How the 482 and 494 Visas Work for Skilled Trades
The Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa lets Australian employers sponsor skilled workers, including trades like tiling, hairdressing, bricklaying and cookery, when they cannot find a local candidate. It runs for up to 4 years, and permanent residency afterwards is only available for a limited set of occupations.
For roles based in regional Australia — which covers most of the employers we place with, including Toowoomba and DAMA-designated regions — the subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa is often the stronger option. It runs for 5 years and comes with a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after just 3 years in the role, without the occupation restrictions that limit 482-to-PR pathways.
Australian Career Pathways matches you with employers who are ready and approved to sponsor under either pathway, assesses which visa gets you to permanent residency fastest, and guides you through every stage of the application.