Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

Are you a skilled worker seeking long term opportunities in regional Australia?
The Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa provides a pathway for qualified overseas workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia, and supports employers who are unable to source suitably skilled workers from the local labour market.

Whether you are currently employed by a regional Australian business or looking to explore opportunities in key industries outside major cities, we can help you navigate your options and determine the most suitable visa pathway under this program.

This visa offers two streams tailored to different levels of skill and workforce needs. These streams include:

Employer Sponsored stream
Labour Agreement stream

Requirements for the SESR Visa

The following outlines general eligibility requirements. Specific criteria will vary depending on the stream.

As the sponsoring employer, the business must generally:

be lawfully and actively operating and financially capable of employing the nominee for the duration of the visa
nominate a genuine, full-time position in an eligible skilled occupation list in a designated regional area of Australia
be certified by the Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
provide a written employment contract (unless exempt)
ensure that the employment conditions are no less favourable than those offered to Australian workers in similar roles
meet the applicable salary requirements, including both the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and the minimum salary threshold
conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) by advertising the role for a minimum period, unless exempt (e.g. under an International Trade Obligation)

As the visa applicant, you will need to:

genuinely intend to work in the nominated position
hold the relevant qualifications and/or work experience for the position (A formal skills assessment may be required)
have at least three years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the nominated position
meet any licensing, registration, or professional membership requirements applicable to the occupation
meet the English language requirements, such as:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 5 in each band
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 36 in each component
- or you may be exempt if you have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where instruction was in English or hold a valid passport issued by certain countries.
hold suitable health insurance for this visa
meet health and character requirements

SERS : Stages at a Glance

1. Sponsorship Application

The first step involves the employer applying to become an approved sponsor or have a labour agreement (Labour Agreement Stream).

2. Nomination Application

Once sponsorship is in place, the employer proceeds with the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) assessment followed by the nomination application for the specific position to be filled.

3. Visa Application

After the nomination is lodged, the visa applicant can submit their application.

Cost for SERS visa

Applying for a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa involves several costs, which can vary depending on your specific circumstances and the number of applicants included in your application. Below is a detailed breakdown of current fees as set by the Department of Home Affairs:

Sponsorship Application:

Standard Business Sponsorship fee: AUD 420.00

Valid for 5 years once approved.

Nomination Application:

Nomination application fee: Nil.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:
- Small businesses (annual turnover under AUD 10 million): AUD 3,000.00 per nomination
- Other businesses (annual turnover over AUD 10 million): AUD 5,000.00 per nomination
Regional Certifying Body (RCB) assessment application fee: The RCB application fee varies depending on the region, as each Regional Certifying Body sets its own fee structure based on local processing arrangements and administrative costs.

Visa Application Charges:

Main applicant: AUD 4,910.00
Secondary applicants aged 18 years and over: AUD 2,455.00 per applicant
Dependent applicants under 18 years: AUD 1,230.00 per applicant

Please note that additional costs may apply, including health examinations, police clearance certificates, translations, and our professional service fees.

Once Your Visa Is Granted – What’s Next?

Once the Department grants a Subclass 494, it will be valid for five years. This visa is subject to several conditions that you must comply with. For example, you are required to work only in the nominated occupation and exclusively for the employer who sponsored you.

After holding this visa for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided you meet all relevant eligibility criteria.

Simplifying the Subclass 494 Visa Journey with Niche

Navigating the Subclass 494 visa process can be complex and time consuming. We are committed to making the journey as smooth, secure, and rewarding as possible for both employers and visa applicants.

For Employers

We understand the demands of running a business while trying to recruit and retain skilled talent. Our experienced team works closely with you to streamline the sponsorship process and ensure compliance at every step.

Safeguarding your business and employee records with strict confidentiality
Managing end-to-end compliance
Handling all documentation efficiently to save time and reduce administrative burden
Developing tailored sponsorship strategies aligned with your workforce needs

Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business.

For Visa Applicants

We recognise that a 494 visa can be life-changing. That is why we treat every application with the care and attention it deserves.

Step-by-step guidance through the visa process and documentation requirements
Ongoing support and communication to keep you informed at every stage
Strict protection of your personal information and privacy
Compassionate, responsive support from a team that genuinely cares about your success

Ready to begin?

Schedule your appointment today with one of our registered migration agents