Australia remains one of the most desirable destinations for skilled workers and professionals seeking long-term career opportunities and a better lifestyle for their families. In response to growing workforce needs in regional areas, the Australian Government introduced the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa, commonly known as the 5-Year Work Visa with Family.
As of October 2025, the Subclass 494 Visa continues to play a vital role in attracting skilled migrants to live and work in regional Australia. It not only allows skilled employees to work full-time for an approved sponsor but also enables them to bring their families along, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency.
This article explains everything you need to know about the Subclass 494 Visa — including its eligibility criteria, benefits, occupation list, and the detailed application process — based on the latest updates for October 2025.
Understanding the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary provisional visa designed to fill labor shortages in regional Australia by allowing employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers for jobs they cannot fill with local talent.
It is valid for five years, during which the visa holder must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. After meeting certain residence and employment conditions, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after three years.
This visa replaced the older Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) Visa and introduced stricter conditions to ensure genuine regional settlement.
Key Features of the 494 Visa
The Subclass 494 Visa is one of the most comprehensive regional migration programs, offering a combination of employment opportunities, family inclusion, and a clear route to permanent residency.
Visa holders can live and work in regional Australia for up to five years and may include their spouse or de facto partner, along with dependent children, in the same application. Family members enjoy full work and study rights, making it a favorable option for professionals with families seeking long-term stability in Australia.
The 494 Visa also provides access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and enables holders to travel in and out of the country freely while the visa remains valid.
Another major advantage is the pathway to permanent residency. After three years of living and working in a designated regional area and earning a taxable income above the minimum threshold, visa holders become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
Latest Updates as of October 2025
The Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced several changes to the Subclass 494 program in 2025 to align with labor market demands and improve processing efficiency.
Firstly, the eligible occupation list was expanded to include more regional and trade-based professions, addressing shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and construction. Positions such as aged care worker, registered nurse, agricultural technician, software engineer, and electrician are now in high demand under the program.
Secondly, the processing time for Subclass 494 applications has been reduced to an average of six to eight months, thanks to digital application reforms and streamlined sponsorship approvals.
Additionally, the income threshold requirement has been revised to AUD 58,500 per year, ensuring fairness and consistency across industries. Employers must demonstrate that they are offering a genuine, full-time position that meets this wage requirement.
The family inclusion policy has also been made more flexible, allowing dependent children over 18 to be included if they are financially dependent or studying full-time.
Finally, new regional definitions have been introduced, confirming that all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane is classified as regional. This includes major hubs like Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and the Gold Coast — making the visa more appealing to skilled workers who prefer urban amenities alongside regional benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 494 Visa
To qualify for the Subclass 494 Visa, both the sponsoring employer and the applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
For the Applicant:
Applicants must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List approved for the 494 program. They must also have a valid skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority for that occupation.
The applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of application and possess competent English language proficiency, typically demonstrated through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores.
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation is required, and applicants must meet health and character standards, including medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
For the Employer:
The sponsoring employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or an employer specifically authorized under the 494 scheme. They must operate legally in a designated regional area and prove that they have been unable to find a suitable Australian worker for the position.
Employers are required to nominate the applicant for a genuine, full-time position lasting at least five years and pay a salary that meets market rates and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Streams Under the Subclass 494 Visa
There are two main streams under the Subclass 494 program:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream – For skilled workers nominated by an approved regional employer to fill a genuine job vacancy in a regional area.
- Labour Agreement Stream – For workers sponsored under a formal labor agreement between an employer and the Australian Government, usually to address specific regional or industry-based skill shortages.
Most applicants apply under the Employer-Sponsored Stream, which provides a straightforward pathway to permanent residency if all conditions are met.
Occupations in Demand Under the 494 Visa
The Subclass 494 program is designed to support industries struggling with workforce shortages in regional areas. As of October 2025, the in-demand occupations include a wide range of fields such as:
- Healthcare and nursing
- Construction and engineering
- Information technology
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Mining and energy
- Education and childcare
- Hospitality and tourism
This diverse occupation list gives skilled professionals from multiple backgrounds the opportunity to apply under the program.
Documents Required for the 494 Visa Application
Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents to support their visa application. These include a valid passport, recent photographs, skills assessment certificate, English language test results, work experience documents, and employment references.
Health and character documents such as medical test results, police clearance certificates, and biometric identification are also mandatory.
Employers, on the other hand, must submit business registration certificates, proof of financial stability, labor market testing evidence, and the formal job offer for the nominated role.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official translation certified by a recognized translator.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Subclass 494 Visa involves several stages, both for the employer and the applicant. Understanding the process in order helps ensure timely approval and reduces the risk of application errors.
Step 1: Employer Sponsorship and Nomination
The employer must first apply to become an approved sponsor (if not already approved) and nominate the applicant for a specific position. The nomination includes details of the job title, salary, duties, and regional location.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
The applicant must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation. This confirms that the applicant’s qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.
Step 3: Submit the Visa Application
Once the nomination is approved, the applicant can lodge the visa application through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Applicants must complete all required sections, attach supporting documents, and pay the applicable fee, which as of October 2025 is AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for dependents.
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
Applicants and family members must undergo medical examinations by approved doctors and submit police certificates from countries where they have lived for more than 12 months.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing
Processing times vary but generally range from six to eight months. Applicants can track the status of their visa application through ImmiAccount.
Step 6: Receive the Visa Grant
Once approved, the visa grant notification is sent via email. The visa is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport, and it specifies the conditions of stay, duration, and work rights.
Conditions of the Subclass 494 Visa
Holders of the 494 Visa must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia. They cannot work in metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
They must remain employed with their sponsoring employer unless they find another approved sponsor in a regional area. In cases of job termination, visa holders are given 90 days to find new employment or risk visa cancellation.
Family members included in the application have full work and study rights but must also reside in regional areas.
Benefits of the 494 Visa for Families
One of the most attractive aspects of the Subclass 494 Visa is that it allows the inclusion of family members, offering a stable environment for relocation. Spouses or partners can work full-time, while children can access local schools at subsidized rates.
Visa holders and their families also gain access to Australia’s Medicare program, ensuring affordable healthcare. The ability to transition to permanent residency after three years adds long-term security for families settling in regional communities.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After holding the Subclass 494 Visa for at least three years, visa holders become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, provided they have lived and worked in regional Australia and earned the minimum taxable income threshold each year.
The Subclass 191 Visa removes all regional restrictions, allowing permanent residents to live and work anywhere in Australia. It also opens the door to eventual Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Tips for a Successful 494 Visa Application
Applicants should ensure that their skills assessment and English language tests are current and valid at the time of submission. Accuracy and honesty in documentation are essential.
Employers must conduct Labor Market Testing (LMT) to prove genuine efforts were made to hire Australian workers before nominating a foreign applicant.
It’s advisable to apply early, as sponsorship and skills assessment approvals can take several months. Keeping all communication records and updated employment evidence will help during the permanent residency transition later.
Engaging a registered migration agent can also be beneficial for applicants unfamiliar with Australian immigration procedures.
Conclusion
The Australia Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is one of the most promising pathways for skilled professionals and their families seeking long-term settlement in Australia. With a validity of five years, family inclusion rights, and a clear route to permanent residency, it provides both career and lifestyle benefits.
The October 2025 updates have made the program even more accessible by expanding eligible occupations, streamlining application procedures, and reinforcing Australia’s commitment to developing its regional economies.