Update: NSW Skilled Migration Program opens (and then abruptly closes) Subclass 491 nomination pathways
On 2 December 2025, the New South Wales (NSW) Government announced that it had been allocated 2,100 places for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and 1,500 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, and also informed that Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the Subclass 491 visa would open on 19 January 2026.
The NSW Government has today confirmed the opening of Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 nominations for the 2025-26 NSW Skilled Migration Program.
Update - Important Notice: Closure of the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa Pathway 1and Pathway 3 to new applications
Due to an overwhelming response since the opening of Pathway 1 on 19 January 2026, the NSW Government has now announced on the same day, that the application portal has closed to Pathway 1. Applications that have already been submitted will be finalised and there is no need to take further action. Due to the high volume of applications, processing times may be longer than the estimated 6-week processing period, and you may request an expedited assessment if within the next ten (10) working days any of the following will occur:
Your current visa or your partner's current visa will expire.
Your English, skills assessment, or passport, or your partner's, will expire.
You will lose points for age, and this will bring your total points below the minimum required for the visa.
If any of the above applies to you and you need to seek an expedited assessment of your nomination application, you may contact the NSW Government at skilled.migration@investment.nsw.gov.au.
Subclass 491 Visa Pathway 1 - Work in Regional NSW
All occupations that are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) can apply for nomination under Pathway 1.
To apply under Pathway 1, you must be currently working in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously done so for the past six months with a single employer based in regional NSW.
You must also be paid the equivalent of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) salary rate from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation at the time of applying., unless you are employed in one of the occupations listed on the TSMIT/CSIT Concession List.
Detailed eligibility criteria for Pathway 1 is available on the NSW Government’s website.
Importantly, to be eligible for NSW nomination under Pathway 1, you must be in genuine, regular employment with an established business, and the following types of employment are not eligible:
Self-employment: If you own or operate your own business, you are not eligible for nomination under this pathway.
Employment by a spouse or family member: If you are employed by your spouse or a close family member, this will also be considered ineligible.
The employment must be with an independent, unrelated employer and involve genuine work in your nominated occupation from established business premises (a proper commercial location that demonstrates a legitimate business operation in regional NSW), and the following types of work premises are not considered acceptable:
Your home or residential address
Someone else’s home, including your employer's home
Co-working spaces or shared office environments
Subclass 491 Visa Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate
To apply for nomination under Pathway 3, you must have completed a bachelor's degree, master's degree (coursework or research) or PhD from an education institution located in a designated regional area of NSW.
Only occupations that appear on the NSW Regional Skills List are eligible to apply for nomination under Pathway 3.
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 a full list of the eligibility requirements for Pathway 3 is available on the NSW Government’s website.
What about Pathway 2?
To apply for nomination under Pathway 2, you must be invited to apply for Subclass 491 nomination by Investment NSW, and:
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.
The need to conduct an invitation round under Pathway 2 will be determined following the demand for nominations under Pathways 1 and 3. At the earliest, if required, the NSW Government has indicated that an invitation round for Pathway 2 will occur in April 2026, and further updates may be provided prior to conducting an invitation round as required.
Need help with working out your immigration options in Australia?
Our immigration lawyers at Inclusive Migration have extensive experience in advising prospective migrants to Australia about their employer-sponsored, skilled migration and family migration options in Australia.
Should you wish to discuss your eligibility for a Skilled Visa in Australia, please do not hesitate to email info@inclusivemigration.com.au, submit an enquiry using the contact form on our website or send us a message on WhatsApp.
