Update (October 2026)
NSW has opened its 2026-27 program for the 190 visa, but as at October 2026 NSW says applications for the 491 visa under all pathways, including Pathway 2, remain closed to new applicants. The criteria below are the most recent published settings and are kept for reference until NSW announces its 2026-27 491 program. See our October 2026 migration news for the latest state updates.
491 Pathway 2: Be invited to apply by Investment NSW (exceptionally competitive)
To be considered under this pathway, you must:
- Ensure you are eligible for the 491 visa
- Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria outlined below
- Complete an EOI in SkillSelect and ensure that:
- all information is accurate
- your EOI seeks nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and NSW only.
- Be invited to apply during an invitation round. NSW will not issue an invitation to apply for any reason outside the normal functioning of an invitation round.
- Apply to Investment NSW within 14 days of being invited
- Provide evidence for all points claims in your SkillSelect EOI and where you currently reside
OCCUPATION
To be considered for NSW nomination under Pathway 2 you must:
Be skilled in an occupation that is:
- within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List; and
- is eligible for this visa.
RESIDENCY: You must meet one of the following criteria:
- Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
- Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
- Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.
KEY STEPS
To be considered for NSW nomination under Pathway 2 you must:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements before submitting an EOI.
- Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect. Should you be invited to apply, you will need to support every point claim in your EOI with valid (i.e. non-expired) documentation.
- Be Invited: NSW holds invitation rounds throughout the financial year. All valid EOIs in occupations within ANZSCO unit groups identified on the NSW Regional Skills List are eligible for NSW nomination. Important: because of the exceptionally high demand for NSW nomination, NSW strongly encourage anyone considering NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and not wait to be invited.
- Respond Promptly if Invited: You will have 14 days to complete your application for NSW nomination after being invited. When you apply, you will need to provide valid documents to substantiate every claim made in your EOI. This 14-day window will not be extended.
- Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment.
Important information about invitation rounds
Invitation rounds occur ongoing throughout the financial year. There are no set dates, and rounds are not announced beforehand.
We cannot advise the date of upcoming NSW invitation rounds or the likelihood your SkillSelect EOI will be invited by contacting our office.
Meeting the minimum nomination criteria outlined above in no way guarantees you will be invited to apply for NSW nomination.
Because being invited to apply is exceptionally competitive, we strongly encourage anyone seeking NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and do not wait to be invited by NSW.
Please book an appointment to discuss your options and pathways.
NSW 491 Pathway 2 FAQs
Is NSW 491 Pathway 2 open in 2026?
As at October 2026 NSW says 491 applications under all pathways remain closed to new applicants for the 2026-27 program year, while the 190 program is open. Keep your EOI up to date and check for NSW announcements.
What is the difference between Pathway 1 and Pathway 2?
Under Pathway 1 you apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office for NSW nomination. Under Pathway 2 you cannot apply directly: you submit an EOI and wait to be invited by Investment NSW in an invitation round, which is very competitive.
How long do I have to apply after an NSW invitation?
You have 14 days to complete your application for NSW nomination and provide evidence for every claim in your EOI. NSW does not extend this window.
Where must I live to use Pathway 2?
Under the last published criteria you needed to be working in NSW in your nominated occupation, living in NSW for at least three months, or living offshore for at least three months. Once you hold the 491 visa you must live and work in regional NSW, which excludes Sydney.
Select a state below to see its requirements:
Australia
State and territory requirements
Each state and territory has its own list of occupations, requirements and processes you must follow.
More information about the requirements and processes on how Australian states or territories nominate applicants is available.
