Move to Australia on 5-Year Work Visa With Family (Subclass 494 Visa)

Australia continues to be a top destination for skilled professionals seeking better career prospects, quality education for their children, and a high standard of living. If you’re looking to make a long-term move with your family, the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa might be your best option.

   

This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It also includes provisions for bringing your spouse and children, making it a family-friendly migration pathway.

What Is the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 Visa is designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by an approved employer in a regional area of Australia. It was introduced to address labor shortages outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and to encourage population growth in regional communities.

Key benefits include:

• Five-year work and residence rights in regional Australia
• Eligibility to bring immediate family members
• Pathway to permanent residency after three years
• Access to public healthcare and education services

This visa is part of Australia’s broader strategy to decentralize migration and support regional development.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Subclass 494 Visa, you must meet several criteria:

• Be sponsored by an approved employer in a designated regional area
• Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Hold a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application
• Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Have at least three years of relevant work experience

Your employer must also demonstrate that they couldn’t find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the role.

For full eligibility details, visit the official Australian immigration site.

Bringing Your Family

One of the most attractive features of the Subclass 494 Visa is that it allows you to bring your family along. Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in your application.

Family members will have access to:

• Work and study rights
• Public healthcare through Medicare
• Local schools and universities
• Social integration programs in regional communities

This makes the visa ideal for professionals who want to build a stable life in Australia while ensuring their family’s well-being.

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How to Apply

The application process involves several steps:

1. Secure a job offer from an approved employer in a regional area
2. Ensure your occupation is on the skilled list and obtain a skills assessment
3. Gather required documents including proof of work experience, qualifications, and English proficiency
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
5. Apply for nomination by your employer
6. Lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs

Processing times vary, but most applications are reviewed within 6 to 12 months.

Regional Areas You Can Move To

Eligible regions include:

• Western Australia (excluding Perth metro)
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Regional Queensland
• Regional New South Wales
• Regional Victoria

These areas offer a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with lower living costs compared to major cities.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding the Subclass 494 Visa for three years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. To qualify, you must:

• Have complied with visa conditions
• Earned a minimum taxable income for three years
• Lived and worked in a designated regional area

This pathway makes the Subclass 494 Visa a strategic choice for those seeking long-term settlement in Australia.

Why Choose the Subclass 494 Visa?

Here’s why this visa stands out:

• Long-term stability: Five years of residence and work rights
• Family inclusion: Spouse and children can join you
• Permanent residency pathway: Clear route to PR after three years
• Regional incentives: Lower competition, better lifestyle, and community support
• Government backing: Strong support for regional migration policies

If you’re a skilled professional ready to take your career global, this visa offers a rare combination of opportunity, security, and family support.

FAQs

Can I apply for the Subclass 494 Visa without a job offer? No. You must have a job offer from an approved employer in a designated regional area.

Is there an age limit for this visa? Yes. You must be under 45 years old at the time of application.

Can my spouse work in Australia on this visa? Yes. Your spouse or partner will have full work rights.

What happens after five years? You can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa if you meet the requirements.

Do I need to live in a regional area the entire time? Yes. You must live and work in a designated regional area to maintain your visa status and qualify for PR.

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