The New South Wales Government has confirmed that Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa Pathway 1 (Work in Regional NSW) and Pathway 3 (Regional NSW Graduate) are now closed to new applications for the 2025–26 migration program year, which runs until 30 June 2026. Skilled workers employed in regional NSW and recent regional graduates can no longer lodge state nomination applications under these pathways during the current program year.
Both pathways opened on 19 January 2026 and closed shortly thereafter after NSW fully allocated its available nomination places due to exceptionally high demand. Applications submitted before closure will continue to be assessed under standard processing arrangements.
The Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa allowing skilled migrants and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia, including regional NSW, for up to five years. NSW offers nomination for this visa through three pathways:
• Pathway 1 – employment in regional NSW (now closed)
• Pathway 2 – invitation by Investment NSW (open)
• Pathway 3 – regional NSW graduate (now closed)
NSW receives a fixed annual allocation of Subclass 491 nomination places. For 2025–26, demand exceeded the available 1,500 places, resulting in the early closure of Pathways 1 and 3.
Pathway 2 remains open, but applications can only be lodged following an invitation from Investment NSW via SkillSelect. Invitations are issued at the state’s discretion based on occupation demand, skills, experience and alignment with NSW priorities.
Applicants affected by the closure should monitor announcements for the 2026–27 program year, review alternative visa options, keep documentation current, and seek professional migration advice. With NSW state nomination increasingly competitive, early planning is critical.