Australia Subclass

What is the Difference Between Subclass 491 and 494 Visas?

By The Global Axis Immigration Consultants
Updated March 28, 2025

Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants. To encourage settlement in regional areas, the government offers two key provisional visas: the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa and the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa.

Both visas allow skilled migrants and their families to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR) after 3 years. However, they differ in terms of eligibility, nomination requirements, and application processes.

At The Global Axis Immigration Consultants, we provide tailored guidance to help you choose the right visa pathway for your profile.

Subclass 491 vs Subclass 494: Key Differences

Here’s a detailed comparison between the two visas:

Factor	Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)	Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
Visa Type	Invitation-based (points-tested)	Employer-sponsored
Nomination	State/Territory government nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area	Must be nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia
Eligible Occupations	Occupations listed on STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL (depending on state/territory nomination)	Occupations listed on MLTSSL or ROL only
Skills Assessment	Positive skills assessment required	Positive skills assessment required
Points Requirement	Must score at least 65 points and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect	No points threshold or EOI required
English Requirement	Competent English	Competent English
Age Limit	Under 45 years at the time of invitation	Under 45 years at the time of application
Health Waiver	Not available	Available under Public Interest Criteria
Activities Allowed	Live, work, and study in designated regional areas; can change jobs with notification to Immigration	Must work in the nominated position and live/study in regional areas
Duration	5 years	5 years
Pathway to PR	Eligible for Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) after 3 years	Eligible for Subclass 191 after 3 years
Application Costs (VAC)	AUD 4,770 (main applicant); no additional charge for dependents	AUD 4,770 (main applicant); AUD 2,385 per dependent (18+), AUD 1,190 per dependent (under 18)
Occupational Range	Broader range due to state/territory nominations	More restricted, depends on employer and approved occupations

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Subclass 491 Visa is better if you:
- Want to apply based on your skills, qualifications, and points score.
- Prefer flexibility in choosing your occupation and state/territory nomination.
- Do not have an Australian employer offering sponsorship.
Subclass 494 Visa is better if you:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a regional Australian employer.
- Prefer the security of employer sponsorship.
- Work in occupations listed under MLTSSL or ROL.

Both visas lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after meeting the minimum 3-year work and residence requirements.

Step by Step Process to Apply for an Australia Skilled Visa

Step 1: Select the Visa Type

Determine whether Subclass 491 or 494 best fits your profile, based on your skills, job offer status, and eligibility.

Step 2: Arrange Documentation

Prepare documents such as passport, skills assessment, proof of English, nomination/sponsorship details, and health checks.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

Subclass 491: Submit an EOI via SkillSelect and wait for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
Subclass 494: Lodge an application once your employer provides a valid nomination.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Approval

Processing times vary depending on demand and program quotas.

Step 5: Move to Australia

Once granted, you can live, work, and study in designated regional areas — while working towards permanent residency.

Why Choose The Global Axis Immigration Consultants?

Migrating to Australia requires careful planning and expert guidance. At The Global Axis, we provide:

Eligibility assessments to identify the right visa pathway.
Points calculation and EOI preparation for Subclass 491 applicants.
Employer nomination support for Subclass 494 applicants.
Complete documentation & compliance assistance.
End-to-end services, from visa filing to post-landing settlement advice.
Guidance from MARA-registered professionals with years of expertise.

With our government affiliation and global reach, we simplify the process and maximize your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

Both Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas offer excellent opportunities for skilled migrants to build their future in regional Australia. While the 491 is points-tested and state-nominated, the 494 is employer-sponsored — but both lead to permanent residency after 3 years.

At The Global Axis Immigration Consultants, we help you identify the right option, prepare a strong application, and secure your future in Australia.

Book your free consultation today and let our experts guide you step by step towards Australian permanent residency.

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