Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Two streams - Employer sponsored stream and labour agreement stream

Employer requirements
Nomination, application processes and sponsorship obligations largely mirror those applicable to Subclasses 457 and 482 sponsorship
Position must genuine, full time and likely to exist for five years
Annual market salary rate (AMSR) must not be less than TSMIT $53,900; annual earnings including non-monetary benefits must not be less than AMSR, unless nominated under the Labour Agreement stream; and terms and conditions no less favourable than for Australian employees must be provided
Minister must be advised by a 'body' (RDA/RCB?) with the responsibility for that part of Australia, that the nominee will be paid at least the AMSR
SAF charges: $3000 for businesses with turnover of less than $10 million, or $5000 for others
Cost of fees and nomination training contribution charge (SAF levy) cannot be recovered from the overseas worker or third party - amendment to Reg 2.87S
If nominating an existing Subclass 494 visa holder, the new sponsor is expected to assume the sponsorship obligations for family members who already hold a Subclass 494
Subclass 494 visa holders will be provided with 90 days to find another employer, if they cease employment with their sponsor
Visa can be cancelled if sponsor provides false and misleading information, fails to meet sponsorship obligations, is cancelled or barred from being a sponsor or where a party to a labour agreement, it is terminated, suspended or ceased

Applicant requirements
Must not have turned 45 at time of application
Employer sponsored stream - must have skilled occupation on an applicable list and have valid, suitable skills assessment; Labour agreement stream - may be required to demonstrate has necessary skills to perform tasks of nominated occupation
Nominated occupation to be specified by corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code
applicant must have competent English at time of application, unless specified in a legislative instrument by the Minister; Labour agreement stream - English language skills suitable to perform the nominated occupation