Thank you for joining Interstaff’s Regional Visa Q&A Video Series. In our series of bite-sized videos, we aim to share our migration insights on questions submitted by HR Professionals and Business Owners about Australia’s recently introduced Regional 494 Visa and regional migration arrangements. Please watch the videos to see a visa comparison between the Regional 494 and TSS 482 visas.
Q&A Video | PR pathways through the Regional 494 Visa
The Regional 494 Visa provides a direct pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) through the Subclass 191 Visa after 3 years of regional work. This is a key benefit compared to the limited PR pathways available through the 482 TSS Visa program. Businesses outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can access the regional migration program as an alternative PR option for employees. Here’s our insights in a 3 minute explainer video.
Head to our timestamps for specific migration insights
- I have a few employees on a TSS 482 Visa – are they now eligible for a pathway to PR through the new 494 Regional Visa? | 0.00
- Are there any other benefits of applying for a 494 Regional Visa? | 0.51
- How does the 494 Regional Visa provide businesses greater predictability for workforce planning? | 1.01
- Case examples – How do PR pathways between the 494 Visa and 482 TSS Visa compare in a practical sense? | 1.38
- Which businesses can make use of the new Regional Visa? | 2.19
More Q&A’s on this Regional & TSS Visa Comparison
What is the difference between a ‘Short Term’ and ‘Medium to Long Term’ 482 TSS Visa?
The 482 TSS Visa program is divided into two streams – the Short Term Stream and Medium to Long Term Stream. Different occupations are eligible for each stream. Only Medium to Long Term Stream visa holders have access to PR. However, the new Regional 494 Visa now provides a pathway to PR for many Short Term 482 TSS Visa holders who work in ‘Regional Australia’. Those interested may wish to seek professional advice to find out if they are eligible to apply.
For more information, head to our migration insights at 0.20 in our above video.
Which areas classify as ‘Regional Australia’ for use of the 494 Regional Visa?
‘Regional Australia’ for visa and migration purposes refers to any area outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Eligible skilled visa applicants in these areas may be able to apply for the 494 Regional Visa.
What is a ‘Provisional’ visa?
A Provisional visa provides a certain and direct pathway to a Permanent Residence Visa, provided that specific conditions are met. The 494 Regional Visa is considered a Provisional visa because visa holders can access a direct pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 Visa, as long as they meet two conditions. These conditions are that they live and work in a regional area for 3 years.
Because the 494 Regional Visa is considered a Provisional Visa, the Department of Home Affairs assesses these applications with similar rigour as applications for PR. The process of applying can be complex and time consuming as the applicant must meet several mandatory evidence requirements, such as skills assessments.
Which option is more cost-effective – the Regional 494 Visa or 482 TSS Visa? | Regional & TSS Visa Comparison
It is more cost effective to develop a pathway for PR through the 494 Regional Visa. This is because the Government costs of applying for a Regional 494 Visa are similar to applying for a Permanent Residence Visa.
Employers can save several thousands of dollars in NTCC (National Training Contribution Charge) fees by sponsoring through the 494 Visa compared to the 482. Head to our migration insights at time-stamp 2.14 in our previous video ‘How the Regional 494 Visa compares to the TSS Visa‘ for more information.
Find out more | Interstaff’s Q&A Video Series
Missed our last video? Catch up here for bite-sized migration insights on Australia’s new Regional 494 Visa and other regional migration arrangements.
>Watch our 5 Minute Q&A Video | Comparing the Regional 494 Visa to the TSS 482 Visa
Keep an eye out for further Q&A videos to be released with our monthly newsletters.
Interstaff’s Managing Director and Registered Migration Agent Sheila Woods
About the Speaker | Sheila Woods
Sheila Woods is the Managing Director of Interstaff and a Registered Migration Agent with more than 15 years experience in the migration industry.
With an extensive understanding of the Australian immigration system, Sheila partners with employers to advise on global mobility matters for corporate migration projects, complex case work and labour agreement negotiations.
Interstaff is an established migration consultancy specialising in skilled migration matters for the resource industry and businesses and has been operating for over 30 years since 1988. MARN: 0533879.
Submit your question
If you have any further questions, or if you would like an assessment of your visa or sponsorship options, we encourage you to get in touch with our Registered Migration Agents on 1800 449 858 or [email protected]
Please note, this series is intended to provide general information only – current at the time of first publication. The contents do not constitute migration advice. Migration advice should be sought for your particular matters so that your personal circumstances can be considered. In Australia, Registered Migration Agents must operate under the Code of Conduct.