The NSW State Government has announced they will no longer be accepting applications for nomination under Pathway 1 of the Subclass 491 visa for the remainder of this program year.
Pathway 1 was for applicants who were employed in regional Australia in any occupation eligible for the 491 visa. Those who have already lodged an application under this pathway will not be affected, though processing of nominations is expected to be slow due to demand.
NSW will now focus on inviting applicants under Pathway 2, which is for applicants who have lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) nominating an occupation on the NSW Regional Skills List, and who are either living in NSW (and have done so for at least the last 3 months), or are offshore (and have been offshore for at least the last 3 months).
The NSW Regional Skills List allows for all occupations under an included unit group, such as:
1342 Health and Welfare Services Managers – Medical Administrator, Primary Health Organisation Manager
2332 Civil Engineering Professionals – Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Transport Engineer
2342 Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists – Chemist, Food Technologist, Wine Maker
2523 Dental Practitioners – Dental Specialist, Dentist
3411 Electricians – Electrician (General), Lift Mechanic, Electrician (Special Class)
4117 Welfare Support Workers – Community Worker, Disabilities Services Officer, Youth Worker
Migrants hoping for an invitation under Pathway 2 should ensure their EOI is up-to-date, and supported by valid documents including Skills Assessment and English test.
The program year will end on 30 June 2024, and with strong demand for nomination from NSW, it is important that applicants take advantage of this pathway while they can.
If you require assistance with lodging an EOI for a Subclass 491 in NSW, please reach out to AVIE for advice.