Skilled work regional visa (subclass 491)
Applications now open
Please note that RDA Sydney will communicate with applicants via email and messaging on our website.
We encourage those considering an application to view the FAQs and other links provided on this website. RDA Sydney will not respond to enquiries where the information is supplied on this page, in the FAQs and relevant links.
The only email address being monitored regarding migration enquiries is migration@rdasydney.org.au Please do not use alternate RDA Sydney email addresses as you will not receive a response.
RDA Sydney does not provide a pre-assessment service and it is up to the potential applicant to research and consider the 491 eligibility criteria or seek the advice of a migration agent which may incur a cost.
The RDA Sydney Designated Regional Area Postcodes fall within either the Hawkesbury or Blue Mountains Local Government Areas.
The RDA Sydney Subclass 491 Occupational List includes:
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233211 Civil Engineer
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233214 Structural Engineer
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233512 Mechanical Engineer
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254411 Nurse Practitioner and;
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254499 Registered Nurses nec.
S48 bar
The section 48 bar applies to applicants who are holding a bridging visa, and have had a visa refused or cancelled, since their last entry into Australia.
If you are subject to a section 48 bar you need to leave Australia before you can reapply for a visa. NSW will not re-nominate applicants who are subject to a section 48 bar where their nomination has expired, and they are unable to leave Australia. Nomination allocations provided by the Department of Home Affairs are limited and it is currently uncertain when border restrictions will be lifted. To ensure the limited nomination positions allocated to NSW go to support the economic recovery of the state, RDA Sydney will not re-nominate applicants subject to a section 48 bar.
The 491 Visa Allocation for the RDA Sydney Region is very limited and highly competitive.
RDA Sydney is not a Registered Certifying Body and does not deal with other visa inquiries.
Relevant Links:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/topics/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/subclass-491
Steps to apply for a 491 visa nomination
Steps
Check Eligibility Criteria
First check if you are eligible to apply for nomination for a 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa through one of the following three streams:
Check the Occupation List
Get to know the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions
As the region that is supporting you and providing you with the opportunity to gain a 491 visa and potentially permanent residency, we expect you to genuinely commit to the Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury regions by living and working here and to make a positive contribution to our communities.
Link to Hawkesbury map:
https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/mapping/hawkesbury-maps
Complete your application form and documentation
Make a Payment for your Application Assessment
Submit Your Application
Await the Outcome of Your Application