The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 494 was opened for new applications from 16 November 2019. It replaces the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa subclass 187.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an Australian employer in a designated regional area for up to five years. To be eligible to apply for the 494 visa, employer sponsors and visa applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria.
With this visa you can live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia only (designated regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – Note: Gold Coast is classified as a regional area).
Unlike the RSMS 187 visa, the 494 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, however a 494 visa holder may be eligible to apply for the new Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) (open to applications from 16 November 2022), when the following is met:
If you believe you qualify for the above visa and want some further information and assistance, please contact us via our online enquiry form.