Employer-Sponsored Visa Comparison: 186 vs 482 vs 494
Understand Your PR and Work Visa Options in Australia
Australia offers several employer-sponsored visa pathways, each designed for different skill levels, occupations, and long-term migration goals. The three most common pathways are:
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent Residency)
- Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa (Temporary Work Visa)
- Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional Visa with PR Pathway)
Choosing the right pathway depends on your occupation, eligibility, employer location, long-term goals, and legislative requirements. This page provides a clear side-by-side comparison to help you understand key differences and suitability.
Quick Summary
| Visa | Type | Duration | Leads to PR? | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 482 | Temporary | Up to 4 years | Yes (via 186 TRT) | Fill skill shortages through employer sponsorship |
| 186 | Permanent | PR directly | N/A | Immediate permanent residency through employer nomination |
| 494 | Provisional (regional) | 5 years | Yes (via 191) | Address regional skill shortages with a structured PR pathway |
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa (Temporary Employer-Sponsored)
The 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary positions where no suitable local workers are available.
Key Features
- Temporary work visa (up to 4 years)
- Pathway to PR through 186 TRT
- Occupation must be on CSOL or Specialist/Labour Agreement
- Requires at least 1 year relevant work experience
- English and salary thresholds apply
Best For
- Skilled workers wanting to enter Australia quickly
- Employers filling urgent skills shortages
- Applicants planning to transition to PR after 2 years
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent Residency)
The 186 visa offers direct permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by their employer via TRT or Direct Entry streams.
Key Features
- Immediate permanent residency
- Full work rights & Medicare
- Requires employer nomination
- Age under 45 (unless exempt)
- Competent English required
Best For
- 482 holders completing 2-year employment requirement
- Overseas/onshore workers with strong qualifications (DE)
- Employers wanting long-term stability
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Provisional)
The 494 visa allows employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled workers for full-time positions.
Key Features
- Valid for 5 years
- Regional sponsorship required
- Requires 3 years skilled work experience
- Leads to PR through Subclass 191
Best For
- Skilled workers for regional Australia
- Applicants wanting a structured PR pathway
- Employers in regional areas
Side-by-Side Comparison
1. Visa Type & Duration
| Category | 482 | 186 | 494 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary | Permanent | Provisional (regional) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years | Permanent | 5 years |
| PR Pathway | Yes → via 186 | Granted immediately | Yes → via 191 |
2. Occupation Requirements
| Requirement | 482 | 186 | 494 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation List | CSOL / Specialist / Labour Agreement | Employer-Nominated Occupation | Regional Occupation List |
| Skills Assessment | Sometimes | DE: Yes; TRT: No | Often required |
| Experience Needed | Minimum 1 year | TRT: 2 years; DE: 3 years | 3 years skilled employment |
3. English Requirements
| Visa | English Requirement |
|---|---|
| 482 | Varies; generally minimum functional/competent |
| 186 | Competent English |
| 494 | Competent English |
4. Age Requirements
| Visa | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| 482 | No age requirement |
| 186 | Under 45 (unless exempt) |
| 494 | Under 45 (unless exempt) |
5. Employer Obligations
| Aspect | 482 | 186 | 494 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nomination | Required | Required | Required |
| Market Salary | CSIT / SSIT + AMSR | AMSR | AMSR |
| Regional | No | No | Yes |
6. Work & Study Rights
| Visa | Work Rights | Study Rights |
|---|---|---|
| 482 | Full-time for sponsoring employer | Yes (no subsidy) |
| 186 | Full-time (any employer) | Yes |
| 494 | Full-time for sponsoring employer | Yes |
7. PR Pathway Comparison
| Pathway | Timeframe | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 482 → 186 TRT | After 2 years | Same employer, same occupation |
| 186 DE | Immediate PR | Skills assessment + 3 years experience |
| 494 → 191 | After 3 years | Regional living, income threshold |
Which Visa Is Right for You?
Choose 482 if:
- You want to enter Australia quickly
- Your employer needs you urgently
- You plan to transition to PR later
Choose 186 TRT if:
- You are on a 482 visa and have 2 years with the same employer
Choose 186 DE if:
- You have a skills assessment & 3 years experience
- You want direct permanent residency
Choose 494 if:
- You are willing to live in a regional area
- You want a clear PR pathway but don’t yet meet 186 requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 186 faster than 482 or 494?
Yes. 186 grants immediate permanent residency.
Can a 482 visa holder switch employers and still get PR?
Yes, but the 2-year requirement restarts with the new employer.
Is 494 only for regional Australia?
Yes. Employers and applicants must both be in designated regional areas.
Does 482 always lead to PR?
No — PR depends on employer willingness and applicant eligibility.
ABEE’S Consultancy – Employer-Sponsored Migration Services
ABEE’S Consultancy provides complete employer-sponsored migration solutions including:
- Eligibility analysis for 482, 186, and 494
- Occupation and ANZSCO review
- Salary and market rate compliance checks
- Nomination and visa documentation
- Skills assessment preparation
- PR transition planning (186 TRT & 191 pathways)
- Support for employers and HR teams
Start Your Migration Journey Today
Professional guidance for your future in Australia.