Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494)

Welcome to Immigration Pointer, your trusted consultants for navigating the immigration landscape! The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494) opens doors to a unique opportunity for skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

What is Subclass 494 Program?

The Subclass 494 Program is introduced by the Australian Government to address regional labor shortages. It allows skilled workers to be sponsored by regional employers in areas facing a lack of appropriately skilled Australian workers. Designated regional areas cover most locations outside major cities, including Perth and the Gold Coast.

Why Choose Subclass 494 Program?

  • Regional Opportunities: Immerse yourself in the charm of regional Australia, away from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

  • Long Stay: Successful applicants enjoy a 5-year stay in Australia, with the flexibility to travel to and from the country as many times as they wish during this period.

  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: The best part? You can apply for permanent Australian residence from November 16, 2022.

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Subclass 494 Program Requirements

Before applying, it's essential to meet specific requirements, including:

  • Occupation Nomination: Be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Work Experience: Possess at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
  • Skills Assessment: Obtain a relevant skills assessment unless exempted.
  • Employment Restrictions: Work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless exempted..
  • Age Requirement: Be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies..
  • English Proficiency: Meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494) might be your golden ticket. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria simplified just for you:

  • Nominated by an Approved Sponsor: To kickstart your journey, you need to be nominated by an employer operating lawfully in Australia. Your employer will submit a nomination application on your behalf before you can apply for the Program.
  • Relevant Skills, Qualifications, and Work Experience: As the primary applicant, showcase your skills! Demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications and work experience for the nominated occupation. You should have worked in this field for a minimum of 3 years on a full-time basis, ideally within the last 5 years. Equivalent part-time work might also be considered.
  • Positive Skills Assessment Before applying, ensure your skills get a thumbs up from the relevant assessing authority. A positive skills assessment is vital and must be obtained before lodging your application. Talk to our migration experts about exemptions that might apply to your unique circumstances.
  • Work Exclusively for Your Sponsor: Once in Australia, work only in your nominated occupation and solely for your nominating employer in regional Australia. Any deviations might lead to program cancellation, so it's crucial to stick to the plan.
  • Age Requirement: You should be under 45 years when applying for the 494 Program. Specific exemptions might apply, and our team at This is Australia is here to guide you based on your individual situation.
  • English Language Proficiency: Competent English is your ticket in! Ensure you meet the language requirements by providing evidence of citizenship and a valid passport from the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland. Alternatively, present English language test results.
  • Timely Employment Start: Kickstart your employment within 90 days of entering Australia (if applying from overseas) or within 90 days of the program grant date (if already in Australia).

Include Family in Your Subclass 494 Program Application

With the Subclass 494 Program, you can include your family members in your application, bringing them along with you if your application is successful. Here's how you can do it:

Include Them in Your Initial Application:

When you lodge your program application, you can include your family members as accompanying dependents. This ensures that they are considered along with your application.

Add Dependent Children Later:

If you have dependent children who are not initially included in your application, you can add them after you lodge your application but before a decision is made. This flexibility allows you to ensure your entire family can join you in Australia.

It's important to note that family members included in the program application must meet the health and character requirements set by Australian immigration authorities.

If, for any reason, your partner or dependent children are not included in the application, you must provide a valid reason for their exclusion. For example, if they already hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.

key-benefits

Our dedicated migration team at Immigration Pointer will guide you through the process and ensure that all your family-related concerns are addressed effectively. By choosing the Subclass 494 Program, you can embark on your immigration journey to Australia with your loved ones by your side. Trust our experienced consultants to assist you every step of the way.

Apply Anywhere:

Whether you're currently in Australia or planning from overseas, you can apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494) with ease. However, it's important to note that you shouldn't be in immigration clearance when you submit your application or when the decision is made

Requirements for Onshore Applicants:

If you choose to apply while you're in Australia, there are a few key requirements to fulfill. You must already hold a substantive program or one of the following Bridging Programs: Bridging A program (subclass 010), Bridging B Program (subclass 020), or Bridging C Program (subclass 030). Without meeting these conditions, your application may not be considered valid.

Step-by-Step Process for Subclass 494 Subclass 494

If you're considering the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494) for Australia, here's a simplified guide to help you through the process.

Preliminary Preparation

Before you start your application journey, there are a few things to arrange:

  • Skills Assessment: Ensure you have a valid skills assessment.
  • English Language Test: Depending on your circumstances, you might need to undertake an English language test..
  • Health Assessment: Consider undergoing a health assessment to meet program equirements.
  • Application Assistance: Seek professional help from our expert consultants to ease your application process.

Document Gathering

To proceed with your program application, gather essential documents related to:

  • Identity: Provide documents confirming your identity.
  • Character: Include documents to demonstrate your good character.
  • Skills: Showcase evidence of your relevant skills.
  • Work Experience: Document your work experience details.
  • Health and English Skills: Submit documents related to your health and English language skills.

Online Application

Applying for your Subclass 494 Program is a breeze! Utilize the user-friendly Immigration Account platform to submit your application online. Our seasoned consultants are readily available to guide you through every step of the application process, ensuring a seamless experience.

Post-Application Procedures

Once your application is submitted:

  • Notification: Rest assured; we will promptly notify you upon receiving your application.
  • Post-Application Actions: Discover the necessary actions you can and must take after your application is submitted. Our guidance ensures you stay informed throughout the process, providing clarity and peace of mind.

Program Outcome

You can be anywhere in or outside Australia when we decide on your program application.

About Program Outcome

  • Approval of your employer’s nomination is a prerequisite for program approval.
  • Our decision about your program application will be communicated in writing.

If Your Program Is Granted

  • Receive your program grant number.
  • Know the start date and conditions of your Program.
  • Keep a copy of the decision for your records.

If Your Program Is Granted

  • We will explain the reasons for refusal.
  • Understand your right to review the decision.
  • Note that the program application charge is non-refundable in case of refusal.

At Immigration Pointer, our dedicated consultants are here to simplify your immigration journey. Explore Australia with confidence - start your Subclass 494 program application today!

Program Pathways

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Program (Subclass 494) is your gateway to working in Australia's designated regional areas. This Program, which replaced the 187 Program, offers a pathway to permanent residency.

Temporary Residency

Once granted, the Subclass 494 Program allows you and your eligible family members to reside in Australia for up to 5 years. During this time, you can live, study, and work in designated regional areas.

Permanent Residency

One of the significant benefits of the Subclass 494 Program is its pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Program (Subclass 191). To be eligible for this transition, you must have held an eligible program (491 or 494) for at least 3 years and maintained a taxable income at or above the income threshold ($53,900/year) for the same period.

Entitlements

Under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Program (Subclass 494), you and your family members can enjoy various entitlements, including:

  • Living, studying, and working in designated regional areas of Australia.
  • Multiple entries to and exits from Australia during the Program's validity period.
  • Eligibility to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Program.
  • Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
  • A pathway to Australian citizenship, subject to eligibility criteria.

Work Program Options

Apart from the Subclass 494 Program, there are several other work program options available, including the Temporary Skill Shortage Program (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme Program (Subclass 186), and DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) Program (Subclass186 to Subclass 482). Our team at Immigration Pointer can assist you in determining your eligibility for work Programs and provide professional guidance on the documentation, fees, and submission process. Take the first step towards your pathway to permanent residency by contacting our migration agents through our booking form or by calling our office on (+91)8510062929 or mail to [email protected]. Let us help you achieve your Australian dream.