494 Visa - Regional Employer Sponsored (Temporary) Visa

Australia officially launched the 494 Remote Area Employer Sponsored (Temporary) Visa on November 16, 2019. The introduction of this visa is to assist employers in remote areas to find suitable overseas employees to solve the labor shortage problem in these areas. 494 visa holders who have lived, worked and lived in designated remote areas for 3 years and hold 3 NOAs (Notice of Assessment) can apply for a 191 Remote Area Permanent Resident Visa.

Two categories of 494 visas

1. Employer Sponsored stream: It is intended for employers in remote areas who are unable to find suitable skilled workers in Australia, and aims to address labour shortages in the region.
2. Labor agreement stream: Applicants who are sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement or regional immigration agreement.

Project Advantages

• Multiple trips to Australia: 494 visa holders can travel to and from Australia freely multiple times, which is convenient and flexible.
• Family Reunion: Qualified spouses and children can apply for visas at the same time to achieve family reunification.
• Multiple career options: The wide range of occupations that can be applied for increases the applicants' choices.
• Low language requirements: The relatively low language requirements lower the application threshold.
• No EOI scoring required: There is no need to score through EOI (Expression of Interest), which simplifies the application process.
• Flexible work visa: There are no strict requirements for personal and company assets, which increases the flexibility of application.

Application Requirements

• Age requirement: Applicants must be under 45 years old, and some occupations may be exempt from the age requirement.
• Annual salary requirement: Applicants must meet the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold), which is currently 70,000 Australian dollars.
• Occupational requirements: The nominated occupation must be on the occupation list, the employer-sponsored category requires a professional assessment, and the labor contract category requires the skills to perform the nominated occupation.
• English Requirements: Applicants for the 494 employer-sponsored category must meet the English proficiency requirements of IELTS 6 or equivalent, while applicants for the employment agreement category only need to meet the English proficiency requirements of the job.
• Additional requirements: Applicants for the labor contract category need to meet the age, occupation and English language requirements specified in the agreement.

Application Process

1. Initial assessment and contract signing: After a preliminary assessment of your personal situation, you will sign a contract with an immigration agent and begin the application process.
2. Employer Eligibility Criteria: Australian employers apply for employer sponsorship qualifications and submit job nomination applications.
3. Visa application for nominated employee: The employer nominates the employee to submit a visa application, including the required documentation and assessment.
4. Waiting for visa approval: Waiting for approval from the Immigration Bureau, and communicating closely with immigration officials to obtain progress.
5. Visa approved: Once the visa is approved, the applicant can go to Australia to work and enjoy the relevant rights and interests of the 494 visa.

FAQs about Australia 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Visa

1. What is the 494 visa?

The 494 visa is an employer-sponsored visa for remote areas launched by Australia to help remote areas solve labor shortages.

2. What is the definition of a remote area?

The Australian Immigration Department defines all areas in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as remote areas.

3. What are the two categories of 494 visa?

• Employer Sponsored stream
• Labor agreement stream

4. What conditions do 494 visa holders need to meet to apply for a 191 permanent residence visa?

People holding 494 visas need to reside/live/work in a designated remote area for 3 years and hold 3 NOA (Notice of Assessment).

5. What is the age requirement for employer sponsorship?

There is no age requirement for the employer-sponsored category, but if you want to subsequently transfer to permanent residence and apply for a 186 visa, you must not be under 45 years old.

6. What are the English language requirements for the 494 visa?

Applicants for the employer-sponsored category must meet the English proficiency requirements of IELTS 4 and 6 or equivalent, while applicants for the employment agreement category only need to meet the English proficiency requirements of the job.

7. What are the advantages of the 494 visa program?

• Multiple trips to Australia
• Spouse/children can be brought along to apply
• No EOI scoring required
• Low language requirement
• Work visas do not have strict requirements for personal and company assets

8. What is the application process for a 494 visa?

• Initial assessment and contract signing
• Employer Eligibility
• Visa application for nominated employees
• Waiting for visa approval
• Visa approved

9. Can family members of 494 visa holders apply together?

Yes, eligible spouse and children can apply for a visa at the same time.

10. What is the annual salary requirement for the 494 visa?

Applicants must meet the TSMIT temporary skilled migration income threshold, which is currently AUD 70,000.

Australia's 494 Regional Employer Sponsored Visa provides businesses with a practical way to address labour shortages, while also providing overseas applicants with the opportunity to work and live in Australia.

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