NSW Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 Nomination (2025–26)
📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼 Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
About NSW Nomination
NSW nomination for this visa allows skilled migrants to live, work and study in designated regional areas of NSW for a period of 5 years.
There are three pathways to NSW nomination for this visa:
Pathway 1 – Apply if you’re currently employed with a regional NSW employer
Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW
Pathway 3 – Apply if you recently graduated from a Regional NSW institution
❗ NSW nomination under Pathway 2 is highly competitive. It’s recommended to consider other migration pathways listed on the Home Affairs website rather than wait for an invitation alone.
✅ General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NSW nomination under any pathway, you must first meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 visa as set by Home Affairs.
🛠️ Pathway 1 – Employed in Regional NSW
To apply under Pathway 1, you must:
Be currently working in a designated regional area of NSW
Have continuously worked for the past six months in:
Your nominated (or closely related) occupation
The same NSW-based regional employer
A role paying at least the TSMIT/CSIT salary rate at the time of applying.
Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
✉️ Pathway 2 – Invitation by Investment NSW
To be considered under Pathway 2, you must:
Be skilled in an occupation:
Within an ANZSCO unit group listed on the NSW Regional Skills List
Eligible for the Subclass 491 visa
Meet one of the following residency criteria:
Currently working in NSW in your nominated occupation
Have lived in NSW for at least 3 months
Have lived offshore for at least 3 months
🎓 Pathway 3 – Recent Graduate from Regional NSW
To qualify under this pathway, you must:
Have completed a Bachelor’s degree or above from a regional NSW institution within the last 2 years
Your study must:
Be related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation
Must qualify to claim the Regional Study points in your SkillSelect EOI
You must also:
Be skilled in an occupation:
Within an ANZSCO unit group listed on the NSW Regional Skills List
Eligible for the Subclass 491 visa
Residency Requirement – Must meet one of the following:
Working in NSW in your nominated occupation
Residing in NSW for at least 3 months
Residing offshore for at least 3 months
💼 TSMIT / CSIT Concession (Pathway 1 Only)
To qualify for a salary concession under Pathway 1, you must meet one of the following:
Type 1 Concession: Annual earnings must be at least 90% of TSMIT/CSIT, aligning with industrial award and AMSR standards.
Type 2 Concession: Monetary earnings must be at least 90% of TSMIT/CSIT. Non-monetary benefits (e.g., food/board) can make up the rest (but not exceed 10%).
🧾 Key Eligible Occupations
ANZSCO Code
Occupation
141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager
234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist
311111 Agricultural Technician
311215 Pharmacy Technician
321211 Motor Mechanic (General)
324111 Panel Beater
324311 Vehicle Painter
331112 Stonemason
351112 Pastry Cook
351211 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
351411 Cook
361311 Veterinary Nurse
411715 Residential Care Officer
📝 Step-by-Step: NSW Nomination
🛠️ Pathway 1 – Employed in Regional NSW
Check eligibility for visa and NSW nomination
Submit your EOI in SkillSelect (must list qualifying employment)
Apply for nomination (currently closed)
Wait up to 6 weeks for assessment outcome
✉️ Pathway 2 – Invitation by Investment NSW
Check eligibility and submit your EOI
Wait for invitation (rounds held throughout the year)
If invited, apply within 14 days with valid documentation
Wait up to 6 weeks for assessment
🎓 Pathway 3 – Graduate from Regional NSW
Confirm eligibility and submit your EOI
Ensure you claim points for Study in Regional Australia
Apply for nomination (currently closed)
Wait up to 6 weeks for assessment
📋 TSMIT / CSIT Concession Application Steps
Confirm eligibility for a concession
Employer submits the concession application (currently closed)
Wait up to 2 weeks for assessment
Once approved, proceed with Pathway 1 nomination
🔔 Note: Only the employer can apply for the salary concession.
🌍 NSW Regional Skills List & Invitation Rounds
Timing: Held throughout the year (no fixed dates)
Selection Factors: Age, English, education, points, experience
Ranking: Based on highest EOIs per ANZSCO group
Discretion: Invitation is at the discretion of the NSW Government
EOI Date: The date of EOI submission or update does not affect your chances
NSW Regional Skills List
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the NSW economy. To be eligible for NSW nomination under pathways 2 and 3, your occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group identified below, which reflects skills in high demand across the state, and be eligible for the visa.
ANZSCO Code
Unit Group Name
1212 Crop Farmers
1214 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers
1324 Policy and Planning Managers
1325 Research and Development Managers
1331 Construction Managers
1332 Engineering Managers
1334 Manufacturers
1335 Production Managers
1341 Child Care Centre Managers
1342 Health and Welfare Services Managers
1351 ICT Managers
🔎 Refer to the official NSW Skills List for the full and updated list:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m offshore — can I still apply for NSW nomination?
Yes! Offshore applicants may apply under Pathway 2 or 3, provided they meet occupation and eligiblity criteria.
Q: How do I know which pathway suits me best?
We’ll assess your qualifications, occupation, and experience to recommend the most strategic pathway — whether it’s work, study, or business in NSW.
Q: Do I need a job offer for a 491 visa?
It depends. Pathway 1 requires current employment. Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 do not necessarily require a job offer.
Q: Are 190 invitations harder to get than 491?
Generally, yes — the 190 visa is more competitive with fewer occupations. Many applicants start with a 491 and later transition to PR.
Q. If Pathway 1 nomination application is still closed, how can you help?
We can help by making your nomination application ready for the lodgment and once it opens, we can lodge the application as soon as possible.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is intended as general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859).
