Disclaimer: Please note that the information we provide in this article about the difference between 482 and 494 visa is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
What is the difference between 482 and 494 visa? For many people living and working in a new country is a big dream. But making that dream a reality seems like a big task. But work visas are the key for ambitious people to gain international experience and build a career overseas.
Work visas are legal documents that allows foreign citizens to work in a specific country. There are many types of work visas we will cover later. But for now we will cover the difference between 482 and 494 visa.
What Are the Initial Differences?
Visa 482
Australian Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa is an employer sponsored visa for skilled workers to fill job vacancies. There are three main streams in this visa:
- Short-term stream: For occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupations List. Stay up to 2 years (4 years with International Trade Obligation), good for temporary needs.
- Medium-term stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Stay up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders) and has a clearer path to permanent residency compared to Short-term stream.
- Labour agreement stream: This only applies if your employer has a labour agreement with the Australian government. Stay depends on the agreement, up to 4 years maximum (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
Visa 494
Subclass 494 visa is your chance to live, work and study in regional Australia (outside major cities) for up to 5 years. This visa is good for you if you are open to a regional adventure and want a clear path to permanent residency. Here are some key benefits of this visa:
- Straightforward path to permanent residency: After 3 years on this visa you can apply to stay permanently.
- Sponsored by a regional employer: Find an employer in a regional area who needs your skills and they can sponsor your visa.
- Live, work and study regionally: Experience another side of Australia while building your career.
This visa is for designated regional areas only. Additionally, there are separate streams for employers with and without a labour agreement with the government.
Further Difference Between 482 and 494 Visa
Below is a table that explains details about the difference between 482 and 494 visa.
| Feature | 482 Visa | 494 Visa |
| Location | Open to anywhere in Australia | Restricted to designated regional areas (outside major cities) |
| Path to Permanent Residency | Offers a path for the medium-term stream only | Clearer pathway to permanent residency after 3 years on the visa |
| Sponsor Type | Australian or Overseas Business | Regional Australian Business |
| Occupation Lists | MLTSSL, STSOL, 482 ROL See list here for specific occupations | Specific 494 List See list here for specific occupations |
| Labour Market Testing | Required (with some exemptions) | Required |
| Salary | Market Rate should be at least within the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | Market Rate must be certified by Regional Certifying Bodies (RCB) and at least within the TSMIT |
You can check out the latest update of the increase in the TMIT here.
Further Difference Between 482 and 494 Visa
| Feature | 482 Visa | 494 Visa |
| Nomination Fee | AUD $330 (Click here for more info about 482 visa fees ) | No Fee |
| Skilling Australians Fund Levy | Varies based on turnover | Varies based on turnover (one-off fee) |
| Age Limit | None | Under 45 years old |
| English Level | Vocational English | Competent English |
| Skill Assessment | Required for specific occupations | Required (with some exemptions) |
| Work Experience | 2 years minimum | 3 years minimum |
| Genuine Temporary Entrant | Required for certain occupations | Not applicable |
| Validity | 2 or 4 years | 5 years |
| Visa Application Fee | Varies based on occupation list | AUD $4,040 |
482 or 494 Visa: Examples
Confused about what to choose or what is the difference between 482 and 494 visa? Here are some scenarios to help you decide between the two visas visa based on the table above:
Scenario 1: Open to Location & Long-Term Stay
You’re an Advertising Manager with 3 years’ experience. You’re open to work anywhere in Australia and want to stay long term. The position is on the MLTSSL list and you meet the minimum work experience requirement for both visas.
While the 494 gives you a clearer path to permanent residency, you prefer location flexibility. So what’s the clear choice? You can now apply for the 482 Visa. It allows you to work anywhere in Australia and potentially transition to permanent residency later.
Scenario 2: Regional Living & Permanent Residency Focus
You’re an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and want to live and work near airports.
One of your ultimate goals is to also get permanent residency in Australia. The position is on the 494 occupation list.
Regional living is your preference, which aligns with the 494 visa requirement. The obvious choice here is the 494 visa. Why? Because this gives you a clearer path to permanent residency after 3 years.
FAQs: 482 vs 494 Visa
Q: I now know the difference between 482 and 494 visa. What visa is better?
A: It depends on your priorities! Here’s a breakdown:
For location flexibility: Choose the 482 visa. You can work anywhere in Australia.
For a clearer path to permanent residency: Choose the 494 visa. It’s a more direct path after 3 years.
Q: I want permanent residency, but my occupation is on the 482 short-term list. Can I get it?
A: Maybe. The 482 medium-term list has a pathway through the ENS (subclass 186) visa after 3 years with your sponsor. But the 494 visa has a clearer path for most occupations.
Q: Can I work anywhere with a 494 visa?
A: No. The 494 visa requires you to work in a designated regional area (outside major cities).
Q: Is there a difference between 482 and 494 visa in terms of number of occupations listed?
A: The 494 visa has more occupations on its list and all have a pathway to permanent residency.
Q: Do I need an employer sponsor for permanent residency with 494 visa?
A: No. After meeting the 3 year requirement and other eligibility criteria you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent residency visa independently (without a sponsor).
Q: Is there an age limit for 482 or 494 visa?
A: 482 visa has no age limit. 494 visa has an age limit of under 45 years old.
Can We Help You?
Yes, visa lawyers can help you decide which visa is best for you. We at JB Solicitors specialise in migration and immigration law matters including visa applications. Let us help you decide the best visa for you and comply with Australian immigration law.
Contact us now if you’re still unsure about 482 vs 494 Visa.
