NSW Skilled Regional Provisional Visa 491

UPDATED ON 20 Jan 2026

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

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To apply under this pathway, you must be currently working in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously done so for the past six months.

Your qualifying skilled employment in the six months immediately before applying must be:

• In your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and

• With the same regional NSW-based employer; and

• Paid a minimum of the TSMIT/CSIT salary rate from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation at the time of applying.

Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

• Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To be considered for NSW nomination under Pathway 2 you must: 

• Be skilled in an occupation that is:

  • within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List; and

  • is eligible for this visa.

• Residency - You must meet one of following criteria:

  • Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
  • Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
  • Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.
• Pathway 3 – Apply if you recently graduated from a Regional NSW institution.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To apply under this pathway, you must have completed a bachelor's degree, master's degree (coursework or research) or PhD from an institution located in a designated regional area of NSW.

Your qualifying study must:

• Be related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and

• Have been completed within the 2 years immediately before applying for NSW nomination; and

• Qualify you to claim points for 'Study in regional Australia'. These points must appear in your SkillSelect EOI.

• Meet the residency requirements.

• Be skilled in an occupation on the NSW Regional Skills List.

  IMPORTANT NOTE: Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are now closed to new applications for the program year which ends 30 June 2026.