We are now 494 Visa Australia. 494 is the new immigration number for applicants seeking to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis, or with the intention of staying more than 12 months. 494 visas are often used by people who want to study, train or volunteer in Australia for more than 12 months.
This article will outline what you need to know about 494 visa requirements and criteria, as well as how it compares with previous migration avenues such as 457 visas.
What do you need to know about 494 visa requirements? 4940 visa requirements include a basic English level, and the 4944 Visa Australia also includes an Australian police check.
Applicants for 494 visas must be under 45 years old when they apply. In addition, 4942 Visa Australia applicants will need to have completed at least three months of skilled work in regional Australia before applying under this category.
The four main pathways for 494 visa applications are:
The first main pathway for 494 Visa Australia applications is through state nomination, which requires applicants to meet the requirements of their nominated occupation. The second pathway for 4944 visa requirements is through two-year temporary work sponsored by an Australian employer.
For 494 visa criteria, this means that if you are applying under a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), then your occupation must be included on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You can find out what occupations are listed on MLTSSL here.
The fourth main route to 4944 visas in Australia is through Employer Nomination Scheme / Regional Sponsored migration scheme or 457 Temporary Work Visas being transferred over into 4942 Permanent Residency Skilled Visa.
Another way of getting Australian permanent residency status for that outside of Australia is by nominating their skillset as part of SkillSelect. This will place them within one of three separate streams: Employer-Sponsored, Independent or State/Territory Nominated.
How do I get one?
The 494 Visa is applied for by way of nomination, sponsorship, or family reunion.
Applicants must hold a 494 Visa for at least 12 months, be under the age of 50 and have competent English.
A nomination can be made by State/Territory governments or Sponsorship bodies. The 494 visas are aimed toward people who are able to make a beneficial contribution to their chosen state/territory’s economy through business ownership, investment in small businesses (in limited circumstances), highly skilled work experience, or exceptional academic abilities.
In conclusion, 494 Visa Australia is a good option for those looking to move over into 494 visa status.
