NSW Nomination For Skilled Work Regional Visa

Sources: www.business.nsw.gov.au

As of mid January 2020, the NSW State Government will be taking charge of processing the applications for the new regional sponsored 491 visa. While at the same time, the Regional Development Authorities (RDA) will look after the remainder applications for the 489 visa.

New management of the 491 visa plans to deliver a strong, strategic outcome for regional NSW.

Regional growth is the focus of the NSW Government. Therefore the 491 visa will sit alongside several other government initiatives that aim to increase regional NSW’s attraction as a highly desirable place to live, work and do business.

About this visa

This new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa after 3 years.

*Applicants for this visa must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area and be invited to apply for the visa, following submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

The 3 Streams

1. I’m living and working in regional NSW
2. I’m offshore (outside of Australia)
3. I’ve recently completed study in regional NSW

I’m living and working in regional NSW

• Your nominated occupation is on the NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List and;
• You have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation*, for at least the last 12 months and;
• You have been living in a designated regional area in NSW, for at least the last 12 months.

I’m offshore (outside of Australia)

1. Your nominated occupation is on the NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List and;
2. You are residing outside Australia, and;

a) You have an offer for ongoing employment in a designated regional area in NSW from an employer who is registered in Australia, and;

• the offer of employment is in your nominated, or a closely related occupation*, and;
• the offer of employment is for a minimum of 12 months and for 35 hours per week. or;

b) You have at least five years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation* or;

c) You have an immediate family member living in a designated regional area in NSW.

I’ve recently completed study in regional NSW

1. Your nominated occupation is on the NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List and;

2. You have completed study at an education provider, or education providers, located in a designated regional area in NSW, and;

• the study was continuous and meets the Australian study requirement, and;
• you have lived in a designated regional area in NSW while completing this study, and;
• the study was completed within the last 12 months, and;
• the qualification from your study has been assessed as closely related to your nominated occupation* by the relevant assessing authority.

*Allocated regional zones now include: Wollongong, Newcastle and Katoomba regions. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• have a relevant occupation on a skilled occupation list;
• have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation;
• satisfy the points test;
• be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination;
• have competent English;
• submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect;
• be nominated by a state or territory government agency, and
• meet public interest criteria including health and character requirements

If you’re looking into applying for a visa for permanent residency here in Australia and need some professional advice, contact the migration experts at This Is Australia.