Subclass 494

This visa enables regional employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill a position in Australia, and gives the Employee 5 years visa to work, live and study in designated regional area of Australia.  

The Employee must:

• be nominated by an Australian employer, and that employer must be an approved sponsor with an approved nomination;
• be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list;
• have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation;
• have a relevant skills assessment, unless exempted;
• work only for the sponsoring Employee or associated entity, unless exempted;
• be under 45 years of age, unless exempted;
• Possess Competent English. 

The Employee may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after 3 years.