NSW allows to apply for NSW 491 directly

The state has opened the direct pathways that allows candidates to submit their application for NSW 491 nomination directly.

Regional NSW-based direct pathway

To apply under this pathway, you must:

1. Ensure you are eligible for this visa subclass

2. Be 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 (12) months with the same employer for a minimum of 20 hours per week

3. 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

4. Are paid at least the TSMIT level of $53,900 per annum (full time equivalent) excluding superannuation

5. Apply using our online form 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

6. 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

7. The work experience and point score requirement does not apply to the 'Regional NSW-based direct pathway'.

Pathway 1 – Apply directly to an RDA office

To apply under this pathway, you must:

1. Ensure you are eligible for this visa subclass

2. Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria:

   1. You must meet all requirements set by Home Affairs for this visa subclass.

   2. Be skilled in an occupation that is:

      1. within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skilled Work Regional Skills List; AND

      2. is eligible for the Skilled Work visa (subclass 491)

   3. You must be either currently residing in NSW or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of three months.

   4. You must meet the minimum skilled work experience and point score for your unit group. These are identified on the NSW Skilled Nominated Skills List next to the name of your unit group.

3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect and ensure that:

   1. all information is accurate

   2. your EOI seeks nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 491) and NSW only

4. Apply using our online form 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

5. 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