Australia 5-Year Work Visa – Subclass 494 is gaining fresh attention because it now more clearly supports family inclusion updated eligibility rules and better pathways to permanent residence. In this article I will explain everything you need to know about what Subclass 494 is who qualifies how to apply and tips to improve your chances.
Details About Subclass 494 Visa 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional (Subclass 494) |
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Main Purpose | Live Work and Study in Regional Australia |
| Pathway to PR | Eligible after 3 years through Subclass 191 |
| Streams | Employer Sponsored Stream Labour Agreement Stream Subsequent Entrant (Family) Stream |
| Eligible Areas | All of Australia except Sydney Melbourne Brisbane (Perth and Gold Coast included) |
| Age Limit | Under 45 years (with limited exemptions) |
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years in nominated occupation |
| Skills Assessment | Required for nominated occupation |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6 each band or equivalent) |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and dependent children can apply with main applicant or later |
| Conditions | Must work for sponsoring employer Must live in regional area Must start work within 90 days |
| Updated Rules 2025 | TSMIT raised to AUD 76,515 from July 2025 Visa application charges also increased |
What is the Subclass 494 Visa
The Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional — Provisional) visa is a temporary regional work visa valid for up to five years. It allows skilled workers and their families to live work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
A key feature is that after meeting certain conditions especially three years of qualifying work the visa holder may apply for permanent residence under Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional).
Read More: UK Work Visa 2026 – New Rules Skill Levels Salary and Eligibility Explained
Streams of Subclass 494 Visa
There are three main streams under the 494 visa
- Employer Sponsored Stream: Your regional employer nominates you in a role that cannot be filled locally
- Labour Agreement Stream: When your employer has a labor agreement with the Australian government that allows special concessions
- Subsequent Entrant (Family) Stream: For family members such as spouse or dependent children to join the primary visa holder
The Employer Sponsored Stream is the most common path.
What Regional Area Means
Regional in the 494 visa context includes almost all of Australia except the main metropolitan areas of Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane. Interestingly Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional.
You and your family must live work and study in the designated regional area for the life of the visa.
Who Is Eligible (Main Applicant)
To qualify for the Subclass 494 visa you must meet several conditions
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application
- Have a nomination from an approved regional employer
- The nominated occupation must appear on the eligible skilled occupation list
- Provide a skills assessment to prove your credentials
- Have at least three years of relevant full time work experience in your nominated occupation
- Show competent English ability such as IELTS band 6 in each component or equivalent
- Meet health and character requirements for you and your dependents
If you already live in Australia you may also need to hold a valid visa or bridging visa.
Read More: PR Visa Update 2025 – Easier Pathway for Skilled Workers and Families to Settle in Australia
Family Inclusion Bringing Your Loved Ones
One strong reason people are excited about Subclass 494 is that families are now more clearly included
- You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in the same application or as a subsequent entrant later
- Your family members will have work and study rights while in Australia
- The visa duration for family members will match that of the main applicant up to five years
This inclusion gives skilled workers the chance to move with their families instead of leaving them behind.
Visa Conditions and Obligations
With Subclass 494 there are specific conditions you must follow
- Work for the nominating employer in the position nominated
- Start work within 90 days of visa grant
- Live and work only in the designated regional area
- Comply with Australian laws health and character requirements
- Do not change employer or location without permission
Failing to meet these conditions might lead to visa cancellation.
Pathway to Permanent Residence Subclass 191
A big attraction of the 494 visa is that it can be your stepping stone to permanent residence through Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional)
Requirements for Subclass 191 after 494
- Hold the 494 visa for at least three years
- Live and work in a regional area for those years
- Meet the income threshold for those three years
- Comply with all visa conditions
Once approved you gain permanent residency with more stability rights and freedom to live anywhere in Australia.
Also See: Centrelink Cash Boost 2025 – Extra Payments for Australians
Changes and Updates
Australia is adjusting some visa and immigration thresholds starting 1 July 2025
- Skilled visa income thresholds including 494 will increase by 4.6 percent. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rises from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515
- Visa application charges (VACs) will also rise from 1 July 2025
These updates can affect your salary offer nomination requirements and employer eligibility.
Step by Step Application Process
Here is a simplified path you can follow
- Find a regional employer willing to sponsor you
- Employer applies to become an approved sponsor if not already
- Employer nominates your role showing it is genuine full time and based in a regional area
- You prepare documents such as skills assessment qualifications work experience proof English test results police and health checks
- Submit the visa application including family members if needed
- Wait for processing and respond to department requests
- Once granted move to Australia start work and comply with conditions
- After three years apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Salary below threshold: If your offer is below TSMIT or market rate your nomination can be refused
- Occupation not eligible: Only jobs listed on the skilled occupation list are valid
- Insufficient experience: You must show three years of full time relevant work
- Incomplete documents or missed deadlines can lead to refusal
- Employer issues: If your sponsoring employer fails to comply it can affect your visa
- Moving out of regional area without permission can risk cancellation
To avoid these problems always double check requirements and prepare carefully.
Conclusion
The Australia 5-Year Work Visa Subclass 494 is a strong opportunity for skilled workers in 2026 who want to bring their families and build a future in regional Australia. With a five year duration family inclusion and a pathway to permanent residency it is one of the most attractive skilled migration options. However you must meet strict eligibility requirements and follow all conditions. With the right preparation this visa can be your chance to live work and eventually settle permanently in Australia.