NSW Launches Skilled Work Regional 491 Program

In an effort to enhance the contribution of skilled workers to regional New South Wales (NSW), the NSW Government has officially launched its Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 program. This initiative falls under Pathway 1, which enables applicants to apply directly to Investment NSW, provided they possess an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer.

The primary objective of Pathway 1 is to recognize and support individuals who are already playing a significant role in the development of regional NSW and have been actively engaged in regional work for a continuous period of 12 months.

Distinctive to Pathway 1 are specific criteria that applicants must fulfill, setting it apart from alternate pathways

• Residency and Employment in Designated Regional Areas

Applicants must currently reside and work in a designated regional area of NSW and have maintained this status for the past 12 months.

• Continuous Employment with a Single Regional NSW-Based Employer

The qualifying skilled employment in the twelve months preceding the application must be with a single regional NSW-based employer. Furthermore, the occupation in question must be nominated or closely related.

• Occupational Skill Requirement

The occupation chosen by the applicant must be deemed skilled by NSW authorities.

• Minimum Salary Threshold

The position occupied by the applicant must be remunerated at the minimum Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $70,000. This threshold is prorated if the employment is for fewer than 38 hours per week, as determined by the qualifying employer.

For those interested in pursuing this pathway, detailed information is available on the Investment NSW website. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines provided on the platform to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the requirements associated with the Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 program under Pathway 1.

To review your eligibility, please get in touch with our expert team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation.