Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) – September 2025. The Subclass 494 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a key opportunity for skilled professionals and their families to live, work, and settle in regional Australia. As of September 2025, this visa is highly sought-after by foreign specialists who want long-term residence in Australia, even if they plan to work outside their primary field.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Subclass 494 visa, including benefits, eligibility, application process, required documents, conditions, and the pathway to bring your family along.
Why Choose the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Subclass 494 visa offers several advantages for skilled professionals and their families:
- 5-year residency in regional Australia
- Pathway to permanent residency (PR) via Subclass 191 visa
- Family inclusion – spouse and children can accompany the applicant
- Full work rights with the sponsoring employer
- Access to Australia’s healthcare and education for dependents
- Experience life in regional areas with growing business opportunities
What is the Subclass 494 Visa?
The Subclass 494 Visa is a provisional skilled work visa for individuals nominated by an approved employer in specific regional areas of Australia. It replaces the older Subclass 187 visa and aims to fill critical skill shortages in regional work markets.
Key Features of the 494 Visa:
- Validity: Up to 5 years
- Sponsor: Must be nominated by an accredited regional employer
- Occupation: Must be on the skilled occupation list
- Location: Live and work in regional Australia
- Pathway to PR: Eligible for permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years
Subclass 494 Visa Streams
There are two main streams under this visa:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream: For skilled workers nominated by an accredited regional employer.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated under a labour agreement with the Australian government.
Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To apply for the Subclass 494 visa, candidates must:
- Be under 45 years at the time of application
- Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- Obtain a valid skills assessment for the occupation
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Meet the English language requirement (usually IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent)
- Be nominated by a regional Australian employer
- Meet health and character requirements
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Requirements
Ensure your occupation is listed and you meet all eligibility criteria: age, work experience, English, and health.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.
Step 3: Find an Employer Sponsor
Obtain a job offer from a regional employer willing to sponsor your visa.
Step 4: Employer Nomination
Your employer submits a nomination application with details of the job role and business.
Step 5: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents (passport, skills assessment, education, employment proofs, etc.).
Step 6: Lodge Visa Application
Submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 7: Biometrics and Health Checks
Complete medical examinations and provide biometrics if required.
Step 8: Visa Decision
The department reviews your application and may request additional documents. Processing usually takes several months.
Required Documents
For Main Applicant:
- Passport bio page
- Skills assessment report
- English test results
- Employment references and pay slips
- Educational certificates
- Resume/CV
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in
For Employer:
- Nomination approval letter
- Job description
- Business registration documents
- Evidence of genuine need for the role
For Family Members:
- Passports
- Birth certificates for children
- Marriage certificate for spouse
- Health checks for all family members
Visa Conditions
- Must live and work in regional Australia
- Must work only with sponsoring employer unless a new nomination is approved
- Must start work within 90 days of arriving
- Maintain adequate health insurance during stay
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After 3 years on the Subclass 494 visa, applicants may apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) if:
- They have lived and worked in a designated regional area
- Their taxable income meets the required threshold
- All visa conditions have been followed
Processing Time
- 75% of applications: 7–9 months
- 90% of applications: within 12 months
- Delays may occur due to missing documents, health checks, or labour market testing
Costs (2025)
- Main applicant: ~AUD 4,640
- Partner: ~AUD 2,320
- Each child under 18: ~AUD 1,160
- Additional costs: health checks, biometrics, police certificates, document translations
Benefits for Families
- Partner can work or study full-time
- Children can attend Australian schools
- Access to Medicare
- Better quality of life and affordable housing in regional areas
- Pathway to permanent residency as a family
Challenges
- Must reside in regional areas for at least 3 years
- Cannot change employers freely
- Limited access to some urban services
- Requires strong employer support and compliance
Tips for Successful Application
- Complete a skills assessment accurately
- Maintain regular communication with sponsor
- Keep all documents ready and organized
- Seek guidance from a registered migration agent if needed
FAQs Australia 5 Year Work Visa
Q1: Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes, applications can be lodged from inside or outside Australia.
Q2: Can I change employers while on a 494 visa?
Yes, but only if a new employer nomination is approved.
Q3: When can I apply for permanent residency?
After 3 years on the 494 visa while meeting income and residence requirements.
Q4: Do I need to stay with the same employer for 5 years?
No, but you must comply with visa conditions and seek approval before changing employers.
Conclusion
The Subclass 494 Visa provides a valuable pathway to live and work in Australia while offering opportunities for family inclusion and eventual permanent residency. With the right employer, skills, and planning, this visa can help you build a stable future in regional Australia.
