If you're considering making the move to Australia for work, you've likely come across two popular visa options: the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 visa. Both offer pathways to work (for a specific employer sponsor) and potentially settle in Australia, but they have some key differences that could make one more suitable for your situation than the other. Let's break it down and help you figure out which visa might be the best fit for you.
What is 482 Visa? What is 494 Visa?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's get a quick overview of each visa:
- 482 Visa: This is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a sponsoring employer for up to 2-4 years, depending on the stream. There is likely a pathway to permanent residency (via the 186 Visa pathway) after you have held this visa for 2 years.
- 494 Visa: This is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. There is likely a pathway to permanent residency (via the 191 Visa pathway) after you have held this visa for 3 years.
You can learn more about each visa in our detailed visas pages for the 482 visa and 494 visa respectively.
Kin Migration's Comparison Between 482 and 494
We have put together a table as an overview of the general points of comparison between the two visas.
The Verdict
Choosing between the 482 and 494 visas ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. As a guide, we would recommend you consider the following before making a decision.
Consider the 482 visa if:
- You want to work in a major city
- You're early in your career
- You need a faster processing time
- You're okay with ongoing employer sponsorship for permanent residency
Consider the 494 visa if:
- You're open to living and working in regional Australia
- You have more extensive work experience
- You're between 43 and 45 years old
- You want more independence in your permanent residency application
Need help with deciding on which one is more suited to your circumstances? Have some burning questions about the 482 visa or 494 visa that are still unanswered? The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice or information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.
