New South Wales NSW Nominations 2025-26 Now Open for Pathway 1 & 3

New South Wales (NSW) has officially announced that the state nomination applications for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) under the Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are now open for the 2025-26 program year.

Pathway 1: Work in Regional NSW

All occupations that are eligible for the Subclass 491 visa in Australia can also apply for the NSW Pathway 1. To qualify for this pathway, applicants would need to be currently employed in their nominated occupations in a designated regional area of NSW and they must have worked continuously for the past 6 months with the same NSW employer.

The applicant must also be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) by their qualifying employer at the time of application. If you are applying for a TSMIT/CSIT concession, then the employer will be needed to complete the online form and receive approval before you submit your Pathway 1 application.

*For further information on eligibility and occupation lists your can check the official website

Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduate

The NSW Pathway 3 is for international graduates who have completed their bachelor’s, master’s or a PhD degree from an educational institution located in regional NSW

The occupations that have been listed in the NSW Regional Lists are the only eligible jobs for this pathway. It is also mandatory that the completed qualification must be directly related to the nominated occupation and must have been completed within the last 2 years before applying for the NSW nomination 2025-26.

*For further information on eligibility, requirements, and occupation lists your can check the official website

Also Read: NSW Releases Key Skilled Migration Program Updates for 2025-26

NSW Nomination Places for 2025-26

NSW has received limited nomination places for the year 2025-26 for applications under the Subclass 491 visa. As a result, both the pathways, i.e., Pathway 1 and Pathway 3, might close down without prior notice once the available slots are filled.

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