494 Visa: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Can my employer nominate me for a 494 visa?

• Your employer must be in a designated regional area of Australia (excludes employers in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne). Perth and the Gold Coast are considered regional areas
• Your position is on the relevant occupation list (over 700 occupations)
• Your employer will need approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in your area
• The role must be full-time, genuine and likely to be available for five years
• You have been paid at least $73,150 on a 38 hour week 
• Employer must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
• Must be an approved sponsor. Australian employers that are already hold approval do not need to apply again

How do I meet the 494 visa requirements?

• Must hold a suitable skills assessment at the time of application
• Have at least three years of full-time and relevant skilled work experience. This work experience must have been undertaken at the level required for the role you’re being nominated in
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application. *Some exemptions do apply, but generally this is the case
• You must demonstrate Competent English

How does the 494 visa lead to permanent residency?

The subclass 494 is a five-year visa. You can access permanent residence through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa when the following is met:

1. You have worked in the designated regional area for at least three years, whilst holding a 494 visa

You do NOT need to be nominated by an employer to make an application for the 191 visa.

Can I change employers?

Visa holders who stop working for their sponsor now have up to 180 days at a time (or a maximum of 365 days across the entire visa period) to find a new sponsor or investigate other visa options. During these times, visa holders can take work on with other employers, even in a different role to that listed on their most recent nomination. However, they need to ensure the work matches any licenses or registration needed for their nominated occupation.

They’ll also need to meet the same requirements as your previous sponsor, such as obtaining Regional Certifying Body approval, paying the SAF levy and ensuring that you’re paid the correct rate for the role.

How much is the SAF levy?

A Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy must be paid for each nomination that an employer makes under the 494 program.

• Businesses with turnovers under $10m, must make a one-off, upfront payment of $3,000 per employee they nominate
• Businesses turning over more than $10m, must make a one-off, upfront payment of $5,000 per nominee

SAF levy funds go towards training Australian permanent residents and citizens.

Is health insurance required for a 494 visa?

You’ll be eligible to enrol in Australia’s Medicare program, so private health insurance is not required.

Other conditions

Generally, you won’t be able to apply for other skilled PR visas or partner visas whilst you’re on the subclass 494.