Can I apply for Australian PR after two years of holding a 494 visa?
No, you cannot apply for Australian PR after two years of holding a 494 visa. To qualify for permanent residence through the Subclass 494 visa, you must have lived in Australia for at least 3 years. Once you have resided and worked in Australia for 3 years, you may apply for Australia PR through the Subclass 191 visa pathway. The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa allows individuals who have lived in designated regional areas of Australia with a qualifying skilled visa to live and work there permanently. To apply for an Australia PR visa through the Subclass 494 visa, you must fulfill the Subclass 191 visa requirements.
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What can you do with a Subclass 494 visa in Australia?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, Subclass 494, is for qualifying skilled workers, allowing them to live and seek employment in designated Australian regional areas. With a Subclass 494 visa, you can:
- Live in Australia for up to 5 years
- Reside and work in a regional Australian area
- Pursue studies in a designated regional area of Australia
- Get travel access without restrictions (to and from Australia)
- You may include your family members in your 494 visa application
- Qualify for PR through 191 visa after 3 years of holding the 494 visa
Also, read…
Can I get an Australian PR with a Subclass 494 Visa?
How to qualify for Australian PR with a 494 visa?
You may apply for Australian PR if you have held the 494 visa for at least 3 years. If you have lived and worked in a designated Australian area for three consecutive years, you may qualify for PR through the Subclass 191 visa. The Subclass 191 visa, or the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, grants permanent residency to individuals who have held an eligible skilled visa and have been residing in a regional area of Australia.
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