30/10/2025
Navigating the NSW Subclass 491 Visa: Understanding the Updated Pathway 1 for 2025–26
Are you a skilled worker hoping to make regional New South Wales (NSW) your new home? If you're already living and working in a regional area of NSW, Pathway 1 of the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is designed for you. However, significant changes have been implemented for the 2025–26 program year that could impact your application. Read on to learn about the latest updates and how they affect your migration journey.
What is Pathway 1 of the NSW 491 visa?
Pathway 1 is specifically for applicants with an established, continuous work history in a designated regional area of NSW. This stream allows you to apply directly to the NSW government for state nomination, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Key updates for the 2025–26 program year
The most crucial recent update for Pathway 1 is its closure for new applications early in the 2025–26 program year. The quota for this pathway was reached quickly, concentrating the remaining competition on Pathways 2 and 3.
While this is disappointing news for many, here is a summary of the other requirements for those who may have applied before the closure or are looking ahead to future program years:
Employment requirements: You must have worked continuously for at least six months with the same regional NSW-based employer. Your employment must be in your nominated (or a closely related) occupation.
Work premises: The work must be performed from an established business premises in regional NSW, not from a residential address, a co-working space, or your employer's home.
Salary threshold: You must be paid a minimum of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Concessions are available in certain circumstances, but these must be approved by your employer before you apply for nomination.
Occupation list: All occupations eligible for the subclass 491 visa generally qualify for Pathway 1, and you are not limited by the specific NSW Regional Skills List.
Residency flexibility: The NSW government removed the residency requirement for this pathway, making it accessible to workers living in border towns (e.g., living in Wodonga, Victoria, and working in Albury, NSW).
Ineligible employment: Self-employment and being employed by a spouse or close family member are not eligible.
Why did Pathway 1 close early?
The closure of Pathway 1 is a result of the state receiving a limited interim allocation of visa places from the federal government for the 2025–26 program year. With high demand for skilled migration, these places were filled quickly, leading NSW to put new applications on hold.
What should you do now?
If you were considering Pathway 1, don't lose hope. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Explore other pathways: Look into Pathway 2 (for invited candidates in priority occupations) or Pathway 3 (for recent regional NSW graduates) for the subclass 491 visa.
Check the NSW Skills List: Ensure your occupation is on the updated NSW Skills List, as this is crucial for other pathways.
Review your Expression of Interest (EOI): Make sure your EOI in SkillSelect is flawless and up-to-date, as your ranking is based on your point score and other factors.
Prepare your documents: Gather all your
supporting documents to be ready to apply quickly if you receive an invitation.
Seek expert advice:
The migration landscape can be complex and change without warning. Consider consulting a registered migration agent to help you navigate your options and maximise your chances of a successful application.
Please contact KBA Global Sydney on 1800 522 456 for the consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
