NSW Government Accepting Subclass 491 Nominations for Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 Applications

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is currently accepting applications for nominations under the Skilled Work (Regional) Visa (Subclass 491) through Pathway 1 and Pathway 3. Due to the limited allocation, applicants must understand the requirements and prepare their applications accordingly. 

What are the Skilled Work (Regional) Subclass 491 Visa Updates?

Subclass 491 Pathway 1: Work in Regional NSW 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Occupation: All occupations eligible for Subclass 491 can apply under Pathway 1. 

  • Current Employment: Applicants must be currently employed in their nominated or closely related occupation in a designated regional area of NSW

  • Duration of Employment: Applicants must have continuously worked for at least six months with a single employer based in regional NSW. 

  • Salary Requirement: Applicants must earn at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) salary rate from their qualifying employer at the time of application. 
     

Key Changes: 

  • The previous requirement for applicants to live in NSW has been removed. This change allows greater flexibility for those living in border towns to apply without relocating. 
     

Subclass 491 Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduate 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Educational Qualification: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or above from an educational institution located in a designated regional area of NSW. 

  • Relation to Occupation: The qualification must be related to the applicant's nominated or closely related occupation. 

  • Completion Timeline: The degree must have been completed within the two years immediately before applying for NSW nomination. 

  • Points Qualification: Applicants must qualify to claim points for "Study in Regional Australia" as per Schedule 6D of the points test. 

What is the SC491 Visa Occupation List? 

The NSW government has recently updated its Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) Skill Occupation List, especially for Pathway 2 and Pathway 3.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Interested in applying for NSW’s Skilled Work (Regional) visa (Sc 491) and seeking professional legal advice? Contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.