Breaking News: NSW Opens Subclass 491 State Nominations for Pathway 1 & Pathway 3 (2025-26 Program Year)
The NSW Government has officially announced the opening of state nomination applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the 2025-26 program year.
This update presents a time-sensitive opportunity for skilled workers and recent regional graduates seeking a clear pathway to Australian permanent residence through regional NSW.
Details of Subclass 491 Visa – Pathway 1 NSW State Nomination
Under Pathway 1, all occupations eligible for the Subclass 491 Visa may apply for NSW nomination, provided they meet the employment requirements.
Key eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Currently working in their nominated or closely related occupation
- Be employed in a designated regional area of NSW
- Have worked continuously for at least 6 months with one employer based in regional NSW
- Be paid at least the TSMIT or CSIT salary rate at the time of application
Note:
If you’re applying under a TSMIT/CSIT concession, your employer must complete the online concession form, and the concession must be approved before lodging the Pathway 1 nomination application.
This pathway strongly favours onshore skilled workers already contributing to the regional NSW workforce, making it one of the most practical regional PR pathways for temporary visa holders.
Learn more about the concession here
Details of Subclass 491 Visa – Pathway 3 NSW Skilled Migration Program
Pathway 3 is designed specifically for international graduates who studied in a designated regional area of NSW and are seeking to remain in Australia long-term.
Key eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s (coursework or research), or PhD
- Graduated from an educational institution located in a designated regional NSW
- Nominate an occupation listed on the NSW Regional Skills List
- Have completed the qualifying study within the last 2 years
- Ensure the qualifications are closely related to the nominated occupation
This pathway offers a critical PR option for regional graduates, particularly those whose occupations may not be prioritised in other skilled migration streams.
However, if you’re not eligible for this pathway and your occupation is not on the priority list, read this guide to ease your concern: Your Visa Option If Occupation Is Not in Demand
Limited Places Available, and Applications May Close Without Notice
The NSW Government has confirmed that state nomination places for the subclass 491 Visa are limited for the 2025-26 program year, thus:
- Pathway 1 and/or Pathway 3 may close at any time once the NSW allocation is full.
- Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee nomination
All nominations remain:
- At the discretion of the NSW Government,
- Subject to program allocation limits,
- Assessed against NSW’s best interests and workforce needs.
What This Means to You
The good news:
- Strong opportunities for regional workers and graduates
- Clear eligibility framework for onshore applicants
- Continued NSW commitment to regional migration and workforce retention
But watch for these risks:
- High competition due to limited nomination places
- Strict interpretation of eligibility criteria
- Incomplete or poorly prepared applications may be declined
What You Should Do Now
- Review the full eligibility criteria for Pathway 1 or Pathway 3 before applying
- Ensure employment, salary and qualification evidence is accurate and up to date
- Prepare documentation early due to high demand
- Seek advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner, especially if your case involves concessions, occupation alignment or recent graduation
The opening of Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 nomination marks a significant opportunity for skilled migrants and international graduates aiming to build their future in regional NSW.
Given the limited allocation and discretionary nature of nominations, early and strategic preparation will be critical to success, and we’re here to guide you.
We are just a message away
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see the difference we’ve made for others. You can be confident that you are in good hands.
Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, phone at 1300 827 159, or WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
