NSW - Subclass 491 - Changes to Pathway 1

New South Wales announced a reduction in the requirements for Pathway 1 of the 491 visa on April 3, effective immediately. This change aims to make it easier for more skilled migrants from remote areas to apply for this pathway and better support the development of remote areas and the economy in New South Wales.

Important changes to the NSW 491 visa include:

- Reduction of work experience requirement from 12 months to 6 months for Pathway 1.

This policy adjustment was made based on industry feedback from a recent seminar on skilled migration to remote areas. Previously, applicants for Pathway 1 of the NSW 491 visa were required to work and live in remote areas for 12 months.

Other requirements for 491 Pathway 1 applicants include:

- Employment with an employer in a remote area of New South Wales

- The nominated position must be closely related to the applicant's occupation (minimum of 20 hours per week)

- Considered skilled by New South Wales

- Have an annual salary of at least AUD 70,000 (pro-rated if working less than 38 hours per week) in the six months prior to the application

- Lodge the visa application within Australia

- No current application for a permanent residency visa under consideration

As of early April, there are 30% of overall quotas remaining for NSW, with 878 quotas remaining for the 190 visa and 302 quotas remaining for the 491 visa. It is expected that NSW will issue a new round of invitations for either the 190 or 491 visa soon.

Both overseas and onshore applicants have equal invitation opportunities. For overseas applicants, having several years of work experience can be advantageous. Based on invitation trends from this financial year, besides priority invitation sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, ICT, and agriculture, there may also be opportunities for other occupations in high demand in NSW to receive invitations. Due to the tight quotas this year, competition is fierce, and the key to receiving an invitation from NSW lies in the applicant's own points and work experience.