491 vs 494 Visa- Key Difference
Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas in Australia are designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of the country.
Both visas serve to address labour shortages and promote economic growth in these areas, but they have different eligibility criteria and application processes.
Subclass 491 Visa- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Objective- Address labour market shortages and promote economic growth in regional areas.
- Key Features:
- State or Territory Nomination- Must be nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area.
- Occupation List- Must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Points-Based System- Must score the minimum required points considering various factors.
- Temporary Residence- Grants residency for up to five years in a designated regional area.
- Pathway to PR- Possible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years.
Subclass 494 Visa- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Objective- Address labour shortages by allowing employers in regional Australia to sponsor overseas workers.
- Key Features:
- Employer Sponsorship- Must have a job offer and sponsorship from an employer in a regional area.
- Occupation List- The nominated occupation must be on the skilled occupation list or the Regional Occupation List.
- Skills Assessment- Must demonstrate qualifications and experience in the nominated occupation.
- Temporary Residence- Grants residency for up to five years in a designated regional area.
- Pathway to PR- Possible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years.
Key Differences between 491 visa and 494 Visa
- Nomination/Sponsorship- 491 requires state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, while 494 requires employer sponsorship.
- Occupation List- 491 uses the skilled occupation list, while 494 uses this and the Regional Occupation List.
- Application Process- 491 is points-based, while 494 is employer-sponsored.
- Residence Obligations- Both require living and working in a designated regional area.
Conclusion
While both the 491 visa and 494 visa aim to promote regional development in Australia, they cater to different applicant bases and have distinct application processes.
The 491 visa is more suited to skilled workers who score well on Australia’s points-based immigration system and have an occupation in demand, while the 494 visa is tailored for those with an employer willing to sponsor their migration.
Both offer pathways to permanent residency after fulfilling specific conditions for three years.
If you’re considering applying for either of these visas, it’s advisable to consult with migration agents to navigate through the application process effectively.
If you’re in Perth, seeking assistance from the best migration agents in the area would be a prudent step to ensure that your application adheres to all regulatory requirements and maximizes your chances of approval.
