If you are planning to work in Australia, you must have heard about the 482 and 494 visas. These visas are popular options for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia. But did you know there are two types of these visas? One is the traditional 482/494 visa, and the other is the DAMA 482/494 visa. At Indeedvisa, we help international workers understand the difference so they can make the right choice.
In this blog, we will explain everything in simple terms. By the end, you will clearly understand the difference between traditional 482/494 visa and DAMA 482/494 visa, and which one might suit you best.
What is a 482 Visa?
The 482 visa, also known as the Skill in shortage (SID) visa, allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia temporarily. You need to have a job offer from an Australian employer in an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
There are two streams for the 482 visa:
- Core Skill Stream – usually valid for 2-4 years, depending on your employer choice. Pathway to PR
- Specialist Skills stream – usually valid for 2-4 years for higher salary threshold
At Indeedvisa, we guide our clients through the process, from selecting the right stream to submitting the visa application.
What is a 494 Visa?
The 494 visa is called the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa. This visa is for workers who want to work in regional areas of Australia. Regional areas are those outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas for up to 5 years. After 3 years of working in regional Australia, you may also become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Again, Indeedvisa helps you understand all the rules and requirements for the 494 visa to make the application easier.
Traditional 482/494 Visa
The traditional 482/494 visa is the standard process most skilled workers follow to get sponsored by an Australian employer. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Occupation List Requirement
Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). If your occupation is not listed, you cannot apply.
2. English Language Requirement
You must meet the English language requirement. Usually, this means IELTS score of 5 or 6, depending on your visa stream.
3. Labour Market Testing
Your employer must show that they tried to hire Australians first. This is called Labour Market Testing (LMT). It is one of the key steps in traditional 482/494 visas.
4. Health and Character Checks
You must meet health and character requirements. This includes a medical examination and police clearance certificate.
5. Processing Time
Processing time for traditional 482/494 visas may take several months depending on your occupation and other factors.
At Indeedvisa, we make sure all these requirements are met before submitting your application, which helps reduce delays and improves your chance of approval.
What is a DAMA 482/494 Visa?
DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. It is an agreement between the Australian government and certain regional areas. This program was created to help regions with skill shortages bring in international workers more easily.
The DAMA 482/494 visa is a special pathway for people who want to work in regional areas with less strict rules compared to traditional visas.
Key Differences Between Traditional 482/494 Visa and DAMA 482/494 Visa
Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand the main differences:
| Feature | Traditional 482/494 Visa | DAMA 482/494 Visa |
| Occupation List | Must be on STSOL/MLTSSL | Can include occupations not on STSOL/MLTSSL |
| English Requirement | Usually IELTS 5-6 | Lower English requirement may apply |
| Labour Market Testing | Mandatory | Often waived or simplified |
| Regional Focus | 494 visa only | DAMA visa only available in nominated approval regions |
| Salary Requirements | Standard market salary | Can be lower than standard, depending on DAMA (Upto 10% reduced may apply) |
| Processing Time | Standard processing times | Sometimes faster due to DAMA support |
This table shows why DAMA can be a great choice for workers in certain regions. At Indeedvisa, we help you decide if DAMA 482/494 is suitable for your situation.
Benefits of DAMA 482/494 Visa
- Flexibility in Occupation
Many occupations not on the national skilled occupation list can still apply under DAMA. This opens doors for workers in unique or regional-demand jobs. - Lower English Requirements
DAMA often allows applicants with lower English scores, making it easier for international workers who may not have high IELTS scores. - Simplified Employer Sponsorship
Employers in DAMA regions may not need to do full Labour Market Testing, which speeds up the sponsorship process. - Regional Development Focus
DAMA visas help regional communities get the skills they need while giving workers opportunities to live and work in regional Australia.
At Indeedvisa, we have helped many clients successfully apply under DAMA 482/494 visa programs and move to regional areas with less stress.
Benefits of Traditional 482/494 Visa
- National Recognition
Traditional 482/494 visas are recognised across Australia (SC 482 Australia wide whereas SC 494 to all designated areas), not just in DAMA regional areas. - Clear Path to Permanent Residency
Medium-term 482 visa holders and 494 visa holders in regional areas can eventually apply for permanent residency after meeting work requirements. - Well-Defined Requirements
Because these are standard visas, the requirements and process are clear. At Indeedvisa, we guide clients step-by-step to ensure compliance.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
Choosing between traditional 482/494 visa and DAMA 482/494 visa depends on several factors:
- Occupation – Is your occupation on the standard skilled lists?
- Location – Are you willing to work in DAMA areas?
- English Ability – Do you meet the standard English requirements?
- Employer Support – Does your employer qualify for DAMA sponsorship?
At Indeedvisa, we assess your situation and provide personalized guidance so you choose the visa that gives you the best chance of success.
How Indeedvisa Can Help
Applying for a visa can be confusing. There are many rules, forms, and deadlines to follow. That’s why working with a trusted agent like Indeedvisa is important. Here’s how we assist:
- Visa Assessment – We check which visa is suitable for you.
- Documentation Help – We guide you in gathering all required documents.
- Application Submission – We help submit the application correctly to avoid delays.
- Employer Sponsorship Guidance – We assist your employer with sponsorship requirements, including DAMA.
- Follow-up and Updates – We track your application and keep you updated every step of the way.
Our goal at Indeedvisa is to make your visa journey smooth and stress-free.
Conclusion
Both traditional 482/494 visa and DAMA 482/494 visa have their advantages. The traditional visa is well-known and widely used, while DAMA visas offer more flexibility, especially for regional work and occupations not on the standard lists.
If you want to work in Australia and are unsure which path to take, Indeedvisa can help you decide and guide you through the entire process. We specialize in both traditional and DAMA visa applications, ensuring you have the best chance of success.
Australia has a lot to offer skilled workers, and with the right guidance, your dream of working here can become a reality. Contact Indeedvisa today and start your journey to Australia with confidence.
