The Subclass 494 and Subclass 482 visas are among Australia’s most popular visa options for skilled workers. Both allow you to work for an approved employer, yet they serve different goals.

Many applicants apply for the wrong one because the rules sound similar. The 494 focuses on regional employment and long-term settlement, while the 482 covers temporary skill shortages across the country.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between the 494 and 482 visas, what they are, how long you can stay, who can apply, and which one might suit you best.

What is a 494 Visa?

The Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa) is a temporary visa that lets skilled workers live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.

This visa can be the way to permanent residency, which can be applied for after the completion of three years of meeting certain conditions. It’s designed to help regional employers fill jobs that can’t be filled by local Australian workers.

Key features of the 494 visa:

You must have an employer in a regional area who is willing to sponsor you.
The visa is valid for up to 5 years.
You can apply for PR through the Subclass 191 visa after working in a regional area for 3 years, provided you meet income and other requirements.
You can include your spouse or family member in your application.
You must work only in the nominated occupation and stay within the regional area.

Thus, the 494 visa is especially suited to skilled workers willing to work and live in less-urbanised parts of Australia and interested in a long-term stay.

What is a 482 Visa?

The Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa) allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers when they can’t find suitable local candidates for up to four years.

This temporary visa is designed to fill labor shortages that cannot be met by local workers in these three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement.

Key features of the 482 visa:

It’s available for short-term (up to 2 years) or medium-term (up to 4 years), depending on your occupation stream.
Your employer must be an approved sponsor.
You can change employers if a new sponsor takes over your nomination.
Eligible family members can be included.
There are now three streams under the new model: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement.
In some cases, you can apply for PR after working for the same employer for a set period (usually 2–3 years) under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).

In short, the 482 visa is more flexible in terms of location (it need not be only regional), but with strict rules and multiple streams, you’ll want to check carefully where you fit.

What is the Difference Between a 494 and a 482 visa?

Both the 494 and 482 visas allow skilled workers to work in Australia under employer sponsorship, but they serve different purposes and conditions. The main distinction lies in the location, duration, and pathway to permanent residency.

To help you see how they compare side by side, here’s a simple breakdown of the major differences between a 494 and 482 visa:

Criteria	Subclass 494 (Regional Sponsored)	Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)
Purpose	Encourages skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia.	Allows businesses to fill temporary skill shortages anywhere in Australia.
Stay duration	Up to 5 years.	Up to 4 years (medium-term stream) or 2 years (short-term stream).
Location restriction	Must live and work in a designated regional area.	Can work anywhere in Australia.
Permanent residency pathway	Clear PR pathway via Subclass 191 after 3 years.	Possible PR pathway via ENS 186 visa, depending on occupation and employer.
Occupation lists	Based on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).	Based on Short-term, Medium-term, or Regional Occupation Lists.
Employer requirements	Employer must be regional and approved by the government.	Employer must be approved sponsor, regardless of location.
Family inclusion	Spouse and dependent children can be included.	Spouse and dependent children can be included.
Flexibility to change employer	Possible but limited; new sponsor must be in the same regional area.	More flexible; new approved employer can take over nomination.

In short, the 494 visa is best for skilled workers planning a long-term move to Australia with a path to PR, while the 482 is suited for those seeking temporary employment without regional restrictions.

494 vs. 482 Visa: Which Visa to Choose?

Now comes the main question of the blog – which visa to choose? Well, the right visa mainly depends on your long-term goals, lifestyle preferences, and where your employer is based. Here’s how to decide which one fits your situation better:

Choose the 494 visa if:

You’re willing to live and work in regional parts of Australia, where there’s a strong demand for skilled workers and fewer applicants for the same roles.

You’re aiming for a stable, long-term move with a clear pathway to permanent residency after three years of regional employment.

Your job is listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), and you already have (or expect to get) sponsorship from a regional employer.

You don’t mind committing to the same region for a few years in exchange for better settlement prospects.

You’re planning to build a life in Australia, not just gain short-term work experience.

Choose the 482 visa if:

You prefer working in major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, where most large employers and industries are based.

You’re looking for a temporary role or want to gain experience first before deciding on a long-term move.

Your potential employer is not located in a regional area but is still approved to sponsor overseas workers.

You value flexibility – the 482 visa allows you to change employers or roles more easily if another sponsorship opportunity comes up.

You want to explore permanent residency later, once you’ve settled into your role and met the eligibility requirements for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Now that you know the main Difference between the two visas, let’s cover the most asked questions by people about these visas.

1. How long can you stay on a visa 494?

You can stay in the country for up to 5 years on a 494 visa. After 3 years of regional work, you may go for PR under the Subclass 191 visa if eligible.

2. Can I bring my family on a visa 494?

Yes. You can include your family member and dependent children in your visa application. They’ll have the same length of stay and work or study rights.

3. Can I change my employer on a 494 visa in Australia?

You can change employers, but your new employer must be an approved regional sponsor and nominate you for the same occupation. You must continue to work and live in a regional area to keep your visa valid.

4. Does the 482 visa lead to PR?

Yes, but not automatically. If you’re on the medium-term stream, you may apply for PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 2–3 years with the same employer, provided your occupation remains on the relevant list.

5. How to apply for the 494 visa?

If you’re wondering how to apply for the 494 visa, you’ll need a regional employer to sponsor you, ensure your occupation is on the Regional Occupation List, and meet the skill and English language requirements before lodging your application through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Conclusion

Moving to Australia on a skilled visa is a major step, and understanding your options makes the process smoother. Taking the time to compare your options carefully can make your migration journey smoother and more rewarding.

Whether your goal is to gain experience, build a long-term career, or eventually settle down, choosing the right visa is where it all begins. If you’d like to learn more about these visas or get expert help with your application, contact the team at Immivoyage for detailed guidance and support.

What are the Differences Between a 494 and 482 Visa?