482 vs 494: which Australian visa is right for you?
Two employer-sponsored routes: the 482 for an occupation in demand anywhere, and the 494 for sponsorship by a regional employer with a direct PR pathway.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (494) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary (up to 4 yrs) | Provisional (5 yrs) |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa. | Skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR. |
| Government cost | ~$3,210 (Core stream; Specialist higher) | ~$4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (priority 5-10 days) | ~8-14 months |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years | 5 years (provisional) |
| Where to apply | Onshore or offshore | Onshore or offshore |
| Work rights | Full-time for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation | Full-time for your sponsoring regional employer |
| Pathway to PR | Pathway to PR via subclass 186 (ENS) after 2 years with an eligible sponsor. | Pathway to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years on the visa meeting the income requirement. |
Which is right for you?
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482)
Skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa.
Full 482 guide →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (494)
Skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR.
Full 494 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 482 or 494?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is the lowest at ~$3,210 (Core stream; Specialist higher). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 482 or 494?
Indicatively Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is the quickest at ~1-3 months (priority 5-10 days). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between 482 and 494?
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (482) is for skilled workers with an Australian employer sponsor for an occupation in demand. Replaced the TSS visa. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (494) is for skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer, with a pathway to PR.