Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

About NSW Nomination

NSW nomination for this visa allows skilled migrants to live, work and study in designated regional areas of NSW for a period of 5 years.

There are two pathways to NSW nomination for this visa:

• Pathway 1 – Apply directly to Investment NSW if you have an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer.
• Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW.

NSW nomination for this visa under ‘Pathway 2’ is exceptionally competitive. Consequently, we strongly encourage anyone considering NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 2’ to consider all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and not wait to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

See our Common questions about skilled visas page for answers to a full list of our most commonly received questions.

Basic Eligibility

To be considered for NSW nomination, at a minimum, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Visa eligibility: You must meet all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa.
• 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.

Important Information About Submitting an EOI in SkillSelect for NSW Nomination

Submitting an EOI for NSW nomination under the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) requires careful attention. Don’t miss these essential points:

1. EOI validity: Your EOI must remain valid for the entire assessment period.
2. EOI Changes: After you directly apply directly for NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 1’, or are invited under ‘Pathway 2’, you cannot modify your EOI.
3. Specific Visa and State: Your EOI must be exclusively for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) and seeking nomination from NSW only.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Key Steps for Securing NSW Nomination

The NSW nomination process involves several crucial steps that are different for each nomination pathway:

Pathway 1 – Apply directly to Investment NSW if you have an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer

To apply directly for NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 1’ you must:

1. Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI in SkillSelect, ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements.
2. Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect, specifically requesting NSW nomination for this visa only. Note: Your qualifying employment must be listed in your EOI.
3. Apply For Nomination: Apply for NSW nomination using our online application form.
4. Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment. To help us stick to this timeline, please refrain from contacting us for updates during this period

5. Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW

   To be considered for NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 2’ you must:

   1. Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI in SkillSelect, ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements.
   2. Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect, specifically requesting NSW nomination for this visa only. Should you be invited to apply, you’ll need to support every point claim in your EOI with valid (i.e. non-expired) documentation.
   3. Be Invited: NSW holds invitation rounds ongoing throughout the financial year. All EOIs that meet the guidelines are considered, but preference is given to occupations in NSW target sectors. Important: because of the exceptionally high demand for NSW nomination, we strongly encourage anyone considering NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and not wait to be invited.
   4. Respond Promptly if Invited: You’ll have 14 days to complete your application for NSW nomination after being invited. When you apply, you will need to provide valid documents to substantiate every claim made in your EOI. This 14-day window will not be extended.
   5. Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment. To help us stick to this timeline, please refrain from contacting us for updates during this period.

   For your benefit, common reasons for application declines are listed below, which we suggest you review to enhance your application’s success.