491 NSW RDA applications open
Most NSW RDAs have opened applications for the sc 491 program on 2 November 2022.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years.
To apply 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 Nominated visa (subclass 491) and NSW only
- 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
- 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
Regional NSW study exemption
You are exempt from the minimum work experience requirement under Pathway 1 if you have completed study in regional NSW within the most recent 24 months before applying to an RDA office; AND your study is related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation; AND your study in regional NSW makes you eligible to claim points for Study in regional Australia
Basic Eligibility
To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must meet the basic criteria outlined below:
Visa
You must meet all requirements set for the 491 visa subclass.
Skills
Be skilled in an occupation that is:
- meet the minimum point score and years of skilled work experience for your occupation as outlined on our skills list, AND
Residency
You must be either currently residing in NSW or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of three months.
The work experience and point score requirement does not apply to the ‘Regional NSW-based direct pathway’.
Related:
- NSW 190 Skilled Occupation List
- NSW 190 visa nomination requirements
- NSW 491 visa Skilled Occupation List
- NSW 491 visa nomination requirements
491 NSW Pathways
- NSW 491 Pathway 1 – Apply directly to an RDA office
- NSW 491 Pathway 2 – Be invited by NSW
- NSW 491 Regional NSW-based direct pathway
Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office
Stream A – Established work history with a regional NSW-based employer
You may apply for NSW nomination under Stream A if you meet the nomination criteria and you are skilled in any occupation that is eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
Stream B – My skills are required in regional NSW
To be eligible for for NSW nomination under Stream B, your nominated occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group outlined below and be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
Participating RDA offices
You can find more information for the individual RDAs by clicking on the tabs below:
APPLICATIONS OPEN 2 NOVEMBER 2022.
As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Central Coast region by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.
Therefore, it is important that you get to know the Central Coast region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.
Other State Skilled Occupations lists for 190 visa and 491 state sponsored regional visa
Select a state below to see it’s 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.
