Last updated 7 May 2026

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The 494 Subsequent Entrant visa allows eligible family members of a primary Subclass 494 visa holder to apply separately and join them in Australia.

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This pathway is commonly used when:

• a spouse marries the primary visa holder after the original application was lodged

• a child is born after visa lodgement or grant

• a dependent family member was not included in the initial 494 application

• family circumstances changed after the main applicant received the visa

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The subsequent entrant visa is linked to the primary holder’s Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494).

If granted, family members can:

• live in designated regional Australia

• work and study in regional Australia

• travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid

• potentially apply for permanent residency later through the Subclass 191 pathway with the primary visa holder

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What Is the 494 Subsequent Entrant Visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) Subsequent Entrant stream is designed for members of the family unit of a current 494 visa holder or applicant.

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Unlike the main 494 visa application, a subsequent entrant applies separately after the primary applicant has already lodged or received their visa.

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This visa is commonly used for:

• spouses or de facto partners

• dependent children

• newly added family members after visa grant

• eligible family members who were unable to apply together initially

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Who Can Apply for a 494 Subsequent Entrant Visa?

To apply as a subsequent entrant, you generally must:

• be a member of the family unit of the primary 494 visa holder

• have a family relationship recognised under Australian migration law

• be included by the employer sponsor in writing

• meet health requirements

• meet character requirements

• hold Functional English or pay the second instalment charge

• comply with Australian visa conditions

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Can You Add a Spouse or Child After a 494 Visa Is Granted?

Yes.

If your family circumstances changed after the original Subclass 494 application or visa grant, eligible family members may still be able to apply separately as subsequent entrants.

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Common situations include:

• getting married after the 494 visa was granted

• entering a de facto relationship later

• having a newborn child

• dependent children joining later

• family members initially remaining offshore

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The employer sponsor must agree in writing to extend sponsorship obligations to the new family member.

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Employer Sponsorship Requirement for Subsequent Entrants

One of the most important requirements is the employer sponsorship confirmation.

• The sponsoring employer must provide a written letter confirming they agree to extend sponsorship obligations to the subsequent entrant family member.

• This requirement exists because employer obligations under the 494 program may also apply to dependent family members.

• Before lodging the visa application, applicants should discuss the process with the sponsoring employer.

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494 Subsequent Entrant Visa Requirements

Relationship Requirement

You must be an eligible member of the family unit of the primary 494 visa holder or applicant.

This may include:

• spouse

• de facto partner

• dependent child

• certain dependent relatives in limited situations

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English Requirement

Applicants generally need to demonstrate Functional English.

If Functional English cannot be demonstrated, an additional government charge called the second instalment may apply.

As of 2026, the second instalment is generally:

• AUD4,890 for applicants aged 18 or older without Functional English

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Examples of evidence for Functional English may include:

• passport from an eligible English-speaking country

• approved English language test results

• certain education qualifications

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Health Requirement

Applicants must complete required health examinations and satisfy Australia’s health requirements.

Health assessments may vary depending on:

• country of residence

• length of intended stay

• medical history

• family circumstances

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Character Requirement

Applicants aged 16 years and over must satisfy character requirements.

This may involve:

• police certificates

• background checks

• declarations regarding criminal history

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In some situations involving accredited sponsors, overseas police certificates may not be required if specific sponsor references are provided.

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494 Subsequent Entrant Visa Cost

The government application charge starts from:

• Main subsequent entrant applicant: AUD4,910

• Additional English second instalment (if applicable): AUD4,890

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Additional expenses may include:

• English tests

• health examinations

• police clearances

• biometrics

• document translations

Government fees can change over time.

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How Long Does a 494 Subsequent Entrant Visa Last?

The visa is generally granted until the same expiry date as the primary 494 visa holder.

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa valid for up to 5 years.

The subsequent entrant visa cannot be extended beyond the primary visa holder’s validity period.

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Can Subsequent Entrants Apply for PR Later?

Potentially, yes.

If eligible, subsequent entrants may later apply for permanent residency through the:

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)

This is generally linked to the primary 494 visa holder’s pathway and eligibility requirements.

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Where Can 494 Subsequent Entrants Live?

Subclass 494 visa holders, including subsequent entrants, must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia.

Regional areas include most parts of Australia except:

• Sydney

• Melbourne

• Brisbane

Many other cities and regional centres remain eligible regional locations.

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Can You Apply Onshore or Offshore?

You may apply:

• inside Australia, or

• outside Australia

However, if applying in Australia, you generally must hold:

• a substantive visa, or

• a valid Bridging Visa A, B, or C

Applicants cannot be in immigration clearance when lodging the application or when a decision is made.

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494 Subsequent Entrant Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on factors such as:

• completeness of documents

• health and character checks

• response times for additional information

• application complexity

• external agency processing

There is no fixed processing timeframe, and applications are assessed individually.

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Documents Commonly Required

Typical documents may include:

• passport

• relationship evidence

• marriage certificate (if applicable)

• birth certificate for dependent children

• sponsor support letter

• English evidence

• health examination documents

• police clearances

• Form 80 or other supporting forms where requested

Additional documents may be requested by the Department during assessment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my wife to my 494 visa after grant?

Yes. If your spouse became part of your family unit after the original application or was not included initially, they may potentially apply as a subsequent entrant.

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Does a subsequent entrant need skills assessment?

Generally, no.

Subsequent entrant family members are usually not required to obtain a separate skills assessment for the Subclass 494 subsequent entrant stream.

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Does a subsequent entrant need Functional English?

Yes, applicants generally must demonstrate Functional English or pay the second instalment charge if they cannot provide acceptable evidence.

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Can a child be added to a 494 visa later?

Yes. Eligible dependent children may apply separately as subsequent entrants if they meet the relevant requirements.

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Can subsequent entrants work in Australia?

Yes.

Subclass 494 subsequent entrants can generally work in designated regional areas of Australia while the visa remains valid.

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Can subsequent entrants study in Australia?

Yes.

Eligible subsequent entrants may study in regional Australia under the visa conditions.

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Can subsequent entrants travel freely?

Yes.

The visa generally allows unlimited travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid.

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Is the 494 subsequent entrant visa permanent residency?

No.

The Subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa. Eligible applicants may later become eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway.

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Does the employer need to approve the subsequent entrant?

Yes.

The sponsoring employer must provide written confirmation agreeing to extend sponsorship obligations to the subsequent entrant family member.

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Can a subsequent entrant apply offshore?

Yes.

Applicants may apply either inside or outside Australia, subject to eligibility and visa requirements.