Ad space available
reach us at [email protected].

Major update has been completed. Please help to report any abnormality that you are facing (in case there is any) to [email protected] . Thank you for your continued support guys!

NSW 491 Pathway 1 – Apply directly to NSW

NSW 491 visa Pathway 1 – Apply directly to NSW

Opening of Skilled Work Regional visa Subclass 491 – Pathway 1

NSW announced the opening of the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) – Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the 2024-25 program year.

Below is a summary of the key updates:

Subclass 491 Visa Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW

All occupations that are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) can apply under Pathway 1.

To apply under this pathway, you must be currently working in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously done so for the past six months with a single employer based in regional NSW.

You must also be paid the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold salary rate (currently $73,150) from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation at the time of application.

NSW removed the requirement to live-in-NSW for Pathway 1, providing greater flexibility for applicants living in border towns.

Key Changes:

Reduced Employment Duration: Applicants must now be currently living and working in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously done so for the past 6 months, instead of the previous 12 months.

This change means that more skilled workers will be eligible to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1, opening up opportunities for those who have been contributing to the regional economy and communities for six months.

Remaining Criteria:

Employment must be with a single regional NSW-based employer working from an established business premises in regional NSW.
The role must be in the applicant’s nominated (or closely related) occupation.
The occupation must be deemed skilled by NSW.
Applicants must be paid a minimum of the TSMIT salary level of $73,1500 (prorated if under 38 hours per week) from their qualifying employer in the nominated (or closely related) occupation in the 6 months immediately before applying.

Important Reminders:

Skilled employment must occur after NSW deems the applicant skilled in their occupation and must appear in their SkillSelect EOI.
Applicants must lodge their visa application onshore and must not have a current visa application being decided by Home Affairs for a permanent visa.

Supporting Regional NSW
This policy adjustment is part of our ongoing commitment to support regional NSW by attracting skilled workers to our communities. It reflects our understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by regional employers and migrants, and our dedication to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and economically robust regional NSW.

NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-25

491 NSW RDA applications open

Applications for New South Wales nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa under Pathway 1 are now open. In the following sections, we will provide a detailed explanation of the nomination process and the essential guidelines applicants must follow.

This opportunity is designed to support skilled individuals already contributing to New South Wales’ thriving community and economy.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years.

To apply under this pathway, you must:

Confirm Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, as well as the specific NSW nomination criteria.
Submit your EOI: Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect. Ensure your EOI is for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) only and seeking nomination from NSW only. Important: your EOI cannot be amended after you apply. Therefore, ensuring its accuracy and completeness before applying is highly important.
Apply
Assessment: Once your application is submitted, NSW will assess your application against their nomination criteria. This may take up to six weeks.
Outcome: If your application meets the criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) from the Department of Home Affairs.

Key Guidelines for NSW Nomination Application

Before proceeding with the application form for NSW nomination, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to the following guidelines:

Previous NSW Nomination: If you have already been nominated by NSW for any skilled visa, you are ineligible for further NSW nomination.
Single Active Application Rule: You may only have one active NSW nomination application at any time.
Validity of Supporting Evidence: Ensure that all supporting evidence is valid for at least 5 business days from the date of you apply for NSW nomination.
Accuracy of Information: It is imperative that the information provided in your application is accurate and truthful. Incorrect or misleading information may cause delays in the assessment process or lead to your application being declined.

Basic Eligibility

To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must meet the basic criteria outlined below:

Visa Eligibility

You must meet all requirements set for the 491 visa subclass.

Skills Assessment

You must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa.

Residency

You must be either currently residing:

in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.

491 NSW Pathways

Important Information About Submitting an EOI in SkillSelect for NSW Nomination

Submitting an EOI for NSW nomination under the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) requires careful attention. Don’t miss these essential points:

EOI validity: Your EOI must remain valid for the entire assessment period.
EOI Changes: After you directly apply directly for NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 1’, or are invited under ‘Pathway 2’, you cannot modify your EOI.
Specific Visa and State: Your EOI must be exclusively for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) and seeking nomination from NSW only.
Evidence of claims: You must provide evidence for all claims in your EOI with valid documents. Ensure these documents remain valid for at least five business days post-application.
Employment claims: NSW has specific guidelines on the date you can claim skilled employment. These guidelines are unique to NSW and failing to comply will lead to your application being declined.

Book a Consultation

Pathway 1 – Apply directly to Investment NSW if you have an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer

To apply directly for NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 1’ you must:

Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI in SkillSelect, ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements.
Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect, specifically requesting NSW nomination for this visa only. Note: Your qualifying employment must be listed in your EOI.
Apply For Nomination
Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment.

Previous NSW skilled occupation list for the 491 visa

1 – Managers

Unit group

1213 – Livestock Farmers

1214 – Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers

1311 – Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers

1321 – Corporate Services Managers

1323 – Human Resource Managers

1324 – Policy and Planning Managers

1325 – Research and Development Managers

1331 – Construction Managers

1332 – Engineering Managers

1335 – Production Managers

1336 – Supply, Distribution and Procurement Managers

1341 – Child Care Centre Managers

1342 – Health and Welfare Services Managers

1343 – School Principals

1351 – ICT Managers

1399 – Other Specialist Managers

1492 – Call or Contact Centre and Customer Service Managers

1493 – Conference and Event Organisers

2 – Professionals

Unit group

2124 – Journalists and Other Writers

2221 – Financial Brokers

2223 – Financial Investment Advisers and Managers

2231 – Human Resource Professionals

2241 – Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians

2243 – Economists

2244 – Intelligence and Policy Analysts

2247 – Management and Organisation Analysts

2251 – Advertising and Marketing Professionals

2253 – Public Relations Professionals

2321 – Architects and Landscape Architects

2322 – Surveyors and Spatial Scientists

2323 – Fashion, Industrial and Jewellery Designers

2324 – Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators

2332 – Civil Engineering Professionals

2333 – Electrical Engineers

2334 – Electronics Engineers

2335 – Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers

2336 – Mining Engineers

2339 – Other Engineering Professionals

2341 – Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry Scientists

2342 – Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists

2343 – Environmental Scientists

2347 – Veterinarians

2411 – Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers

2412 – Primary School Teachers

2413 – Middle School Teachers / Intermediate School Teachers

2414 – Secondary School Teachers

2415 – Special Education Teachers

2421 – University Lecturers and Tutors

2512 – Medical Imaging Professionals

2513 – Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals

2515 – Pharmacists

2523 – Dental Practitioners

2524 – Occupational Therapists

2525 – Physiotherapists

2526 – Podiatrists

2527 – Audiologists and Speech Pathologists / Therapists

2531 – General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers

2532 – Anaesthetists

2541 – Midwives

2542 – Nurse Educators and Researchers

2543 – Nurse Managers

2544 – Registered Nurses

2713 – Solicitors

2721 – Counsellors

2723 – Psychologists

2725 – Social Workers

2726 – Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers

3 – Technicians and Trade Workers

Unit group

3112 – Medical Technicians

3121 – Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians

3122 – Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians

3123 – Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians

3211 – Automotive Electricians

3212 – Motor Mechanics

3222 – Sheetmetal Trades Workers

3223 – Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers

3232 – Metal Fitters and Machinists

3241 – Panelbeaters

3243 – Vehicle Painters

3311 – Bricklayers and Stonemasons

3312 – Carpenters and Joiners

3322 – Painting Trades Workers

3332 – Plasterers

3333 – Roof Tilers

3334 – Wall and Floor Tilers

3341 – Plumbers

3411 – Electricians

3421 – Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

3422 – Electrical Distribution Trades Workers

3423 – Electronics Trades Workers

3622 – Gardeners

3623 – Sports Turf Managers and Trades Workers

3624 – Nurserypersons

3911 – Hairdressers

3941 – Cabinetmakers

4 – Community and Personal Service Workers

Unit group

4111 – Ambulance Officers and Paramedics

4113 – Diversional Therapists

4117 – Welfare Support Workers

4523 – Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials

5 – Clerical and Administrative Workers

Unit group

5111 – Contract, Program and Project Administrators

5996 – Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors

6 – Sales Workers

Unit group

6121 – Real Estate Sales Agents

Participating RDA offices

You can find more information for the individual RDAs by clicking on the tabs below:

Central Coast

APPLICATIONS OPEN 2 NOVEMBER 2022.

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Central Coast region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Central Coast region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Central West

NSW RDA 491 Visa applications open Wednesday 2 November 2022.

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa, and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Central West region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore it is important that you get to know the Central west region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

If you are interested in relocating to the Central West, we encourage you to learn about it.

Far South Coast

Far West

SKILLED WORK REGIONAL VISA (subclass 491) Opens Wednesday 2 November 2022

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Far West Region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Far West region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Illawarra

Murray

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Murray region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Murray region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Northern Inland

Northern Rivers

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Northern Rivers region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Northern Rivers region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Orana

Applications will open on Wednesday, the 2nd of November 2022

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Orana region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Orana region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Riverina

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Riverina region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Riverina region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Southern Inland

NSW RDA 491 Visa applications open Wednesday 2 November 2022.

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Southern Inland region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Southern Inland region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Sydney

Hunter

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will open on 2 November 2022.

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Hunter region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Hunter region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

Mid North Coast

As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Mid North Coast region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Mid North Coast region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.

There are seven Local Government Areas on the Mid North Coast:

Coffs Harbour City
Bellingen Shire
Nambucca Valley
Kempsey Shire
Port Macquarie-Hastings
Taree Community

Other State Skilled Occupations lists for 190 visa and 491 state sponsored regional visa