No, a Subclass 494 visa is not a permanent visa but only a temporary visa that is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. The Subclass 494 visa is a temporary visa that allows qualifying individuals to reside, work, and study in a designated Australian regional area for a maximum of 5 years. The visa holder must have lived in Australia for at least 3 years to be eligible for PR. A subclass 494 visa does not directly grant PR in Australia. However, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after living in the country with a Subclass 494 visa for 3 years.
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How to get PR with a subclass 494 visa?
While a Subclass 494 visa is not a permanent visa, it can lead to permanent residency, provided the eligibility requirements are fulfilled. You can apply for PR in Australia with a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa.
To qualify for permanent residence in Australia, you must have:
- Resided and been employed in a designated Australian regional area for a minimum of 3 years
- Had the 494 visa for 3 consecutive years before applying for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) visa
- Fulfilled the eligibility criteria for Subclass 494 visa
- Met the visa conditions for the 494 visa.
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Can I get an Australian PR with a Subclass 494 Visa?
How to transition from a Subclass 494 visa to Subclass 191 visa?
You must meet certain visa requirements to successfully transition from a Subclass 494 visa to a Subclass 191 visa. With a Subclass 191 visa, qualifying individuals can permanently live and work in Australia. Individuals who have resided and worked in any of the designated regional areas of Australia with a Subclass 494 visa and have fulfilled the visa conditions can apply for permanent residency in Australia through a Subclass 191 visa.
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