NSW Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
Provisional visa for skilled workers.
The NSW Government may appoint suitable applicants who will commit to working in critical sectors in the New South Wales region.
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.
Nomination Criteria of 491 Visa
You must meet all the requirements in one of the following three streams to qualify to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.
Stream 1 – Currently living and working in Regional NSW
- hold a valid skill assessment for an occupation that appears on the stream 1 combined occupation list.
- have been living in a designated regional area of NSW for at least 12 months; and
- worked in your nominated, or closely related, work at a designated NSW regional site, at least 12 months ago
Stream 2 – A recent study in Regional NSW
- hold a valid skill assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated regions occupation list.
- graduated or teaching with an education provider, where:
- The study was completed 24 months ago
- The education provider is at a designated regional area in NSW
- the study meets Australian study requirements (as determined by the Department of Home Affairs); and
- the qualifications obtained in this study have been assessed as closely related to the work designated by the relevant assessment authority; and
- stayed in the designated regional NSW area while completing the study
Stream 3 – Skilled in the required job in Regional NSW
- hold a valid skill assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated regions occupation list.
- Currently reside in a state or territory of Australia
NSW Skilled Work Regional visa application process (subclass 491)
NSW’s nomination for a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is now by invitation only. Below are the steps for applying for NSW nomination:
- Ensure that you are eligible for a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
- Complete the EOI in Skill Select
- Register your interest during the submission window
- Be invited to apply
- Apply at the RDA office where your skills are required within 14 days
Further information
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Submission Windows: August, October, January, and March.
Invitations to be applied will be issued within seven days of the closing of the submission window.
Participating regions
- Central Coast
- Central West
- Far South Coast
- Far West
- Hunter
- Illawarra
- Mid North Coast
- Murray
- Northern Inland
- Northern Rivers
- Orana
- Riverina
- Southern Inland
- Sydney *
* Designated regional postcodes within the RDA Sydney area are available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Other migration options
NSW’s selection of a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is one of the many visa options for potential prospective migrants. There are a variety of visas offered by the Department of Home Affairs, including temporary or permanent employer nominated visas.
How can Migration Guru help you?
We will help you explore visa options and secure the application. Migration Guru has experience in immigration and visa application in Australia, and our immigration agents and attorneys have extensive knowledge of legal requirements, eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation required.
Simply dial 07 3036 3800 or email: info@migrationguru.com.au and let us help you start with your way towards obtaining an Australian visa.
