The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa offers skilled migrants the chance to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of New South Wales for up to five years. It’s designed to attract skilled talent to regional communities that need it most and for many applicants, it’s a major step toward permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
NSW nomination can be achieved through three different pathways, each catering to a different type of applicant:
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Pathway 1 – For those currently employed by a regional NSW employer.
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Pathway 2 – For candidates invited by Investment NSW.
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Pathway 3 – For recent graduates from a regional NSW institution.
What is a Subclass 491 Visa?
The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa requires nomination from an Australian State or Territory government, or sponsorship from an eligible Australian relative, with a commitment to settle in a regional area of Australia.
Visa holders must live, work, and study in regional Australia, contributing to local workforce growth and community development.
Pathway 1 – Currently Employed in Regional NSW
This pathway is for skilled workers who are already contributing to a regional NSW business.
To apply under Pathway 1, you must:
- Be currently employed in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously worked there for the past six months.
- Your employment must be in your nominated (or closely related) occupation, and with the same employer during that time.
- You must be paid at least the TSMIT/CSIT salary rate applicable to your occupation.
- Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the 491 Skilled Work Regional visa.
This pathway is ideal for individuals already living and working in NSW who can demonstrate consistent, relevant employment with a local employer.
Pathway 2 – By Invitation from Investment NSW
Pathway 2 is an invitation-only route and is highly competitive due to limited nomination spots.
To be considered, you must:
Have an occupation listed within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List and eligible for the 491 visa.
Meet one of the following residency conditions:
- Currently working in NSW in your nominated occupation, or
- Have continuously resided in NSW for at least three months, or
- Have continuously resided offshore for at least three months.
If selected during an invitation round conducted by Investment NSW, you’ll have 14 days to apply for nomination and provide evidence for every claim made in your EOI (Expression of Interest).
Due to strong demand, we advise applicants not to rely solely on this pathway and to explore alternative migration options.
Pathway 3 – Graduate Stream (Regional NSW Graduates)
If you’ve recently completed your studies in a regional NSW institution, Pathway 3 may be your opportunity to stay, work, and build your career in Australia.
To qualify, you must:
- Have completed your studies within the past two years from a regional NSW institution.
- Ensure your qualification is directly related to your nominated occupation and skills assessment.
- Have either lived in NSW or been offshore for the past three months.
- Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation listed on the NSW Regional Skills List.
This pathway offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to transition from study to skilled employment and eventually progress to permanent residency via the 191 visa after three years.
Why NSW Nomination Matters
Each NSW nomination pathway is designed to attract and retain skilled individuals in regional areas, ensuring both community development and workforce sustainability.
For many applicants, the 491 visa represents the bridge between temporary and permanent migration, offering valuable work experience and a clear route toward residency.
At AVIE, we help applicants determine their most suitable pathway, navigate complex eligibility criteria, and avoid costly application mistakes.
Ready to Begin Your NSW Nomination Journey?
Whether you’re working in NSW, hoping for an invitation, or a recent graduate eager to stay, our migration experts can help guide your next step with confidence.
Contact AVIE today to find out which NSW 491 nomination pathway is right for you and start building your pathway to Australian permanent residency.