Australia 5 Year Work Visa

with Family (Subclass

494 Visa) August 2025

Step-by-Step Application Process

Australia continues to be a popular destination for skilled workers seeking to build a better future alongside their families. One of the most promising routes is the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494, which allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years, offering a clear pathway to permanent residency.

This detailed guide explains the Subclass 494 Visa in 2025, its purpose, eligibility, application steps, required documents, benefits, and more.

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What is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 visa was created by the Australian government to address skill shortages in regional areas. It allows employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for positions they are unable to fill locally. This visa is valid for 5 years and includes:

Permission to live, work, and study in regional Australia

The ability to bring eligible family members with full work/study rights

A pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years

Employer sponsorship is mandatory

> Regional areas include all parts of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—with cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart being eligible.

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Visa Streams under Subclass 494

There are two streams:

Employer Sponsored Stream – Most common, for skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer

Labour Agreement Stream – For workers nominated under a formal labour agreement

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Eligibility Criteria (Primary Applicants)

To apply under the Employer Sponsored Stream, you must:

Be under 45 years old
Be nominated by an approved regional employer
Hold a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience
Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
Satisfy health and character checks

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Eligibility for Employers

The sponsoring employer must:
Be an approved sponsor
Operate in a designated regional area
Offer a full-time position for at least 5 years
Show labour market testing was done
Pay a market-competitive salary

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Eligible Occupations

Only occupations on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) are eligible. These include jobs in:

Healthcare
Engineering
IT
Education
Construction
Agriculture

You must get your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority.

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Required Documents

For the Applicant:

Valid passport
Positive skills assessment
Detailed CV/resume
At least 3 years of experience
Qualifications & transcripts
Health and police clearance certificates

For the Employer:

Business registration documents
Proof of labour market testing
Employment contractS
Salary details

For Family Members:

Valid passports
Birth/marriage certificates
Health and police clearances

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English Language Requirement

You must meet Competent English level:
IELTS: Minimum 6 in each band
PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each band
TOEFL iBT: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21

Applicants from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, and Ireland may be exempt.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Get your qualifications and experience assessed by a relevant authority.

Step 2: Job Offer

Secure a job offer from an eligible employer in a regional area.

Step 3: Employer Nomination

Employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 4: Visa Application

Submit your Subclass 494 visa application via ImmiAccount along with all documents.

Step 5: Processing

Processing time: 6–10 months. Additional documents may be requested.

Step 6: Visa Grant & Travel

Once approved, travel to Australia and begin work with your sponsoring employer.

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Rights Under Subclass 494

Live and work in regional Australia
Access public health care (Medicare)
Children can attend school
Your partner can work in any occupation
Pathway to Subclass 191 Permanent Residency

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Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)

After 3 years of:

Living in a designated regional area
Working with your sponsoring employer
Meeting the minimum income threshold
You can apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191. No new nomination is required.

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Bringing Family Members

You can include:

Your spouse
Dependent children
Family members can work and study freely. All must pass health and character checks.

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Health & Character Requirements

You and your family must:
Undergo medical exams
Provide police clearance from any country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years

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Expected Costs

Prepare for these expenses:

Skills assessment fees
English test fees
Police clearance & medical exams
Visa application fee: Around AUD 4,640
Additional fees for family members
Migration agent (if used)

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Processing Time (as of August 2025)

Skills assessment: Varies (2–8 weeks)
Nomination: 1–3 months
Visa grant: 6–10 months

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete documents
Not confirming eligible occupation
Changing employers without approval
Not meeting minimum income threshold
Not living in a regional area

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Why Choose This Visa?

Secure a 5-year stay with family
Clear pathway to PR
Work and live in emerging regional cities
Bring your partner and children
Gain education, healthcare, and social security access

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change employers after visa approval?

Yes, but only if the new employer is approved, and a new nomination is lodged.

Can my spouse work?

Yes, they can work in any occupation or industry.

Is Subclass 494 permanent?

No, it's provisional. You can apply for permanent residency after 3 years via Subclass 191.

What happens if I leave the regional area?

It may lead to visa cancellation or affect your PR eligibility.

Do I need a migration agent?

No, it's optional. Many applicants apply independently.

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Summary

The Subclass 494 visa offers an excellent opportunity for skilled workers and their families to establish themselves in Australia’s regional areas. With the added benefits of healthcare, family inclusion, and a smooth transition to permanent residency, it remains one of the most practical and promising immigration options in 2025.