Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 494 SESR visa allows regional employers in Australia to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas when they’re unable to find an Australian worker with the required skills.
Visa Streams:
- Employer Sponsored Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
Employer Sponsored Stream
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for this stream, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be under 45 years old, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Occupation: You must be nominated for an occupation on Australia’s relevant skilled occupation list.
- Employer: Your employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).
- Work Experience: You must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Visa Status: If applying from within Australia, you must hold a valid visa (e.g., Substantive visa or Bridging Visa A, B, or C).
- Skills Assessment: You need a relevant skills assessment, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Work Restrictions: You can only work for your nominated sponsor or an associated entity, unless exempt.
- English Proficiency: You need to demonstrate competent English skills:
- IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four test components.
- PTE: A minimum score of 50 in each of the four test components.
- Health & Character: You must meet health and character requirements.
- Location: You can apply from either inside or outside Australia.
Labour Agreement Stream
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for this stream, the nominated occupation must be covered by a labour agreement between the Australian government and your employer. You must also meet the following conditions:
- Age: Be under 45 years old when you apply, unless the labour agreement states otherwise.
- Occupation: You must be nominated for an occupation as specified in the labour agreement.
- Work Experience: You need at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Visa Status: If applying from within Australia, you must hold a valid visa (e.g., Substantive visa or Bridging Visa A, B, or C).
- Skills Assessment: If required by the labour agreement, you must undergo a relevant skills assessment.
- Work Restrictions: You can only work for your nominated employer, as specified in the labour agreement.
- English Proficiency: You must meet the minimum English language standards outlined in the labour agreement.
Family Members
You can include your family members (such as your spouse or children) in your visa application. Here’s how:
- At the time of application: Include your family members when submitting your visa application.
- After submission: You can add a dependent child to your application before the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision.
- Health & Character: Family members not applying with you might still need to meet health and character requirements.
Your Obligations
As a visa holder, you and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws while residing in Australia.
Need Help with Your Application?
If you need assistance with your visa application or would like to confirm your eligibility, book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. Fill out the form below, and we’ll help guide you through the process of applying for this exciting opportunity to live and work in Australia.