0
team

NEW SUBCLASS 494 SKILLED EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISA – ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Subclass 494 visa will replace the 187 (RSMS) visa on 16 November 2019.

This is a 5 year provisional visa.  If you meet the visa conditions, you can apply for subclass 191 permanent visa.

Are you eligible for 494 visa?

You must meet the following:

  • Your employer must be located in a designated regional area of Australia and have obtained approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in your area.
    • (NOTE: The entire State of Western Australia becomes regional area on 16 November 2019)
  • Your position is on the relevant occupation list. There is over 700 occupations listed in the instrument for 494 visa.
    • The position must be full-time, genuine and likely to be available for five years
    • You must be paid at the market salary rate
  • You hold and obtain positive skills assessment.
  • You have at least three years of full time and relevant skilled work experience.
  • You are under 45 years of age
  • You must demonstrate Competent English

Pathway to Permanent Residency!

You can apply for subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa if you meet the following requirements:

  • You hold 494 or 491 visa.
  • You have worked in the designated regional area for at least three years.
  • Either you or your partner made an income of at least $53,900 annually for past three years.

Difference between 494 Visa and 187 Visa

There are 2 main differences compared to the subclass 187 (RSMS) visa:

  1. 494 visa is a provisional visa, not a permanent visa.
  2. You do NOT require the employer’s nomination to apply for the 191 visa.

Are you on 482 Visa?

IF:

  1. You are on 482 visa (especially short-term 2 year visa);

AND

  1. You are on the new 494 visa occupation list;

You should consider switching to 494 visa as soon as possible, as the new 494 visa will give you a pathway to permanent residency through subclass 191 visa, whereas the subclass 482 (short term) visa does NOT allow you to apply for permanent visa.