The journey towards obtaining the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) involves navigating through two distinct pathways offered by New South Wales (NSW). Delving into the specifics of Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 is crucial for prospective applicants aiming for NSW nomination.
Basic Eligibility for Both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2
- Visa Eligibility: Adhering to all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs.
- Skills Assessment: Possessing a valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
- Residency: Choices between residing in NSW for a minimum of three months or maintaining continuous offshore residency for the same duration.
Pathway 1 introduces additional criteria to ensure a comprehensive evaluation:
- Regional Residency: Applicants must currently live and work in a designated regional area of NSW for the past 12 months.
- Skilled Employment: The 12-month qualifying skilled employment must be with a single regional NSW-based employer. It should be in the nominated (or closely related) occupation, deemed skilled by NSW, and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) salary level.
Applying under Pathway 1
- Check Eligibility: Thoroughly examine both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements.
- Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect, specifically requesting NSW nomination for this visa only. Note: Your qualifying employment must be listed in your EOI.
- Apply For Nomination: Navigate through the online application form, detailing your qualifications and relevant information.
- Wait For Nomination Assessment: The assessment typically concludes within six weeks after payment.
Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by “Investment NSW”
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your eligibility before submitting an EOI in SkillSelect.
- Submit Your EOI: If criteria align, submit an EOI, explicitly requesting NSW nomination for the subclass 491 visa. Should an invitation follow, you’ll need to support every point claim in your EOI with valid, non-expired documentation.
- Be Invited: NSW conducts ongoing invitation rounds throughout the financial year, with priority given to occupations in target sectors.
- Respond Promptly if Invited: Applicants have a 14-day window to complete the application for NSW nomination. During this time, providing valid documents to substantiate claims made in the EOI is crucial.
- Wait For Nomination Assessment: The assessment typically concludes within six weeks after payment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) offers two distinctive pathways, each with its own set of requirements and tones. Whether opting for direct application through Pathway 1 or awaiting an invitation under Pathway 2, meticulous preparation and adherence to guidelines are paramount.
For personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, consider reaching out to our team of experienced migration professionals. Your journey towards NSW nomination begins here!
