The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced the opening of NSW 491 pathway 1 nominations for 2024. A candidate with a track record of employment with a regional NSW employer can directly submit their application to Investment NSW. The purpose of this pathway is to:
“Support applicants who have been employed in regional NSW for almost 12 months and are already making substantial contributions to the region.”
Moreover, the NSW Government has significantly modified the nomination requirements for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), pathway 1. These new changes to the eligibility criteria will make the pathway more feasible for skilled workers who are already working in regional New South Wales (NSW). Ultimately, it will be beneficial for regional economic development.
Continue reading the following blog post to know more about the changed requirements and application process for NSW 491 pathway 1.
NSW 491 Visa (Pathway 1) Nominations 2024
The NSW nominations for a skilled work regional visa (subclass 491) allow skilled workers to reside and work in designated New South Wales (NSW) areas for approximately five years. In order to apply for NSW nominations, you can choose two pathways, which are:
Pathway 1: Under pathway 1 of the NSW 491 visa subclass, candidates who have worked with a regional employer can directly apply for Investment NSW.
Pathway 2: Under Pathway 2, Investment NSW will send invitations to the candidates to apply for nominations. Invitation rounds are conducted throughout the year, and the government prioritizes expressions of interest (EOIs) that align with major industry sectors.
Important: The NSW nomination for pathway 2 is quite complex and competitive. That’s why candidates prefer applying for nominations under pathway 1.
What is the New Eligibility Criteria for NSW 491 Pathway 1?
Previously, it was mandatory for candidates for NSW 491 Pathway 1 to reside and be employed in a specified regional area of New South Wales for at least one year with a regional NSW-based employer. According to the latest updates, the candidates now are required to be employed in a specific regional area of NSW for approximately six months.
Other requirements include the following:
- You must have worked for a recognized business organization in regional NSW for a single employer.
- The job position must align with the occupation mentioned by the candidate.
- The NSW Government must recognize the profession as a skilled profession.
- In the six months prior to applying, candidates must have received at least the TSMIT salary level of $70,000 from their qualifying employer in the designated occupation.
Here is a piece of advice for you: The Australian visa application process is very difficult to understand. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek professional help. Book an online consultation now and allow us to help you with NSW nominations under Pathway 1.
How Can I Directly Apply for NSW 491 Pathway 1 in 2024?
The Australian visa application process is quite challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, you must understand the basic steps of the application process to save yourself from trouble and confusion. Follow these steps to apply for New South Wales (NSW) under Pathway 1:
- Check your eligibility.
- Submit your EOI.
- Apply for a nomination
- Wait for an assessment
- Assessment outcome
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI), it is necessary to check that you meet all the visa and NSW nomination requirements.
Step 2: Submit Your EOI
Once you have checked that you satisfy the eligibility criteria, the next step is to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, particularly if you are requesting a NSW nomination. Keep in mind that your designated occupation must be listed in your EOI. Moreover, it is not possible to change your EOI once you submit it. Therefore, it is crucial to verify its authenticity and completeness before applying.
Step 3: Apply for Nomination
After EOI submission, apply online for NSW 491 nomination under pathway 1 and attach all the required documents with your application.
Step 4: Wait for the Assessment
The NSW Government will assess your visa application within a week after receiving your payment.
Step 5: Assessment Outcome
The Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) if your application fulfills the requirements. You will receive an email invitation at the address you mentioned in your SkillSelect EOI.
What are the Key Points to Apply for NSW 491 Pathway 1?
Here is the list of key guidelines that candidates should follow before applying for the NSW 491 Pathway 1 nomination in 2024:
- You can only have one active NSW nomination application at a time.
- You are not eligible for a NSW nomination if you have already been nominated for a skilled visa by the NSW government.
- Make sure that the supporting documents and evidence are valid for up to five business days after the date of your NSW nomination application.
- It is essential that you submit accurate information in your application. False or inaccurate information will prolong the evaluation procedure or may result in the rejection of your application.
What are the Tips for Submitting a Flawless EOI?
It takes careful consideration to submit an EOI for NSW nomination under subclass 491 skilled work regional visa. Therefore, remember these crucial points:
- Your EOI must be valid throughout the whole assessment period.
- You cannot change your EOI once you submit a direct application for NSW nomination under NSW 491 Pathway 1.
- Your Expression of Interest (EOI) must be only for NSW nominations in subclass 491 pathway 1.
- All of the claims in your Expression of Interest (EOI) must be supported by legitimate documentation. Make sure these documents are still valid after the application for at least five business days.
- The deadline for filing a claim for skilled employment varies depending on the state of NSW. These rules are specific to NSW, and if you don’t follow them, your application will be rejected.
Important Note: Before submitting an application for a NSW nomination, confirm that you fulfill the eligibility requirements set by the NSW authorities. If you fail to do this, your application will be rejected. Furthermore, it is important to seek legal advice before applying for a nomination application or EOI submission.
How Can The Migration Help?
The Migration is a registered company that provides authentic visa and education consultation services. We have a team of MARA-certified agents in Australia who are experts in providing the best solutions to clients. Our team of immigration lawyers provides customized solutions by assessing applicants’ age, skills, qualifications, and work experience.
Therefore, schedule an online appointment now if you need help regarding document verification, application preparation, EOI submission, or searching for guidance relevant to updates. We are here to help you.
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I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.