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Tips For A Successful Nomination Under The 494 Visa Program

Ivan Adams

Australia has always been a popular destination among skilled workers worldwide. With its open and growing economy, Australia welcomes skilled workers to help fill the labor market gaps. One of the popular Australian visas for skilled workers is the 494 visa program, which allows businesses to nominate skilled workers from overseas to work in regional Australia.

The 494 visa program permits skilled workers to establish their careers in Australia. It also allows Australian businesses to recruit skilled workers who can contribute to developing regional communities. But how do you ensure your nomination under the 494 visa program is successful? This blog post highlights some tips to help you achieve a successful nomination.

Understanding The 494 Visa Program

The 494 Visa program was introduced in 2019 to address labor shortages in regional areas of Australia, excluding major capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It allows skilled migrants to live and work in Australia with no limitations on leaving and returning to the country.

This visa is valid for five years upon entering Australia, and after three years, applicants can apply for permanent residency if they meet the relevant criteria.

The Three Streams Of The 494 Visa Program

The 494 Visa program offers three streams to cater to different circumstances:

  1. 1. Employer-Sponsored Stream: The Employer-Sponsored Stream allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find suitable Australian candidates. This stream enables employers to nominate employees for any work listed on the qualified occupation list.
  2. Labour Agreement Stream: The Labour Agreement Stream is designed for skilled workers nominated by an employer who is part of a labor agreement. These agreements are developed in collaboration with the Australian government to address specific labor market needs and facilitate the entry of overseas workers into Australia.
  3. Subsequent Entrant Stream: The Subsequent Entrant Stream applies to family members of a 494 Visa holder who wish to join the primary visa holder in Australia. Family members can apply separately for this stream once the primary visa holder has been granted a 494 Visa.

Tips For Successful Visa 494 Nominations

At this point, you understand the 494 Visa program, now take a look at Tips for a Successful Nomination under the 494 Visa Program:

1.   Check The Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a nomination under the 494 visa program, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Check to see if your occupation is eligible for the 494 visa program. Also, ensure that your potential employer is located in a regional area of Australia.

The Australian government has a list of regional areas eligible for the 494 visa program, so ensure your potential employer is located in one of these areas. Besides, check if you meet the qualification criteria to work in the designated occupation.

Ensuring that you meet all the eligibility criteria is crucial for your nomination to be successful. So Take a look at the following Criteria:

Eligibility Criteria For The 494 Visa

To be eligible for a 494 Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Nominated by an Approved Sponsor: Applicants must be nominated by an approved sponsor who meets specific eligibility requirements.
  • Relevant Skilled Work Experience: Applicants should have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience.
  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 45 at the time of application, with exemptions available in certain circumstances.
  • Skills Assessment: A relevant skills assessment must be completed before applying for the visa.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate competency in the English language.
  • Labor Agreement Stream Requirements: If applying under the Labour Agreement Stream, the applicant must work under a labor agreement in the specified position.

Sponsor Eligibility For The 494 Visa

Sponsors also need to meet specific eligibility requirements to nominate a skilled worker for a 494 Visa:

  • Standard Business Sponsorship: Sponsors must be standard business sponsors or have applied to become one.
  • Inability to Source Skilled Australian Worker: Sponsors must provide evidence demonstrating their inability to find a skilled Australian employee.
  • Operate in a Regional Area: Sponsors must have a lawful business operating in a regional area of Australia.
  • Skilling Fund Levy: Sponsors are required to pay the relevant Skilling Fund Levy.
  • Labour Agreement Stream Requirements: If applying under the Labour Agreement Stream, the sponsor must have a current labor agreement.

2.   Complete The Required Documentation

Completing the required documentation is an essential factor in the success of your nomination under the 494 visa program. Fill in all the necessary forms and provide accurate information. Ensure you have the correct evidence required to support your application.

This includes evidence of your qualifications, work experience, and other supporting documents that prove your eligibility.

Complete the documentation to the best of your ability and ensure that it is accurate and meets the requirement. Take a look:

Nominating A Skilled Worker

To nominate a skilled worker for a 494 Visa, the sponsor must submit the following documents:

  • Must Submit the Proof of ID for the applicant
  • Need to submit an employment contract. The contract must be signed by both the employer and the employee.
  • Proof of labor market testing, which demonstrates that the employer has tested the market and advertised the position to Australian citizens
  • Evidence that the nominated position exists, along with a detailed outline of the duties and responsibilities of the employee
  • Regional Certifying Body approval for the position
  • Labor agreement documents (if applicable)

Applying For The Visa

Once a valid nomination has been received and approved, the applicant can apply for the 494 Visa. The application process involves the following steps:

  • Upload Required Documents: The applicant must upload the necessary documents, which may include proof of ID, English language skills, skills assessment results, qualifications, character documents, health certificate, and health insurance proof.
  • Provide Transaction Reference Number: The applicant must provide the transaction reference number received from the sponsor during the nomination process.
  • Pay the Application Fee: The applicant must pay the application fee for processing the visa application. The cost of a 494 Visa is AUD $4,640, and additional fees apply for other family members included in the application.

3.   Choose The Right Occupation

Choosing a suitable occupation is crucial for your nomination under the 494 visa program’s success. Check to see if your field is in demand in the regional areas of Australia.

With specific skills shortages in certain industries, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, your chances of nomination success are increased if you have one of these skills. If you have qualifications and work experience in an occupation that is in demand in regional Australia, your chances of success are higher.

4.   Maintain Connection With Your Employer

Maintaining communication with your employer throughout the nomination process is essential for a successful nomination. Keep in touch with your employer, ask questions, and provide all the necessary information.

Your employer is responsible for nominating you so they will be involved in the nomination process. Maintaining an open line of communication with your employer will ensure that your nomination is successfully organized.

5.   Seek Professional Advice

Seeking professional advice should always be an option when applying for a nomination under the 494 visa program. Obtaining advice from a registered migration agent helps achieve a successful nomination.

A registered migration agent can assist with the necessary documentation, ensuring you have a higher chance of success.

Conclusion

A nomination under the 494 visa program is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to establish their careers in Australia. Meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the required documentation can significantly increase your chances of a successful nomination. Ensure you take note of these tips, and you’ll find the nomination process under the 494 visa program less complex.