Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family, If you are planning to move to Australia with your family and build a long-term future, the Australia 5 Year Work Visa (Subclass 494 Visa) could be the right choice for you in August 2025. This regional employer-sponsored visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for five years. It also provides a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) after meeting eligibility requirements. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the Subclass 494 Visa, including eligibility, documents, costs, benefits, and the step-by-step application process. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
What is the Subclass 494 Visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa)?
The Subclass 494 Visa is an Australian work visa introduced to address skill shortages in regional areas. It is valid for 5 years and allows visa holders to bring their spouse/partner and dependent children to Australia. After 3 years of working in regional Australia, visa holders may apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191 Visa).
This visa is employer-sponsored, meaning an Australian regional employer must nominate you for a skilled position. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Key Features of the Subclass 494 Visa (2025)
- Visa Duration: 5 years
- Work Rights: Full-time work in a designated regional area
- Study Rights: Access to regional education institutions
- Family Sponsorship: Bring your spouse and dependent children
- PR Pathway: Apply for Permanent Residency after 3 years
- Multiple Entry: Travel in and out of Australia freely during validity
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 494 Visa (August 2025)
To qualify for the Australia 5-Year Work Visa with Family, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nomination by Regional Employer – You must have a job offer from an approved employer in a regional area.
- Skills Assessment – Positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation (from the Skilled Occupation List).
- Work Experience – At least 3 years of skilled work experience in your field.
- English Language Requirement – IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (higher scores may be required depending on occupation).
- Age Limit – Must be under 45 years old at the time of application (exceptions apply).
- Health & Character Check – Must meet Australian health and police clearance requirements.
- Compliance with Visa Conditions – You must work for your sponsoring employer in the designated regional area.
Documents Required for Subclass 494 Visa (2025)
Here’s the list of documents you need:
- Valid Passport
- Nomination approval letter from employer
- Skills Assessment report
- Employment references and experience certificates
- Educational qualifications (degree/diplomas)
- English proficiency test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Proof of health insurance
- Police clearance certificates
- Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)
- Birth certificates for children (if applicable)
Step by Step Application Process for Subclass 494 Visa
Here’s how you can apply for the Australia Subclass 494 Visa in August 2025:
Step 1: Find a Regional Employer
Search for jobs in Australia’s designated regional areas. Employers must be approved sponsors to nominate you. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Apply for a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Step 3: Employer Nomination
Your employer will submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Collect all required documents, including English test scores, work experience proofs, and family documents.
Step 5: Submit Visa Application
Apply for the Subclass 494 Visa (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) online via ImmiAccount within 6 months of employer nomination approval.
Step 6: Health & Character Check
Undergo a medical examination and submit police clearance certificates. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Step 7: Visa Decision
The Department of Home Affairs will process your application. If approved, you and your family will be granted the Subclass 494 Visa for 5 years. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Processing Time for Subclass 494 Visa (2025)
- 75% of applications: 9–12 months
- 90% of applications: 12–15 months
(Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of your application.) Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Subclass 494 Visa Fees (August 2025)
The cost of the Australia 5-Year Work Visa includes government charges and additional fees:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 4,640
- Spouse/Partner: AUD 2,320
- Dependent Child: AUD 1,160
- Skills Assessment Fee: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000 (varies by occupation)
- English Test Fee: AUD 250 – AUD 350
- Medical Checkup: AUD 300 – AUD 500 per person
Benefits of Subclass 494 Visa for Families
The Subclass 494 Visa offers numerous benefits for applicants and their families:
- Work and live in Australia’s regional areas for 5 years
- Pathway to PR after 3 years of regional work
- Bring family members with full work and study rights
- Access healthcare through Medicare (once eligible)
- Better lifestyle with affordable housing in regional cities
- Multiple entry visa allows international travel
Occupations in Demand for Subclass 494 Visa (2025)
Australia’s regional areas are facing skill shortages. Popular occupations under the Subclass 494 Visa include:
- Nurses and Healthcare Workers
- IT Professionals (Software Engineers, Developers)
- Electricians & Plumbers
- Teachers and Early Childhood Educators
- Agricultural and Farm Workers
- Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Hospitality Workers (Chefs, Cooks)
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
One of the main attractions of the Subclass 494 Visa is its PR pathway. After 3 years of living and working in a regional area, visa holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
Requirements for PR:
- Hold a Subclass 494 Visa for at least 3 years
- Annual taxable income meeting the required threshold (currently AUD 53,900 per year)
- Fulfill visa conditions without violation
Final Thoughts
The Australia 5-Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) is a golden opportunity for skilled workers looking to migrate with their family in 2025. With a strong PR pathway, lower competition compared to metro visas, and better lifestyle options in regional Australia, this visa is becoming one of the most popular migration choices. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family
If you are serious about working and settling in Australia, start preparing early. Secure a regional job offer, complete your skills assessment, and apply for the Subclass 494 Visa in August 2025 to begin your Australian journey. Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family