NSW 491 VISA PATHWAY 1 – APPLY DIRECTLY TO NSW
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 Skill Select. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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