Please be advised that RDA Central West is not receiving any new 491 Visa applications as it has reached its assigned allocation.
Please refer to the NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491 to identify alternate NSW regional options.
RDA Central West does not send messages by WhatsApp and will not contact you via SMS texts to your phone.
If you receive a text or WhatsApp message that looks like it is from RDA Central West please:
- be careful
- do not click on any links
- do not reply to a text, email or WhatsApp request for further information.
If you have made a payment to RDA Central West do not make another payment.
Please report any dubious contact to our office on 02 6369 1600.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) offices across NSW assist the NSW government in assessing nomination applications for the 491 visa.
The Federal Government retains ultimate responsibility for Australia’s migration program, including the allocation of available places across program streams and making decisions on visa applications.
Nomination Pathways
There are two pathways to NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
- Pathway 1 has 2 streams administered by the RDAs
- Stream A – established work history with a regional NSW-based employer
- Stream B – My skills are required in regional NSW
- Pathway 2 is by NSW Government invitation only
Information regarding these pathways is outlined on the NSW Regional Skilled Migration webpage.
Common Questions
Answers to common questions about skilled visas are also available.
Alternative migration options
NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is just one of a number of visa options for prospective skilled migrants.
There are a range of visas offered by Home Affairs, including both temporary and permanent employer nominated visas. You may also wish to seek advice from a registered migration agent.
How to apply
Step One: Complete Application and Submit Documentation
Step Two: Get to Know Your Region
Therefore it is important that you get to know the Central west region, and research whether the work and lifestyle opportunities it provides are suitable for you and any dependents you may have.
If you are interested in relocating to the Central West, we encourage you to learn about it. Information can be found on our website.
Step Three: RDA Confirmation of Receipt of Documentation
Your RDA will send a confirmation email of receipt of documentation and provide details regarding payment of your fee.
Step Four: Assessment Fee Payment Instructions
Our assessment fees are:
Skilled Work Regional State Nominated (491 visa): AUD $800.00 including GST
Note that payment of your application assessment fee does not guarantee a positive outcome for your application.
Following receipt of your application form, RDA Central West will email you an invoice for payment. Once the invoice has been paid evidence of payment must be sent to migration@rdacentralwest.org.au
Step Five: RDA Assessment Process
Once we have assessed your application, we will be in contact with you to request further information if required documents were not included in your application submission or to advise you on the outcome of your application.
Step Six: Await the Outcome of Your Application
Data Collection Notice
The personal information you provide to RDA Central West is subject to the Privacy & Personal Information Act 1998. It is being collected by RDA Central West and will be used for the purposes related to NSW nomination under the NSW Business and Skilled Migration Program.
RDA Central West may share the personal information provided by you in connection with your application for nomination with the NSW Government, the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs and RDA Sydney for the purposes of verification and processing of your nomination and subsequent visa application. RDA Central West will not disclose your personal information to anybody else unless authorised by law. The provision of your personal information is required to be supplied for the purposes of assessing your eligibility for NSW nomination for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). If you choose not to provide any requested personal information, we may not be able to assess your application for nomination.
You have the right to request access to, and correct details of, your personal information held by us. For further information concerning the management, storage and privacy of your information, please refer to the NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade website.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) Program - RDA Central West Refund Statement
There are limited circumstances under which RDA Central West will refund an applicant their application fee for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) program. These circumstances include:-
- Applicant turns 45 years of age during the assessment process:
a. The applicant has paid the application fee of $800 (incl. GST) and supplied proof of payment to RDA Central West, and
b. The applicant turns 45 years of age during the assessment process being conducted by RDA Central West, and
c. Accordingly, RDA Central West is obliged to cease its assessment, deem the applicant unsuccessful and refuse nomination.
2. Clerical billing error:
a. RDA Central West discovers, or it is brought to the attention of RDA Central West that a clerical error in its billing system has occurred, and
b. Accordingly, where an applicant has been invoiced incorrectly and therefore made payment to RDA Central West for an amount that is considered to be incorrect.
The above circumstances are the only circumstances in which RDA Central West will refund an applicant their application fee or part thereof.
All permitted refunds will be returned to applicants in the manner in which the original payment was made and to the same corresponding bank account.
*Note: Under no circumstances are refunds available to applicants for having a change of mind concerning the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) program or being materially non-compliant with the application criteria set out by the NSW Government and the Department of Home Affairs.
**All refunds are at the discretion of RDA Central West or at the direction of the NSW Government.
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