The Subclass 494 Visa process involves three key stages: sponsorship, nomination, and visa application.

Sponsorship

• The employer must be (or become) an approved Standard Business Sponsor for the Employer Sponsored stream, or have a valid Labour Agreement with the Australian Government for the Labour Agreement stream.
• The employer must have a satisfactory record of compliance with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

Nomination

• The employer nominates a specific role in a designated regional area.
• The employer must demonstrate that the position is genuine, full-time, and has terms and conditions that match (or are no less favorable than) those offered to an equivalent Australian worker.
• For the Employer Sponsored stream, the occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for regional areas. Labour market testing may be required unless an exemption applies.
• The employer must pay the SAF levy and ensure the nominee’s salary is at least at the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

Visa Application

• The applicant must provide evidence of relevant work experience, skills assessment, English proficiency, and meet health and character requirements.
• Age exemptions may apply in limited circumstances (e.g., specified in Labour Agreements or other exemptions).

The visa application must be lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, accompanied by the required fees and documentation.

The processing times for the Subclass 494 Visa can vary depending on:

• The sponsor’s accreditation status (accredited sponsors often receive faster processing).
• The volume of applications at the Department of Home Affairs.
• The complexity of the nomination and visa application.
• The time taken to obtain a skills assessment, health examinations, police checks, and other documentation.

For the most up-to-date processing times, refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website.

• Below are some typical costs (in AUD) you may incur when applying for the 494 Visa. Note that fees may change without notice:

  • 494 Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy – $3,000 per nomination (for businesses with a turnover of under $10 Million) or $5,000 (for businesses with a turnover of over $10 Million)
  • 494 Visa application fee – Primary applicant – $4,770, Adult dependent – $2,385, Child Dependent – $1,190
  • Fees for skills assessments, English tests, health examinations, police checks, translations, etc – as applicable.
  Professional fees for migration services are charged separately. These fees can vary depending on the level of service and your specific needs.

We have extensive experience assisting businesses of all sizes—from small and medium enterprises to large corporations—in nominating and sponsoring skilled overseas workers. Our services include:

• Sponsorship Process Assistance: Helping your business become an approved sponsor or negotiate a Labour Agreement.
• Nomination Process Assistance: Ensuring the nominated occupation, salary and role meet the requirements.
• Document Preparation: Guiding you in gathering and organising all necessary documents for a complete application.​
• Application Preparation and Lodgement: Preparing and lodging the application accurately and promptly.​
• Ongoing Support: Providing continuous assistance and updates throughout the application process to ensure a smooth experience.​
• Compliance and Updates: Keeping track of regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance, and updating you on any policy changes.