Living & Working in Australia for 5 Years (With Family) — A Skilled Regional Visa Guide
Australia has long been a prime destination for skilled professionals seeking a quality life with their families. Enter the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa—a targeted pathway that offers a five-year stay in regional Australia and opens the door to permanent residency.
What Is Subclass 494?
This provisional visa allows eligible skilled workers—sponsored by approved employers in designated regional areas—to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years, along with their families. It also provides a clear route to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after three years, assuming income and residence conditions are met.
(AUM Global, Study Universe, MCAMigration)
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years in designated regional areas (everything except Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane) (MCAMigration, Study Universe) |
| Inclusions | Family members (spouse/children) can be included—either at application or later under the “Subsequent Entrant” stream (SOL Migration) |
| Employer Expectation | Sponsor must be approved, located in a regional area, offer a full-time position (typically 5 years), and pay at or above the regional salary threshold (Better Life Migration, VisaVerge) |
| Employer Obligation | Employers pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: AU$3,000 (small business) or AU$5,000 (large business) per nomination (SOL Migration, Better Life Migration) |
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
- Under 45 years old (some exemptions apply)
- Relevant skills assessment and at least 3 years of skilled work experience
- Competent English proficiency (e.g., IELTS ≥ 6 each band or PTE ≥ 50)
- Health and character requirements fulfilled
(HECT Migration & Appeal Experts, Study Universe)
Permanent Residency Pathway (Subclass 191)
After holding a 494 visa for 3 years and meeting income and residence conditions, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191—without needing a new nomination.
- You and your family may apply together
- Income requirements: meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently around AUD 70,000+
(SOL Migration, VisaVerge)
Processing Times
- Employer Sponsored Stream (494): Approximately 14 months for 90% of cases
(SOL Migration) - Permanent Residency (191): Users report processing times of 4–6 months post-application
(Reddit)
Bonus: Real Insights from Recent Applicants
“I will be applying for my 191 visa after holding my 494 for 3 years this week. … you would have to get police check at the time of submitting your visa.”
(Reddit)
“I am approaching the 3-year mark on my 494 and will soon be eligible to apply for PR.”
(Reddit)
These real-world experiences highlight the importance of preparing documentation early and staying compliant.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 494 visa is a compelling and realistic pathway for skilled professionals aiming to bring their families to Australia and build a future. It provides stability, regional opportunity, and a time-bound route to permanent residency—if you qualify and follow the process.
Want tailored advice or step-by-step support for Subclass 494 or the permanent pathway (Subclass 191)? Feel free to connect—let’s explore the possibilities together.
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