligibility

• You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer in a designated regional area.
• You must have skills and qualifications that match the job offered by the sponsor.
• You must pass a health and character check.
• You must have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.

Benefits

• Allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
• Provides access to Australian healthcare and social security benefits.
• May lead to eligibility for Australian citizenship.
• Provides opportunities for family members to join you in Australia.

Start your application and Book your free consultation to assess your eligibility for a 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored) Visa.