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

You must meet all criteria in one of the following three streams to be eligible to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

Stream 1 — I am living and working in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills 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 the previous twelve months; and 

• have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, in a designated regional area of NSW, for at least the previous twelve months

Stream 2 — I have recently completed study in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated region’s occupation list
• have completed study or education with an education provider, where: 
  • the study was completed within the previous 24 months
  • the education provider is in a designated regional area in NSW
  • the study meets the Australian study requirement (as determined by Home Affairs); and 
  • the qualification obtained from this study was assessed as closely related to your nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority; and 
• have lived in a designated regional area of NSW while completing your study

Stream 3 — I am skilled in an occupation required in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated region’s occupation list
• Be currently residing in an Australian state or territory

Nomination process

NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is now by invitation only. Below are the steps to apply for NSW nomination:

1. Ensure you are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
2. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect
3. Register your interest during a submission window
4. Be invited to apply
5. Apply to an RDA office where your skills are required within 14 days

NSW uses a selection-based invitation process to ensure that NSW nominees are aligned to the skills needs of the state’s economy. You cannot directly apply for NSW nomination. 

NSW nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is exceptionally competitive. We strongly recommend you consider available on the Home Affairs website and not wait to be invited. 

Invitation rounds

Invitation rounds occur ongoing throughout the financial year. There are no set dates, and they are not announced beforehand. 

NSW cannot advise the date of upcoming NSW invitation rounds by phone or email. 

Who will be considered

To be considered in a NSW invitation round, you must:

• be eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• have submitted an EOI in SkillSelect 
• have a valid Skills Assessment in a NSW target sector
• be currently residing in NSW and either be:
  • currently employed in NSW where your employment meets the standard for claiming skilled employment in your nominated occupation, or
  • have genuinely and continuously resided in NSW for the past three months

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