As announced on 14 October 2022, the New South Wales Skilled Migration Program 2022-23 has an update that aims to support regional NSW-based skilled migrants.
The new dedicated pathway for Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) nomination – the Working in Regional NSW eligibility stream – recognises applicants’ commitment to living and working in regional NSW.
Introducing the regional NSW-based direct pathway
The new stream will prioritise applications for skilled migrants who:
- Are currently living and working in their nominated (or closely related) occupation in a designated regional area of NSW, and have continuously done so for the past twelve months for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Meet all eligibility requirements required by the Australian Government for this visa.
- Have a valid skills assessment in an occupation within a unit group that appears on the NSW Regional Skills List and is eligible for the visa.
- Are paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) level or $53,900 per annum (on a full-time basis) excluding superannuation.
- Can provide employment evidence through payslips, employment contracts and tax returns.
If an applicant meets all stream criteria outlined above, they may apply directly for NSW nomination by submitting an expression of interest through Skillselect.
Previously published minimum points score and work experience requirements do not apply to migrants applying through this stream.
Read more: New South Wales Skilled Migration Program 2022-23 Update
Alternative nomination pathways
There are two nomination pathways for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) in addition to the new regional NSW-based direct pathway. These are:
1) Applying directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office in the region you wish to live. Participating RDA offices are listed on the NSW Government website.
Note: 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.
2) Being invited by Investment NSW
Note: Because being invited to apply is exceptionally competitive, and the state strongly encourages anyone seeking NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and not to wait to be invited by NSW.
For more information about the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) as part of the NSW Skilled Migration Program 2022-23, visit the Investment NSW website.
