RDAs will start processing visas in Feb 2021! 

Regional Development Australia (RDA) offices will begin assisting NSW Treasury manage the subclass 491 visa in early February 2021.

Each RDA office will accept and assess applications and determine eligible occupations for their respective regions; however, nomination criteria is consistent across all regions.

Information about how to apply will be made available on RDA websites as soon as possible. Links to participating region websites can be found below.

List of participating regions

• Central Coast
• Central West
• Far South Coast
• Far West
• Hunter
• Illawarra
• Mid North Coast
• Northern Inland
• Northern Rivers
• Orana
• Riverina
• Southern Inland(including Murray region)
• Sydney

RDA offices will focus on nominating applicants who are undertaking skilled work in critical sectors. These applicants are a priority for Government in supporting economic recovery following the impacts of COVID-19.

Source: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw/visas-and-immigration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491