This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) Visa does not grant permanent residency. Unlike previous RSMS visa, the 494 holders can be eligible for Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa – subclass 191 in the future.

With this visa, you can

• Stay in Australia for 5 years from the date we grant you the visa
• live, work and study in a designated region of Australia
• travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
• apply for permanent residence, if eligible, through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

You Must

• be nominated by an approved sponsor
• have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation
• have a relevant skills assessment, unless an exemption applies
• work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless an exemption applies
• be under 45 years of age, unless the labour agreement states otherwise
• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

Position Requirements

To have a nomination approved, the organisation must show that the position:

• Is based in regional Australia
• Appears on the relevant occupation list: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/skilled-migration-program/what-we-do/legislative-instruments
• Is full-time and expected to be available for at least five years

Additionally, the organisation must obtain certification from a regional certifying body and, unless exempt, meet Labour Market Testing requirements.

How the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa works

The SESR visa process involves four main stages:

**Stage 1: Standard Business Sponsor Application (SBS)**

The employer must first become an approved standard business sponsor to nominate skilled workers for the SESR visa.

**Stage 2: Regional Certifying Body (RCB) Approval**

Employers need approval from the relevant Regional Certifying Body based on the location of the position. This step requires demonstrating the business’s capacity to support foreign workers and providing details about the role and salary.

**Stage 3: Nomination**

The employer nominates a specific position within their business for an overseas worker. Each applicant must have an approved nomination and the role must be listed on the medium to long-term or regional occupation lists.

**Stage 4: Visa Application**

Once the nomination is submitted, the visa application can be lodged. The Department will assess the applicant’s suitability for the nominated position. Any issues with the nomination could affect the success of the visa application.

Professional Visa and Education Services can assist both visa applicants and employers in preparing comprehensive applications at every stage to maximise your chance of approval. This visa has three streams