What is an Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) in Australia?

A skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa is an Australian temporary visa that allows skilled workers and their families to reside and work in regional areas of the country. Currently, regional Australia is facing labor and skills shortages in certain fields. According to a review conducted on skills shortages in 2023,?

Thirty-six of the occupations analyzed in the regional areas had a nationwide skills deficit (332 out of 916), which is five points higher than the shortage reported in the 2022 Skills Priority List (SPL).

So, to overcome the workforce shortage, the Australian Government is prioritizing those visas that allow migration in regional areas. A skilled employer-sponsored regional (Subclass 494) visa is the best option for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia in 2024. This visa subclass has three streams, including an employer-sponsored stream, a labor agreement stream, and a subsequent entrant stream.?

Each stream has its own set of terms and conditions. Therefore, choose a stream that best suits your needs and preferences. The following blog post provides a comprehensive overview of an employer-sponsored stream, eligibility criteria, and the application process.?

Let’s start with a basic understanding of the employer-sponsored stream, and then we’ll discuss other important things in depth.

What is Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)?

This stream of skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visas is applicable to those regional employers who are working to meet the labor shortage in local areas of the country. This visa stream allows you to reside, work, or study in the designated regional Australia for up to five years.?

Moreover, with this visa, you can enter or exit Australia as often as you want within the specified period. Employer-sponsored stream also provides a direct route to permanent residence once you complete three years of working in the country.

Remember that this visa is designed for only specified regions. Apart from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, all other regions are included in designated regional areas.

Eligibility Requirements for an Employer-Sponsored Stream

Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential before applying for an Australian visa. Below is a list of the requirements you must meet to get visa approval.

1. Age Requirement

You must be under forty-five years of age while submitting an application for the employer-sponsored stream (Subclass 494) in Australia.

2. Nomination Requirement?

You must be nominated by an authorized regional employer to apply for this visa. It is necessary for your employer to submit a nomination application on your behalf before you apply for the visa. This will only be possible if they have submitted an application to become a standard company sponsor or have been accepted as a work sponsor.

3. Skills Assessment?

For primary applicants, it is necessary to show a positive skills assessment. You must have relevant skills, academic qualifications, and work experience to apply for a 494 visa in Australia. You must meet the skill requirements for the nominated occupation and have worked for at least three years in the designated field.?

4. English Language Requirement

English language proficiency is a must to migrate to Australia. Look at the following table to get insights into the required scores for different English language tests.

5. Health and Character Requirements

You and your family members must satisfy the health requirement in order to be eligible for an employer-sponsored stream (subclass 494). In addition to this, it is compulsory for you to ensure that you are of good moral character.?

6. Immigration History

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your immigration history to determine whether you have a visa refusal or cancellation in the past or not. Visa refusal in the past will reduce your chances of getting successful approval of a 494 visa in Australia.

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Application Process of an Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)

The application procedure for an employer-sponsored stream consists of various steps that you need to understand. Understand these steps and apply them according to the provided instructions.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

The first thing you need to do is check your eligibility. You must meet the age, nomination, qualification, health, and character requirements.?

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Once you find out you are eligible to apply for a 494 visa in Australia, the next step is to gather all the necessary and additional documents. These documents include evidence of your skills, academic qualifications, and work experience.

Step 3: Get a Positive Skills Assessment

Getting a positive skills assessment is necessary. The Australian Government specifies skills assessing authorities to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether you have the skills related to your occupation. If you are unable to get a positive skills assessment, the Department will deny your visa application.

Step 4: Apply for the Visa

Fill out the application form available on the official website of ImmiAccount. Create an account online and fill out the application form by providing accurate information. Then, gather all the required documents and attach them to your application form. Pay the application fee and submit the form. Wait for the visa outcome by the Department.

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Visa Processing Time of 494 Visa

The processing time for an employer-sponsored visa stream in Australia varies depending on various factors. In case you don’t complete the application correctly or provide the bogus information, the processing will be delayed. Currently, Seventy-five percent of applications are handled in three months, and ninety percent of them are processed within four months.

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What is the Cost of Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494)?

Employer-Sponsored Stream (Subclass 494) visa costs vary depending on a variety of factors, including the kind of stream, the volume of applications, and the employer’s yearly turnover. However,

• The fee cost for a primary applicant is AUD$ 4,640.00.
• For Dependents 18 years of age and over, it is AUD$ 2,320.00.
• For dependents under 18 must pay AUD$ 1,160.00.

Dependents aged 18 or older who cannot speak English fluently must submit an additional fee of AUD$ 9,800. Moreover, things like biometrics, police certifications, health checks, and English language proficiency exams will charge additional fees.

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How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is a registered organization that has a team of specialists and MARA-certified agents in Australia. We provide authentic and genuine consultancy services to our clients. We understand the uniqueness of each case and offer solutions accordingly.?

Therefore, if you need assistance regarding skills assessment or visa application submission, book an appointment now. Our skilled migration agent and Australian visa counselors will help you through the complete process. They will guide you and provide you with the relevant information.?

With our assistance and guidance you will be able to get approval of your visa application within the specified processing time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of taking help from reliable and trusted sources. Make us a pro call to visit our website to get more information. We are here to help you!