About the 494 Visa
The 494 visa empowers regional employers to tackle labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when suitable Australian candidates are unavailable.
The 494 visa allows pharmacists to reside, work, and study exclusively in designated regional areas of Australia for a period of up to 5 years. Designated regional areas include all of Australia except for major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Eligibility for 494 Visa
To qualify for the 494 visa, pharmacists must:
- Be nominated for an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Have passed the KAPS Exam and registered with the AHPRA.
- Obtain a relevant skills assessment unless exempted.
- Solely work for your sponsor or associated entity, unless exempted.
- Be under the age of 45, unless exempted.
- Meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.
How is 494 a Pathway to Permanent Residency?
The 494 visa offers a unique opportunity for individuals who have resided and worked in specified regional areas of Australia under an eligible visa to transition to permanent residency. This pathway provides a clear route for those committed to contributing to and settling in regional Australia to establish permanent roots in the country.
Eligibility
To qualify for the 191 visa, pharmacists must:
- After holding the 494 visa for a minimum of 3 years, pharmacists become eligible to apply for permanent residence Subclass 191 Visa.
- Provide three income years of tax assessment notices from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) out of the five years of your eligible visa. There's no minimum income requirement.
- Comply with the conditions of your eligible visa throughout its duration.
- No prior visa cancellations or application refusals
About the 191 Visa
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) under the Regional Provisional stream enables pharmacists who have resided and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on a qualifying visa to establish permanent residency in Australia. Applicants must have adhered to the requirements of their eligible visa.
Duration of Stay
- This visa grants permanent residency, allowing indefinite stay in Australia.
- Includes a travel component valid for 5 years from the date of visa grant.
Cost
- Main applicant: AUD 475.00
- Additional applicants (18 and above): AUD 240.00 each
- Additional applicants (under 18): AUD 120.00 each
- Additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Application Details
- Apply from within or outside Australia.
- Cannot apply while in immigration clearance.
Processing Times
- Processing times vary based on individual circumstances.
- Factors affecting processing times include completeness of application, response time to requests for information, and availability of migration program places.
Benefits of 191 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Stay indefinitely in Australia.
- Work and Study: Enjoy the freedom to work and study in Australia.
- Access to Healthcare: Enrol in Australia's public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your relatives to join you in Australia.
- Travel Privileges: Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
- Path to Citizenship: If eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather necessary identity, character, and compliance documents for yourself, your partner, and your dependent children.
Step 2: Apply Online
Submit your visa application online, whether you're in Australia or abroad.
Step 3: Application Acknowledgement
Upon submission, you'll receive confirmation of your application receipt.
Step 4: Visa Decision Notification
- Whether inside or outside Australia, you'll receive written notification of the visa decision.
- If approved, details such as visa grant number, start date, and conditions will be provided.
- In case of refusal, reasons will be outlined along with information on review rights.
- Application charges are non-refundable in case of refusal.
Final Word
For pharmacists seeking to establish a permanent life in Australia, the 494 visa serves as a viable pathway to achieving this dream. By meeting the requirements of the 494 visa and fulfilling the conditions for transitioning to permanent residency through the 191 visa, pharmacists can embark on a journey towards building a successful career and life in Australia's regional communities.
Navigating the immigration process can be complex, but with the right guidance and support, pharmacists can turn their aspirations of living and working in Australia into a reality.
