Understanding the 494 Visa
To apply for the subclass 494 visa, you need a sponsorship from a regional employer. The position offered must be likely to exist for at least five years. Key eligibility criteria include:
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Skills Assessment: You must pass a relevant skills assessment for your job. For physiotherapists, this involves passing the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) Exam and registering with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- English Proficiency: At least Competent in English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age unless exempt.
Read more about Australian Visa points here.
Sponsorship and Employment
A critical aspect of the 494 visa is the sponsorship by an Australian regional employer. You must work for this employer in the nominated position, adhering to the conditions that ensure you live, work, and study only in regional areas (condition 8579). The visa is valid for 5 years, and you must commence work within 90 days of the visa grant.
Defining Regional Australia
For the purposes of the 494 visa, regional areas exclude Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, significant locations like Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra are classified as regional.
Employer Requirements
For a successful visa application, your employer must:
- Be located in a designated regional area.
- Offer a position on the list of eligible occupations.
- Ensure the position is full-time and likely available for 5 years.
- Obtain approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
- Pay the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Benefits of the 494 Visa
The 494 visa is a pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa, effective from November 16, 2022. Benefits include:
- Direct pathway to permanent residence without a second nomination stage.
- Lower cost for employers, with only one SAF levy stage for the nomination.
- Eligibility for Medicare, eliminating the need for additional health insurance.
- Chance to live and work in less crowded regional areas.
- Possibility of achieving a better work-life balance in regional locations.
- Work and study rights for accompanying family members.
Conditions and Pathway to Permanent Residency
To transition from the 494 visa to permanent residency through the 191 visa, you must:
- Live and work in regional areas for 3 years.
- Be able to move between jobs, provided you find a new nominator within 90 days.
- Not apply for any other skilled PR or 820 partner visa for 3 years.
Steps To Become A Physiotherapist in Australia
Physiotherapists in Australia evaluate, treat, and prevent movement-related issues stemming from injuries or illnesses. International physiotherapists seeking to practise in Australia are required to undergo the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) Exam. Here are the steps to become a physiotherapist in Australia:
Step 1- Eligibility Assessment
Begin by getting your qualifications assessed by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) to ensure they meet Australian standards.
Step 2 - Cultural Safety Training
Complete the required Cultural Safety Training to understand the cultural context of healthcare in Australia.
Step 3 - Written Assessment
Pass the APC Written Assessment, which tests your theoretical knowledge in physiotherapy.
Step 4 - Clinical Assessment
Successfully complete the APC Clinical Assessment to demonstrate your practical skills and competence.
Step 5 - English Language Proficiency
Achieve the necessary scores in an English language test. Accepted tests and minimum scores are:
- IELTS: minimum score of 7.0
- OET: minimum grade of B in each component
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill
Step 6 - Registration with AHPRA
Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after passing the APC exams and meeting the English proficiency requirements.
Step 7 - Job Search
Seek sponsorship from a regional employer in Australia to apply for the Subclass 494 Visa. Ensure the position is likely to exist for at least five years.
Read more about how to become a physiotherapist in Australia here.
Some Other Visas For Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists have multiple visa options to work and live in Australia. Here are some other pathways available besides the Subclass 494 Visa.
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Allows independent migration without employer sponsorship.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)
- For recent graduates to live, study, and work temporarily in Australia.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) - State Sponsored
- Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government for regional areas.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) - Family-Sponsored
- Allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in regional Australia.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa) - Direct Entry Stream
- Permanent residency visa requiring employer nomination.
Subclass 407 (Training Visa)
- For occupational training or professional development.
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa)
- Requires sponsorship by a regional employer.
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa) - Medium Term
- Temporary work visa for up to four years, requiring employer sponsorship.
Parting Thoughts
For physiotherapists eager to advance their careers in Australia, the 494 visa offers a viable and promising route. With its clear pathway to permanent residency and benefits tailored for regional employment, this visa can be your gateway to a fulfilling professional and personal life in Australia’s vibrant regional communities.
If you want to become a physiotherapist in Australia and are wondering how, just fill out this form and get free one-on-one counselling with our expert.
