Australia’s new 5-Year Work Visa under Subclass 494 has officially opened for families in 2025, bringing a major opportunity for skilled workers and their dependents to settle and work in regional parts of the country. This visa allows eligible applicants to live, work, and study in Australia for five years, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years. The program aims to fill labor shortages in regional areas while helping families build long-term careers in Australia’s growing industries. Applicants must meet skill, health, and sponsorship requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Subclass 494 Work Visa 2025
To qualify for the Subclass 494 visa in Australia, applicants must be nominated by an approved employer in a designated regional area. The position offered must be on the skilled occupation list, and the applicant must have at least three years of relevant work experience and a valid skills assessment. Additionally, the applicant’s age must generally be below 45 years at the time of application. English language proficiency is mandatory. Families can accompany the main applicant, with spouses allowed to work and children eligible to study in Australian schools.
- Employer nomination in regional Australia required
- Skills and experience matching the nominated occupation
- Proficiency in English
- Health and character requirements must be met
Application Process for the 5-Year Subclass 494 Visa
The application for the Australia Subclass 494 Visa involves several stages. First, applicants must find an employer willing to sponsor them in a regional area. After receiving the nomination, they can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Once invited, applicants can lodge their visa application online with all required documents including skills assessments, proof of experience, and identity records. The processing time varies but typically ranges between 6 to 10 months. Successful applicants can live and work in regional Australia for up to five years and may apply for permanent residency after three years.
- Find a sponsoring employer in regional Australia
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive invitation and lodge visa application
- Undergo health and police checks
Benefits and Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia
The Subclass 494 visa provides numerous benefits to families looking to settle in Australia. Apart from the five-year work and residency permission, visa holders enjoy access to healthcare services and education benefits for dependents. After three years of continuous work under the same employer in a regional area, applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. This visa helps skilled professionals and their families build a secure life in Australia while contributing to regional development. It also offers higher job stability, family sponsorship rights, and access to community programs.
- Five-year stay with full work rights
- Access to Australian healthcare and education
- Pathway to permanent residency after three years
- Eligibility for family sponsorship
Australia 5-Year Work Visa 2025: Family Inclusion & Key Rules
Families play a vital role in the Subclass 494 program. The Australian Government allows the main visa holder to bring immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children, under the same visa. Family members enjoy work and study rights and can live anywhere within the designated regional area. However, they must adhere to the regional work and residence conditions attached to the visa. Non-compliance may affect future visa or permanent residency applications. This new scheme encourages long-term settlement and economic participation across Australia’s regional communities.
- Spouses can work full-time in Australia
- Children have access to quality education
- Residence limited to designated regional zones
- Permanent residency pathway available after 3 years
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) |
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Eligible Applicants | Skilled workers and their families |
| Regional Requirement | Must live and work in designated regional areas |
| Pathway to PR | After 3 years through Subclass 191 |
| Processing Time | 6–10 Months |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) |
FAQs on Australia Subclass 494 Visa 2025
1. Who can apply for the Subclass 494 visa in 2025?
Any skilled worker nominated by an approved regional employer in Australia.
2. Can family members join the primary visa holder?
Yes, spouses and dependent children can be included in the same application.
3. When can I apply for permanent residency?
After completing three years of regional work under the Subclass 494 visa.
4. What happens if I move out of the regional area?
It may affect your visa conditions and future eligibility for permanent residency.
