This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker locally. There are three streams for the Subclass 494 visa:

1. 1. 1. 1. Employer Sponsored Stream
            • Suitable for applicants with 3 years of work experience and a positive skills assessment sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area. This provisional visa allows the applicants to access permanent residency after working for the sponsoring employer for 3 years.
         2. Labour Agreement Stream
            • This stream follows the same pathway as the Employer Sponsored Stream; however, the employer must have a labour agreement in place.
         3. Subsequent Entrant Stream
            • This stream allows the primary 494 visa holders to include their family members to their visa. Health and character requirements apply.
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