The New South Wales (NSW) Government has confirmed that Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are now closed to all new applications for the 2025–26 migration program year, which runs until 30 June 2026. As a result, skilled workers employed in regional NSW (Pathway 1) and recent graduates from regional NSW institutions (Pathway 3) can no longer lodge new state nomination applications under these pathways during the current program year.
Both pathways opened on 19 January 2026 and closed shortly afterwards after NSW fully utilised its allocated nomination places due to exceptionally high demand. While applications already lodged will continue to be assessed, the speed of the closure underscores the growing competitiveness of NSW state nomination and highlights why understanding pathway availability, timing risks and alternative migration options is now essential for anyone planning skilled migration to New South Wales.
Understanding the Subclass 491 visa
The Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is a points tested provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia, including regional New South Wales, for up to five years.
NSW nomination under this visa supports regional workforce needs by enabling skilled migrants to take up employment opportunities and establish long term settlement outside metropolitan areas.
NSW nomination pathways for Subclass 491
There are three pathways through which applicants may be nominated by New South Wales for the Subclass 491 visa:
- Pathway 1: Work in regional NSW
This pathway is for applicants who are currently employed by a regional NSW employer and have been working in their nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for a minimum qualifying period.
- Pathway 2: Invitation by Investment NSW
This is an invitation based pathway where NSW selects candidates from SkillSelect. Invitations are issued at the discretion of the NSW Government and consider factors such as occupation demand, skills, experience and alignment with state priorities.
- Pathway 3: Regional NSW graduate
This pathway is for recent graduates who have completed eligible qualifications at institutions located in designated regional areas of NSW.
Why did the pathway 1 and 3 close so quickly?
NSW receives a fixed number of Subclass 491 nomination places each migration program year, based on the allocation set by the Australian Government under the national skilled migration planning level. Once those places are filled, the NSW Government is required to close the relevant nomination pathways. For the 2025–26 program year, this allocation was 1,500 places across the three pathways.
When Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 opened on 19 January 2026, demand significantly exceeded the number of available places. As a result, NSW reached its nomination allocation shortly after opening and closed both pathways to further applications for the remainder of the program year.
What this means for existing applicants
Applicants who successfully lodged applications under Pathway 1 or Pathway 3 before the closure will continue to have their applications assessed by the NSW Government.
NSW has confirmed that:
- Applications already submitted will be processed and finalised under standard assessment arrangements
- No further action is required from applicants at this stage
While processing timeframes may be affected by application volumes, all valid applications lodged before the closure remain under consideration.
What remains open
Pathway 2 for the Subclass 491 visa remains open, subject to invitation by Investment NSW. Applicants cannot apply directly under this pathway and must first receive an invitation before lodging a nomination application.
Invitation rounds are conducted at the discretion of the NSW Government throughout the program year. There are no fixed or publicly announced invitation dates. Selection is based on multiple factors, including:
- Occupation demand in regional NSW
- Skills and qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- English language proficiency
- Alignment with NSW Government priorities
Submitting or updating a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) does not guarantee an invitation.
Next steps for applicants affected by the closure
For individuals who were planning to apply under Pathway 1 or Pathway 3 but were unable to lodge before the closure, the following steps are recommended:
- Monitor official NSW Government announcements for updates relating to the 2026–27 migration program year
- Consider alternative skilled migration pathways available through the Department of Home Affairs
- Ensure skills assessments, English test results and supporting documentation remain valid and up to date
- Seek professional advice to assess eligibility for other visa or state nomination options
With NSW nomination places becoming increasingly competitive, early preparation and informed planning are essential.
Expert guidance for navigating NSW skilled migration
The rapid closure of NSW Subclass 491 nomination pathways highlights the complexity and competitiveness of skilled migration planning. Absolute Immigration provides clear, structured advice to help individuals understand their options and plan effectively for future program years.
Our team can assist with:
- Assessing eligibility across skilled and regional visa pathways
- Advising on alternative migration options where specific pathways are unavailable
- Supporting preparation for future state nomination program years
- Monitoring and interpreting state and federal migration program changes
We focus on accuracy, compliance and forward planning to help clients navigate an increasingly competitive migration environment with confidence.
Get in touch
For further guidance on Subclass 491 pathways and NSW nomination options, contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
