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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

2. 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.

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