NSW introduces new nomination pathway for Subclass 491 applicants
As with the rest of the Australian states, New South Wales has decided to open up the remaining portion of its Subclass 491 nomination places. The NSW RDA has opened up a the new RDA 491 - Pathway 1 in order to do this.
NSW RDA - 491 Pathway
This pathway allows applicants to apply directly to an RDA office which currently has 14 participating offices. If granted the SC 491 visa, applicants will be allowed to live, study and work in designated regional areas for 5 years.
To apply under Pathway 1, you must:
1. Ensure you are eligible for the 491 visa
2. Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria
3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect and ensure that:
all information is accurate
your EOI seeks nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 491) and NSW only
4. Apply directly to the RDA office in the region you wish to live and work in for the first three years after being granted your visa by Home Affairs
5. Provide evidence for all points claims in your SkillSelect EOI, and where you currently reside, with your application. You must also provide a copy of your SkillSelect EOI
This pathway is advantageous as it allows applicants to be exempted from the minimum work experience requirement, provided that you have completed a study in regional NSW within the most recent 24 months before applying to an RDA office. However, this exemption is not applicable to everyone and the following factors will be considered.
Whether the study is related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation
Whether the study in regional NSW makes you eligible to claim points for study in regional Australia
What does this mean for you?
As the Federal Government continues to have ultimate authority over Australia's immigration policy, NSW and other states and territories are only allowed to nominate a limited number of applicants in a limited number of skilled, business, and investor visa subclasses. With the competitive nature of immigration, it is in your best interest to start your application on the right track and avoid these common mistakes:
Insufficient evidence for all the claims on your SkillSelect EOI
Did not meet the residency requirement
Has over-claimed points for employment
To guarantee a successful result, it is wise to get help from experts and professionals who can plan out the best migration pathway for you. Think Visa has been in the industry for more than 20 years and has helped thousands of migrants be successful in their migration journey to Australia.
