NSW 491 State Nomination: Comprehensive Overview of the Three Pathways

The NSW 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa nomination program is now open! By securing state nomination, applicants can live, work, and study in designated regional areas of NSW for up to 5 years. There are three pathways to apply:

Pathway 1: Employment in Regional NSW

Eligibility: Applicants currently employed in regional NSW for at least 6 months.

Requirements:

1.  Continuous employment with the same employer in regional NSW for at least 6 months and currently employed with the same employer.

2.  The nominated occupation must be closely related to the current employment.

3.  Meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 73,150 annually.

4.  The nominated occupation must be on the 491 visa occupation list.

Application Process:

1.  Confirm eligibility for the 491 visa and NSW state nomination.

2.  Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

3.  Apply for nomination through the NSW online application system.

4.  Wait for evaluation, which typically takes 6 weeks.

Pathway 2: Invitation-Only Stream (Points-Tested Stream)

Eligibility: Applicants whose occupations align with NSW regional skill needs.

Requirements:

1.  The nominated occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List and meet 491 visa requirements.

2.  Must meet one of the following residency conditions:

o    Residing in NSW for at least 3 consecutive months.

o    Residing overseas for at least 3 consecutive months.

Important Notes:

• Only applicants invited by Investment NSW are      eligible to apply.

• Invitations are issued based on a range of      factors such as age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and      points score.

• Applicants must submit their application within      14 days of receiving the invitation. Late applications will not be      considered.

• Due to the highly competitive nature of this      pathway, it is recommended to explore alternative visa options.

Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduates

Eligibility: Recent graduates from regional NSW universities.

Requirements:

1.  Must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in regional NSW that meets the regional study requirement.

2.  Graduation must have occurred within 2 years prior to the nomination application.

3.  The qualification must be relevant to the nominated occupation.

4.  The nominated occupation must be on both the 491 visa occupation list and the NSW Regional Skills List.

5.  Must meet one of the following residency conditions:

o    Residing in NSW for at least 3 consecutive months.

o    Residing overseas for at least 3 consecutive months.

Application Process:

1.  Confirm eligibility for the 491 visa and NSW state nomination.

2.  Submit an EOI in SkillSelect, ensuring regional study points are reflected.

3.  Apply for nomination through the NSW online application system.

4.  Wait for evaluation, which typically takes 6 weeks.

Important Notes:

• Pathways 1 and 3 have limited quotas and may close at any time, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

• Pathway 2 is highly competitive, and the NSW Government advises applicants to consider alternative visa options.

• Investment NSW reserves the final decision on nomination approvals and quota distribution.

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