New South Wales Government Now Accepting Skilled Work (Regional) Visa (Subclass 491) Nominations
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has opened applications for nominations for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3. With limited nomination places available, interested applicants should review the criteria carefully to understand eligibility requirements and apply as soon as possible.
Sc 491 nominations Pathway 1 and Pathway 3
Subclass 491 Pathway 1: Work in Regional NSW
Pathway 1 is designed for skilled workers who are currently employed in regional areas of NSW in their nominated (or closely related) occupation. Below are the specific requirements for this pathway:
Eligible Occupations: All occupations that qualify for the Subclass 491 visa can apply under Pathway 1.
Employment Requirements: Applicants must be working in their nominated (or closely related) occupation in a designated regional area of NSW. They must have been continuously employed by a single employer in the region for the last six months.
Salary Requirement: Applicants must be receiving a salary at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rate from their qualifying employer.
Flexibility on Residency: The requirement to live in NSW has been removed for Pathway 1, allowing greater flexibility, particularly for applicants residing in border towns.
Subclass 491 Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduate
Pathway 3 is specifically tailored for recent graduates from regional NSW institutions. Below are the requirements:
Qualification Requirements: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from an education institution in a designated regional area of NSW.
Relevant Study: The qualification must be related to the applicant’s nominated (or closely related) occupation, completed within the two years immediately before applying for the NSW nomination. This qualification must also make them eligible for ‘Study in regional Australia’ points as per Schedule 6D.
New Enrolment Policy for Dependents of Temporary Visa Holders in NSW
Effective 1 January 2025, the NSW Government is updating enrolment policies for the dependents of temporary visa holders, making school enrolment more accessible for regional families.
Local School Access: Students on temporary resident visas will be able to enrol in their local schools based on their residential address, improving access to education within their community.
Fee Waivers for Regional Families: Families holding Temporary Skills Shortage visas (Subclass 482) who reside outside Greater Sydney and Wollongong will have their enrolment fees waived, reducing education costs for regional families.
VETASSESS Pauses Priority Processing for December
VETASSESS has announced a temporary halt on applications for Priority Processing starting 1 December 2024. This pause ensures that current applications are assessed and finalized ahead of the Christmas shutdown on Friday, 20 December 2024. Regular operations will resume when the VETASSESS head office reopens on Monday, 6 January 2025.
Applicants requiring priority processing are advised to submit their applications before the December cut-off date, as new priority requests will only be accepted once operations resume in January.
Key Takeaways
These updates from the NSW Government underscore the state’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals to regional areas and supporting temporary visa holders in accessing educational resources for their families. Skilled workers interested in living and working in NSW’s regional areas now have greater flexibility under the updated Subclass 491 nomination pathways.
With so many shifts happening in the immigration landscape, now is the perfect time to enquire about your eligibility. Our team of experienced immigration specialists can help you navigate these updates, assess your situation, and determine the best visa pathway for you. Whether you’re applying for a visa or exploring your options, contact us today to stay ahead of these changes and secure your future in Australia!
