9 December 2021
In one of our previous blog posts, we have talked about the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 to work and study in Australia. Here we going to introduce you to another visa that also lets you live, work and study in Australia. And it is none other than a 494 visa. In this blog, we will let you know about the 494 visa requirements. This was introduced in November 2019 to update the 187 visas, it is also a pathway to PERMANENT RESIDENCY.
So here we are going through the important information about the 494 visas that will help you know if it can be useful if you are looking for Australian PR.
Let’s get started.
What is a 494 Visa?
The new 494 visa lets you live, work and study in the dedicated regional areas of Australia. It is introduced to help regional employers to deal with labor shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where they are not able to source any skilled local (Australian) labor. It is important to know that most locations outside major cities (Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney) are defined as designated regional areas for which the 494 visa holder can work or study.
How Long Does the 494 Visa Last?
The duration of the 494 visas is 5 years. In other words, you can stay in Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is issued.
WHAT ARE 494 VISA REQUIREMENTS AND WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS?
a) You Should Be Nominated By an Approved Employer:
First of all, your employer should be approved by the Australian government. He or she has to file a nomination application for you.
b) You Should Have at Least 3 Years of Experience:
You are required to have the relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience to perform for the nominated occupation. And you should have at least 3 years of full-time job experience in the nominated occupation.
c) You Should Be Committed to Work Only for Your Employer (Sponsor):
The 494 visas required you to work only for the nominated occupation and your nominating employer or sponsor in the designated work area. Any violation can lead to visa termination.
d) You Should Be 45 or Below:
The age of the candidate shouldn’t exceed 45 while applying for the 494 visas.
e) You Should Be Familiar with Competent Language:
You need to show proof that you are familiar with competent English.
Once your visa is approved, you are required to report to your employer to start employment within 90 days of entering Australia.
Does the 494 Visa Lets You Bring Family With You?
The 494 visa also lets you include your family members in your application and bring them with you.
What is the Processing Time of the 494 Visa?
It will take 3-4 months to get your 494 visas.
What about the PR Chances with the 494 Visa?
The 494 visas can be a pathway to apply for PR in Australia. To get an Australian PR, you are required to work, study and live in Australia. You also need to hold the 494 visas for at least 3 years and show a taxable income for at least 3 years.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for the 494 Visa?
You are required to supply several documents for your 494 visas. Not supplying important documents can affect your chances of getting the 494 visas. Here are some essential documents to be submitted for the 494 visas.
- ID Proof and Valid Passport Copies.
- Proof of Minimum English Language Skills (IELTS).
- Any Change of Name Paperwork
- References, Qualifications, and Experience Letter from Your Previous Employers
- Health Certificate
- Proof of Health Insurance for Your Stay in Australia
- Character Certificate Issued by Police
What Proofs are Required If You Bring Your Partner and Dependents?
- The ID, Character Documents, and Proof of Marriage of Your Partner.
- Passport Copies, Birth Certificates, Character Documents of the Dependents
What are the 494 Visa Requirements and Conditions?
- You shouldn’t be harmful or threatening to the Australian community or group of people
- You will have to maintain your health insurance while living in Australia
- You should stay in the designated regional area of employment
- You should continue to work for the employers and in the occupation, you were nominated for.
Can a Property Be Bought on a 494 Visa?
Yeah, the 494 visa enables you to buy Australian property. However, it requires you to get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and meet some criteria.
