The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 494 was opened for new applications from 16 November 2019. It replaces the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa subclass 187.
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an Australian employer in a designated regional area for up to five years. To be eligible to apply for the subclass 494 visa, employer sponsors and visa applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria.
With this visa you can live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia only (designated regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – Note: Gold Coast is classified as a regional area).
Unlike the RSMS 187 visa, the 494 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, however a 494 visa holder may be eligible to apply for the new Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) (open to applications from 16 November 2022), when the following is met:
The 494 visa is advantageous as it is open to an extensive amount of occupations that are not otherwise available in other visa programs. Contacting a skilled migration agent who can put together a clear plan for pursing the subclass 494 is an important first step.
If you believe you qualify for the above visa and want some further information and assistance, please contact us via our online enquiry form.
This is a great opportunity for regional migrants especially with the entire Gold Coast region being open to the subclass 494 program. Contact us now to get started on your progress towards permanent residency.