Stay updated with the 491 visa NSW latest update, reducing the employment requirement for prospective applicants in regional NSW.
What does the subclass 491 visa allow you to do?
The subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled migrants to live, work and study in a designated regional area in New South Wales.
There are two pathways which can be used by visa applicants to apply for the subclass 491 visa as follows:
- Prospective applicants who satisfy the employment requirement and demonstrate the work history requirements with a regional New South Wales-based employer can apply.
- Prospective candidates are selected by Investment NSW based on the need for their skills in New South Wales.
What are the new requirements announced by the NSW State Government?
The key change announced by the NSW State Government relates to prospective applicants who wish to apply for this visa based on their employment with a regional New South Wales-based employer.
Previously, the New South Wales State government required applicants to demonstrate that they were working for 12 months with a single regional New South Wales based employer. On 3 April 2024, the State government announced one key change to this requirement, which is reducing the employment duration from 12 months to 6 months. This change came into effect immediately.
This change implies that visa applicants aspiring to apply for the subclass 491 visa in New South Wales must now show only 6 months’ employment experience with a regional New South Wales-based employer to satisfy the eligibility criteria.
What are the other general eligibility requirements visa applicants must satisfy?
- Visa applicants must be employed with a single regional New South Wales based employer working from established business premises in regional NSW.
- The position must be in the applicant’s nominated or closely related occupation and the occupation must be on the NSW Skills List.
- Visa applicants must have a valid positive skills assessment.
- Visa applicants must be paid a minimum of the TSMIT salary level of $70,000 from their qualifying employed in the nominated (or closely related) occupation in the 6 months immediately before applying.
- Visa applicants must provide evidence of meeting the required English skills.
If you want to apply for a subclass 491 visa following the NSW latest update, our expert team of Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents can assist. Please contact us today to book a consultation.
*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*
