5-Year Australia Work Visa With Family (A Complete Guide to Subclass 494 Visa)

Australia Pathway
Australia Pathway

The Subclass 494 Visa: Your Pathway to a New Life in Australia

Relocating to a new country is not just a geographical shift—it's a life-changing experience.

If you're a skilled professional exploring Australia for its rich career opportunities and desirable lifestyle, the Subclass 494 Visa could be your gateway to a promising future. This 5-year visa allows you to live, work, and settle in Australia's regional areas while setting you on the path to permanent residency for you and your family. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand every aspect of this visa.

Why Choose the Subclass 494 Visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is specially designed to address skill shortages in Australia's regional areas. Unlike many other visas, the Subclass 494 offers:

  • A 5-year stay in regional Australia
  • A pathway to permanent residency
  • A chance to bring your family

Key Benefits of the Subclass 494 Visa

Here are the main reasons why this visa is considered a game-changer:

1. Regional Work Requirement

To qualify for the Subclass 494 Visa, you must live and work in designated regional areas, excluding major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

"Regional Australia offers a relaxed lifestyle, lower living costs, and the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and welcoming communities."

2. 5-Year Validity

The visa is valid for 5 years, offering you ample time to explore regional opportunities and travel freely in and out of Australia.

3. Pathway to Permanent Residency

After 3 years of living and working in a regional area and meeting the required criteria, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Visa, which grants permanent residency.

4. Family Inclusion

The Subclass 494 Visa allows you to include your partner and dependent children. They, too, will have the right to live, work, and study in Australia.

5. Access to Public Healthcare (Medicare)

Once on the Subclass 494 Visa, you and your family will have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, reducing healthcare costs significantly.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 494 Visa

To apply for this visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements:

1. Employer Sponsorship

You must have a job offer from an approved employer located in a designated regional area.

2. Skilled Occupation

Your job must be on one of Australia's occupation lists, such as the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) or the ROL (Regional Occupation List).

3. Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment is required to prove your qualifications match the standards for your nominated occupation.

4. Work Experience

You must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in your field.

5. English Proficiency

You need to demonstrate English proficiency through exams like IELTS or PTE.

6. Health and Character Checks

Both you and your family must pass health and character checks, including police certificates.

7. Age Requirement

Applicants must be under 45 years of age, though some exceptions apply based on skills or experience.

How to Apply for the Subclass 494 Visa

Follow these steps to apply for the visa:

Step 1: Employer Nomination: Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 2: Visa Application: After nomination approval, apply for the visa online via the ImmiAccount portal, providing necessary documentation.

Step 3: Visa Decision: The Department of Home Affairs processes your application (takes 6–18 months), during which they may request additional documents.

Where Can You Live and Work?

Australia categorizes its regions into three distinct groups, all of which qualify for this visa except major cities like:

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane

Finding Employer-Sponsored Jobs

To secure a Subclass 494 Visa, you need a sponsoring employer. Some job platforms where you can find employer-sponsored roles include:

  1. Seek.com.au
  2. Indeed.com.au
  3. WorkforceAustralia.gov.au
  4. LinkedIn.com
  5. RegionalAustraliaJobs.com.au

You can filter job postings by sponsorship availability to streamline your search.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 191 Visa

After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia, you become eligible for the Subclass 191 Visa, which grants permanent residency. To apply, you must meet the income and employment criteria and remain in a regional area.

Conclusion

The Subclass 494 Visa offers skilled professionals a unique opportunity to live, work, and ultimately settle in regional Australia. With its inclusion of family members, access to public healthcare, and a clear path to permanent residency, this visa could be your stepping stone to a prosperous future in Australia.

"If you're ready to embrace a life-changing opportunity, the Subclass 494 Visa may be the perfect option for you and your family."