Australia provides provisional work visas that let skilled professionals live, work, and study in the country for up to five years. Among the most common options are the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491 and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494.
Both visas are designed to attract skilled migrants to regional areas of Australia. In addition to granting a five-year stay, they also open a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR) once specific conditions are met.
With expert guidance from Apical Immigration Experts, you can find the most suitable visa for your profile and move forward with confidence.
Types of 5-Year Work Visas in Australia
Currently, there are two main visas that allow skilled workers to remain in Australia for up to five years:
-
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
- For skilled workers who want to live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
- To qualify, you must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia.
- After at least three years of residence, you may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
-
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- For skilled professionals who receive sponsorship from a regional Australian employer.
- This visa is valid for five years and provides a direct pathway to PR if all conditions are satisfied.
Note: Both visas are provisional but serve as stepping stones toward permanent residency.
Who Can Apply for a 5-Year Work Visa in Australia?
To be eligible, applicants generally need to:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Have an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Receive either a state/territory nomination or an employer sponsorship.
How to Choose the Right 5-Year Work Visa
To select the most suitable option, follow these steps:
- Check whether you are eligible for state nomination or employer sponsorship.
- Confirm your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Obtain a valid skills assessment.
- Meet the points-test requirement (minimum 65 points) if applying for Subclass 491.
- Ensure you satisfy all other conditions such as age, English ability, health, and character.
- Collect your documents, pay the visa fee, and lodge your application.
With Apical Immigration Experts, you get end-to-end support – from eligibility checks to document preparation and application submission.
Email: info@immigrationxperts.com
Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the 5-year work visa in Australia?
The Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas are the two primary five-year work visas. Both allow skilled professionals to live and work in regional Australia and later apply for PR. - Which Australian visa provides a 5-year stay?
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional visa): Requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by a relative.
- Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional visa): Requires sponsorship from a regional employer.
- Can these visas lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Both visas create a PR pathway once you meet the residency and eligibility requirements. - Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be under 45, have a listed occupation, hold a valid skills assessment, demonstrate English proficiency, and secure state nomination or employer sponsorship. - Do I need to clear the points test?
Yes, if applying under Subclass 491. A minimum of 65 points is required. The points test does not apply to Subclass 494. - How long can I stay on these visas?
Both visas allow you to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years. You may also travel in and out of the country during this period.
