482, 186 or 494: which visa is right for your business?

Hiring overseas workers can be a great solution when you can’t find local staff. But choosing the wrong visa can cost your business time, money, and opportunities.

The three main sponsorship visas in Australia are the 482 (Skilled in Demand), 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), and 494 (Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional). They all allow you to sponsor skilled workers – but they work differently.

Quick answer

• 482 – good for quick hires, valid up to 4 years, can lead to PR.
• 186 – for permanent roles, PR from day one.
• 494 – for regional employers, 5-year visa, PR after 3 years.

The three visas at a glance

482 Visa – Fast staffing solution

The Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) is perfect when you need to hire quickly, and no local worker is available.

Example:
A Sydney tech company sponsored a software engineer through the 482 visa and had them on board in under 2 months.

Why choose it?

• Quick processing (2–4 months based on current service standards)
• Can lead to permanent residency later
• Flexible for short- to mid-term needs

Keep in mind:

• It’s temporary and therefore subject to visa conditions preventing long-term employment elsewhere
• You must meet salary and compliance rules

186 Visa – Keeping talent long-term

The Subclass 186 is the best option if you want to offer a permanent role to your worker.

Example:
A Melbourne childcare provider sponsored a Manager via the 186 visa, giving her PR immediately – improving staff retention.

Why choose it?

• Worker becomes a permanent resident straight away
• Great for retaining top staff
• Attracts highly skilled candidates

Keep in mind:

• Requires stronger business case in justifying a permanent appointment in favour of a foreign national compared to a local worker
• Takes longer to prepare and process
• Requires higher experience threshold, English levels, and in most cases, a mandatory Skills Assessment

494 Visa – Supporting regional growth

The Subclass 494 is designed for businesses outside major metropolitan areas struggling to find workers.

Example:
A regional WA hospital sponsored five nurses under the 494 visa – solving a critical staffing shortage.

Why choose it?

• Tailored for regional hiring needs
• Leads to PR after 3 years
• Lower overall costs in achieving PR
• Encourages workers to stay long-term

Keep in mind:

• Only available in regional areas
• It’s temporary and therefore subject to visa conditions preventing long-term employment elsewhere
• Workers must stay in the region

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Need help deciding?

Choosing the right visa can be tricky.
At Seven Corp, we make it simple – guiding you through every step.

Book your free consultation today and find the best sponsorship pathway for your business.