Applications open
We have updated our requirements to now accept applications from all eligible candidates already living in regional NSW, and who have an occupation on the NSW Regional Skilled Occupation List.
Applications must be received by 5pm Friday (AEST), 26 June 2020.
Who can apply?
You can only apply for NSW nomination if you are eligible for this visa subclass AND:
- have an occupation on the NSW regional skilled occupation list, and;
- are currently living in a designated regional area of NSW.
If you do not meet all of these requirements you are not able to apply for NSW nomination. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be declined. The NSW nomination fee is not refundable.
Please carefully review the full list of requirements and instructions on how to apply below.
For further information, we strongly encourage you to read our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a provisional points-tested visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, study and work in designated regional areas of Australia for a period of 5 years.
NSW Treasury nominates eligible highly skilled workers for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) to drive economic growth in regional NSW.
Eligibility
You can apply for NSW nomination if you meet all of following requirements outlined below:
Nomination requirements
You must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ eligibility requirements for this visa, AND:
- have an occupation on the NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List, and;
- be living in a designated regional area of NSW.
If you are not already living in a designated regional area in NSW, you are not eligible.
There is no minimum time-frame for how long you have been residing in regional NSW, however you must be able to demonstrate your place of residence through evidence. Information on what evidence is required is included in our application form.
Age
You must be aged under 45 when we nominate you to apply for the visa.
Points claim
When you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect you will be given a points score based on the claims you have made. If you do not obtain a score of at least 65 points, you are not eligible to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.
You must provide evidence supporting your points claims with your application to NSW.
To see how points are awarded, please refer to the points calculator.
English language
At the time of applying to NSW, you must have at least competent English.
If you are a citizen of the USA, UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland or New Zealand, you are not required to complete an English language test.
Occupation
You must hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation that exactly matches one that appears on the NSW Regional Skilled Occupation List.
Your commitment to regional NSW
You must commit to living and working in a designated regional area of NSW for the duration of your visa.
How to apply
Step 1 – Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, the Home Affairs’ online registration system
Before applying for NSW nomination, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, the Home Affairs’ online registration system, nominating NSW as your preferred state.
The date that your EOI was submitted has no impact on your application. Read more about SkillSelect.
You will be provided with a unique number after submitting your EOI in SkillSelect. You must include this number with your application to NSW.
All claims made in your EOI must be accurate and current. You are required to provide evidence for all claims in your EOI with your application to NSW. This includes where you currently reside and your skilled employment history (if applicable).
Step 2 – Prepare your documents and complete the NSW nomination application form
Complete the following application form:
When you lodge your application to NSW, you must provide:
- A detailed resume or CV,
- Your valid skills assessment,
- English language test results, or a copy of your passport bio page if you are exempt,
- Evidence of your residency in a designated regional area in NSW and,
- Supporting documents for your EOI points claims.
If you are asked for further documentation relating to your application, you will need to provide it within 14 calendar days to enable our assessment team to consider it. Otherwise, your application may be refused.
Step 3 – Complete your application fee payment
NSW nomination fees are payable via the link below using Visa or MasterCard. Application fees are non-refundable.
After completing your online payment, you will be sent your receipt by email to the address entered during the payment step. You must provide a copy of this receipt with your application.
Pay your A$330 NSW nomination fee here.
Step 4 – Submit your application to NSW Treasury
Submit your application via email to [email protected]. Along with your completed NSW nomination application form, you must include all supporting documents, and your application payment receipt.
This must be sent in one email only, with the subject line for your email in the following format:
- Application – EOI number – SURNAME Given name – DOB
- For example: Application – E0123456789 – SMITH John – 01/01/1990
When attaching your support documents, you must:
- Use PDF format for all your documents,
- Ensure your email does not exceed 50MB,
- If the size of your supporting documents is greater than 50MB, only attach your most important documents. A case officer will contact you if they require further information when assessing your application.
Step 5 – After you have submitted your application
After you have submitted your application to NSW, you will receive an email from NSW Treasury acknowledging your application has been received.
Please do not contact us for an update on your application.
Please do not write to [email protected]. Emails that are not applications to this address will be deleted.
Step 6 – Wait for your application outcome
Our standard processing time is four weeks; however, this can vary.
You may request we expedite your application only if the following situations apply to you:
- your current visa is expiring within six weeks of submitting your application, or;
- your skills assessment or English language test result will expire within four weeks of submitting your application, or;
- you are losing points, which will reduce your total score to below 65 points, within four weeks of submitting your application. If you will lose points, and this does not reduce your total score below 65 points, you cannot request we expedite your application.
Alternative migration options
NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is just one of a number of visa options for prospective skilled migrants. There is a range of visas offered by Home Affairs, including both temporary and permanent employer nominated visas.
