Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) visa - 494
This regional visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Employer-Sponsored stream

- This regional visa empowers regional owners to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker
- Regional areas include everywhere excluding the metropolitan areas of; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth
- Increased number of suitable professions
- Temporary visa with an option to transition to permanent residency after three years
This Visa Allows you,
- Live, work and study only in designated provincial ranges of Australia for 5 years
- Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years
- If you fulfill the criteria, you can apply for permanent residence three years after your visa is granted, without a second nomination.
- Must demonstrate competency in English
You must
- Be nominated to work in a career on the related skilled occupation list
- Have at least 3 years applicable work experience in your nominated occupation
- Have an appropriate skills assessment, unless an exemption applies
- Work only for your sponsor or connected entity, unless an exemption applies
- Be under the age of 45, unless an exemption of employment applies
- Meet least standards of English language proficiency