Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) 2025
Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) 2025
Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) 2025
Australia remains a top destination for skilled professionals worldwide, attracting workers with its robust economy, high standard of living, and extensive career prospects. For those looking to establish themselves in the country while bringing their families, the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa—commonly known as the 5-Year Work Visa with Family—offers a compelling pathway. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of this visa: from eligibility criteria and application steps to benefits and post-arrival considerations.
Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) 2025
Background & Job Description
The Subclass 494 visa is part of Australia’s skilled migration program and is specifically designed to address labor shortages in regional areas. It allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional parts of Australia for up to five years. Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer and possess the necessary skills and qualifications for occupations listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Key Features of the Subclass 494 Visa:
- Duration: Valid for up to five years
- Family inclusion: Bring your spouse and dependent children
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa after three years
- Work rights: Full-time work for your sponsoring employer in the nominated position
- Location restrictions: Must live, work, and study in designated regional areas
The main goal is to encourage the settlement of skilled professionals in areas outside of major metropolitan hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This approach helps to stimulate regional economies and distribute Australia’s growing population more evenly.
Tasks
As a visa holder, your main responsibilities are aligned with the job you’ve been nominated for. These duties vary depending on your occupation but must reflect the standards expected in Australia. Employers are expected to provide a genuine, full-time position for at least five years, and the role must be in a regional area.
Some typical responsibilities may include:
- Performing tasks that match your skillset and qualifications
- Reporting to your employer as per contract requirements
- Complying with Australian labor laws and workplace regulations
- Updating your visa if there are significant changes in employment
- Ensuring that your dependents comply with visa conditions (school enrollment, health insurance, etc.)
Qualifications
Education and Certification
To be eligible for the Subclass 494 visa, applicants must possess formal qualifications and certifications relevant to their occupation. A bachelor’s degree or vocational training aligned with the job role is typically required.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most occupations. This must be conducted by an authorized assessing body.
- Occupational Licensing/Registration: If your occupation requires licensing or registration in Australia (e.g., healthcare, engineering, or teaching), you must secure this before your visa is approved.
Experience
Most applicants need at least three years of full-time work experience in their nominated occupation. Experience must be relevant and recent, usually within the past five years.
- Work Reference Letters: Provide detailed reference letters from former employers.
- Evidence of Employment: Include payslips, tax returns, or signed contracts.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate competent English, which generally means scoring at least:
- IELTS: 6.0 in each component
- PTE: 50 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: 12 listening, 13 reading, 21 writing, 18 speaking
Health and Character Requirements
- Medical Examinations: All applicants must undergo a health examination
- Police Clearance Certificates: Required from all countries where the applicant lived for more than 12 months
Application Process
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
You must obtain a job offer from an employer who is an approved sponsor. The role must be on the Regional Occupation List and located in a designated regional area.
Step 2: Employer Nomination
Your employer will lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. They must show:
- They are actively and lawfully operating in Australia
- The position is genuine and full-time
- There is a genuine need for the position
- Labor Market Testing (LMT) has been conducted
Step 3: Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This must be submitted before you apply for the visa unless you’re exempt.
Step 4: Lodge Visa Application
Submit your visa application online with all required documentation, including:
- Passport and identity documents
- Skills assessment result
- English test results
- Medical exam confirmation
- Police clearance certificates
- Employment records and qualifications
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Visa processing times range from 6 to 12 months depending on your occupation, the region, and document completeness. During this time, you may be contacted for further documents or clarification.
Additional Information
Family Members
Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application. They will be granted the same visa subclass, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia. Spouses can work full-time, and children can access public education.
Cost of the Subclass 494 Visa
The total cost varies based on family size and application complexity:
- Primary applicant: AUD 4,640
- Spouse: AUD 2,320
- Each child under 18: AUD 1,160
Additional charges may apply for health checks, police certificates, and translation services.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After three years on the Subclass 494 visa, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. Requirements include:
- Living and working in a regional area for at least three years
- Annual income of at least AUD 53,900 (subject to updates)
- Compliance with visa conditions
Common FAQs
Can I change employers? Yes, but your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and nominate you for a role in a designated regional area.
Can I include older children in my application? Children over 18 can be included if they are still financially dependent and not married.
Can my family members study in Australia? Yes, your children can attend public schools, and your spouse may pursue higher education.
Is there a visa condition to live in regional areas only? Yes, you must reside, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
Do I need to maintain health insurance? Yes, all visa holders must have adequate health insurance throughout their stay.
Conclusion
The Subclass 494 visa is a strategic and beneficial immigration option for skilled workers seeking to bring their families to Australia while contributing to the development of regional communities. With the added benefit of a pathway to permanent residency, this visa serves as a significant stepping stone for professionals who dream of long-term settlement in Australia.
By following the correct procedures, securing a genuine job offer, and meeting all eligibility requirements, skilled professionals and their families can begin a new chapter in one of the world’s most liveable countries.
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