This is the first time the state will begin accepting applications for the regional visa after it was launched in November 2019.
The state has announced applications for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will be open from June 15.
Highlights:
- NSW will begin accepting applications for subclass 491 visa on 15 June 2020.
- The last date of applying is 23 June 2020.
- 491 is a regional visa.
“NSW Treasury will begin accepting for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) on Monday 15 June 2020,’ the state department said in a statement.
“NSW Treasury will stop accepting application at 5 pm Tuesday 23 June 2020. Applications will be assessed by the end of the financial year; Tuesday 30 June 2020.”
Melbourne-based migration expert Chaman Preet says it is an exciting announcement for those who had pinned their hopes for migrating to regional NSW.
“We have been waiting for this announcement for months now, and it’s a bit of relief to see it finally come through,” Ms Chaman Preet told SBS Hindi.
The Australian government launched the new regional visas in November 2019.
NSW had not opened the 491 subclass – the Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa program and in February said the program was delayed.
“There is currently a delay in the program opening in NSW. We will announce when NSW is open to applications shortly. We are unable to provide further guidance via phone or email at this time,” the NSW government had said in February.
“It also comes as a surprise. As most of the states close their invites around this time as we near the end of the financial year. It’s possible that the allocated places under this program may go very quick,” Ms Chaman Preet explained.
The new visas were introduced to ease the population pressures on Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and give regional communities a boost in population and access to skilled workers.
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