494 vs 491 Visa: Key Differences and Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to skilled migration to Australia, both the Subclass 494 and Subclass 491 visas offer great opportunities to live and work in regional areas. However, each visa type comes with its own set of eligibility criteria, conditions, and benefits. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two popular regional visas to help you choose the best option for your migration journey.

What is Subclass 494?

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 494 visa allows overseas workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. To qualify, applicants must be sponsored by an employer located in a regional area. This is a provisional visa, meaning it allows you to stay temporarily while working in a skilled occupation.

Key requirements for the Subclass 494 visa:

• You must be sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area.

• Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or Regional Occupation List (ROL).

What is Subclass 491?

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is another regional visa option, but with a key difference: applicants can be nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area. Unlike the Subclass 494 visa, the 491 visa does not require employer sponsorship.

Key requirements for the Subclass 491 visa:

• Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.

• You must be nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area.

Work Conditions: 494 vs 491 Visa

Subclass 494 Visa Work Conditions

• You must agree to work only for your sponsoring employer or their associated entity, unless an exemption applies.

Subclass 491 Visa Work Conditions

• You can work for any employer as long as the job is located in a regional area. There is no restriction to working for a specific employer.

Age and Skills: 494 vs 491 Visa

494 Visa	491 Visa
Min 3 years work experience	Point-tested required
Hold a suitable skills assessment
Under 45 years old (unless exempt)

The table above breaks down the key requirements for both the Subclass 494 and Subclass 491 visas, focusing on work experience, skills assessment, and age eligibility. 

These criteria ensure that both visas are tailored to skilled workers who can contribute to the Australian economy, particularly in regional areas. It’s important to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the table for a successful application.

Benefits of Subclass 494 and Subclass 491 Visas

Both the Subclass 494 and Subclass 491 visas offer similar benefits:

• They allow holders to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.

• After 3 years, if all conditions are met, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191).

494 vs 491 Visa: Which Visa is Right for You?

Choosing the right visa depends on your specific situation. If you have an employer in a regional area who is willing to sponsor you, the Subclass 494 visa may be the best option. If you have family in a regional area or want to explore state nomination opportunities, the Subclass 491 visa could be a better fit.

Both visas offer pathways to permanent residency after living and working in a regional area, so your long-term migration goals should also be a key factor in your decision.

494 vs 491 Visa: Book a Consultation

Deciding which regional visa to apply for can be a complex process. Book a consultation with our migration experts today, and we’ll help you determine which visa best fits your situation. Let us guide you through the application process and ensure your journey to permanent residency is a smooth one.

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