Choosing between visas can feel confusing, especially when your future depends on making the right move. If you’re looking at long-term options to live and work in Australia, it’s important to know exactly what each visa offers and what it demands in return. Many people get stuck comparing the differences between the 190 Visa and 494 Visa, unsure which pathway leads to stability and growth.
The difference between the 190 visa and the 494 visa lies in residency status and sponsorship. The 190 visa gives you permanent residency from day one and is backed by a state or territory government. The 494 visa is temporary and requires you to work in a regional area for three years before applying for permanent residency.
Keep reading to see how these two visas compare in key areas like eligibility, work rights and the path to permanent residency.
Differences Between the 190 Visa and the 494 Visa – A Brief Overview
At first glance, these two visas might seem similar, but there are some key differences that can affect your freedom, timeline and long-term plans in Australia. Here’s how they stack up:
190 Visa
- Permanent from the start
- Sponsored by a state or territory
- Points-based
- Freedom to change jobs
494 Visa
- Temporary (provisional)
- Sponsored by an employer in a regional area
- Not points-based
- Must work for the same employer for 3 years
- Can apply for permanent residency after 3 years (if income and other requirements are met)
It all comes down to what suits your current situation and future goals.
Need Help with Your Visa? Talk to Sydney’s Trusted Advisors at Lewis & Bollard
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by visa rules or unsure which path to take, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Lewis & Bollard, our team in Sydney is ready to guide you through every step of your visa journey.
Whether it’s understanding the difference between the 190 and 494 visas or getting expert help with your application, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free. We provide tailored support to clients across Australia, including NSW, VIC and QLD, ensuring clear advice no matter where you are.
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What is the 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. It allows individuals to live and work anywhere in Australia.
This visa suits professionals whose occupations are in demand within specific states or territories. Nomination by a state or territory government is a prerequisite, ensuring alignment with regional skill shortages.
How to Apply for the 190 Visa?
Applying for the 190 visa involves several steps:
- Check Occupation List: Ensure your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from an authorised assessing authority.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in the 190 visa.
- State Nomination: Apply for nomination from a state or territory government.
- Invitation to Apply: If nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Visa Application: Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- Await Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and inform you of the outcome.
Eligibility Criteria for the 190 Visa
To be eligible for the 190 visa, applicants must:
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Be invited to apply after submitting an EOI.
- Be nominated by a state or territory government.
- Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Have competent English language proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Benefits of the 190 Visa
The 190 visa offers several advantages:
- Permanent Residency: Live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme.
- Education: Study in Australia with access to domestic tuition rates.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Citizenship Pathway: Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
What is the 494 Visa?
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) is a temporary visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia. It allows individuals to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years.
This visa aims to address labour shortages in regional areas by enabling employers to sponsor skilled workers where Australian workers are unavailable.
How to Apply for the 494 Visa?
The application process for the 494 visa includes:
- Employer Sponsorship: Secure a job offer from an approved employer in regional Australia.
- Nomination Application: The employer submits a nomination application for the position.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Visa Application: Apply for the visa within six months of the nomination approval.
- Await Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and inform you of the outcome.
Eligibility Criteria for the 494 Visa
To qualify for the 494 visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia.
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Have competent English language proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Benefits of the 494 Visa
The 494 visa provides several benefits:
- Work Rights: Live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years.
- Family Inclusion: Include family members in the application.
- Access to Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme.
Major Differences Between the 190 Visa and the 494 Visa
Understanding the distinctions between the 190 and 494 visas is crucial for making an informed decision. While both cater to skilled workers, they differ in several aspects.
1. Type of Residency
The 190 Visa is a direct permanent residency visa. Once granted, you can live in Australia with no expiry on your visa. It gives you the right to work, study, access Medicare and even sponsor family members. This visa is ideal if you’re looking for long-term settlement from day one without any extra transition steps.
On the other hand, the 494 Visa is a provisional visa designed to lead to permanent residency. It requires you to live and work in a regional area for at least three years before becoming eligible for a permanent visa (subclass 191). This pathway ensures you commit to regional growth before being granted full residency.
2. Sponsorship Authority
For the 190 Visa, you must be nominated by a state or territory government. This nomination is based on your occupation and its demand in that specific region. You don’t need a job offer at the time of application, but your skills must match the needs of the nominating state.
In contrast, the 494 Visa depends on employer sponsorship. You need a valid job offer from an approved employer in a designated regional area. Without a sponsoring employer, you can’t proceed with the visa. This model is designed to fill job gaps that regional employers can’t fill locally.
3. Location Restrictions
Once granted the 190 Visa, you are expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory initially. While there’s no legal requirement to stay permanently in that region, it is strongly encouraged as part of the agreement with the state or territory.
For the 494 Visa, the restrictions are tighter. You are required to live and work only in designated regional areas. Major metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are excluded. Failure to stay in the regional location may affect your eligibility for permanent residency later.
4. Work Flexibility
With the 190 Visa, you enjoy full employment flexibility. You can change jobs, start a business or pursue different career paths. You’re not tied to any one employer or industry, giving you the freedom to grow professionally.
The 494 Visa comes with employer conditions. You’re required to work in the position offered by your sponsoring employer. If you leave that employer, a new nomination must be approved before continuing your stay. This makes job changes more complex and dependent on formal processes.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 190 Visa offers immediate permanent residency, removing the need for follow-up visa applications or transitional waiting periods. You can apply for citizenship after meeting the usual residence and character requirements.
With the 494 Visa, the journey to permanent residency is step-by-step. You must complete three years of employment in a regional area and meet income requirements before applying for the subclass 191 permanent visa. This system encourages a long-term commitment to regional development.
6. Points Requirement
To apply for the 190 Visa, you must meet the minimum points threshold of 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English skills, work experience and education. A high score increases your chance of getting an invitation to apply.
The 494 Visa does not rely on the points system. Instead, its focus is on practical requirements like skills, work experience and employer sponsorship. This makes it suitable for skilled workers who may not score high on the points test but have strong job prospects in regional Australia.
Summing Up
Deciding between the 190 visa and the 494 visa depends on your career goals, where you want to live and how soon you want to gain permanent residency. If you value flexibility, independence and want to fast-track your permanent status, the 190 visa could be a better fit. But if you have a solid job offer in a regional area and are committed to staying there for a few years, the 494 visa offers a strong route to eventual residency.
Each visa has its strengths, and the right choice comes down to what suits your future best. By understanding how these visas work, you can take confident steps toward building a stable and rewarding life in Australia.
