NSW Visa Changes: More Opportunities for Skilled Workers in Australia

The NSW Government is delighted to unveil a significant update to the nomination criteria for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1, aimed at enhancing accessibility for skilled workers residing and working in regional NSW. This modification is intended to bolster regional development and fortify the local economy.

Revised Nomination Criteria for Pathway 1

Previously, applicants pursuing Pathway 1 were mandated to have resided and worked in a designated regional area of NSW for a minimum of 12 months under the employment of a single regional NSW-based employer, alongside other prerequisites. In response to industry feedback garnered during NSW's recent Regional Skilled Migration Seminars, NSW is revising this employment duration prerequisite to 6 months.

Key Adjustments:

Reduced Employment Duration: Applicants are now required to presently reside and work in a designated regional area of NSW continuously for the preceding 6 months, as opposed to the former 12-month requirement.

This revision widens the eligibility pool for skilled workers seeking to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1, creating opportunities for those who have been actively contributing to the regional economy and communities for six months.

Remaining Criteria:

• Employment must be with a single regional NSW-based employer operating from an established business premises in regional NSW.
• The role must align with the applicant's nominated (or closely related) occupation.
• The occupation must be recognized as skilled by NSW.

Applicants must receive a minimum salary equivalent to the TSMIT salary level of $70,000 (pro-rated if working fewer than 38 hours per week) from their qualifying employer in the nominated (or closely related) occupation during the 6 months immediately preceding the application.

Important Points to Note:

Skilled employment must commence after NSW has assessed the applicant as skilled in their occupation and must be reflected in their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI).

Applicants are required to lodge their visa application onshore and must not have a pending visa application being processed by Home Affairs for a permanent visa.