NSW SC491 Visa Pathways 1 & 3 Reached Capacity and Closure for 2025/26 Program Year
A highly anticipated update regarding the New South Wales (NSW) Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) has prompted swift responses from applicants. On 2 December 2025, the NSW Government announced that applicants for both Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate would open on 19 January 2026 for the 2025/26 program year. However, in an unprecedented turn, both pathways reached capacity and closed to new applications on the very same day they opened.
Why Did Both NSW Pathways Close So Quickly?
There was clarification from the NSW Government that the rapid closure was due to the overwhelming volume of applications lodged on the opening day, which significantly exceeded the NSW allocated places for these pathways.
What does this Closure mean for Submitted Applications?
All applications successfully submitted prior to the closure will continue to be processed. However, due to the unexpectedly high volume of submissions, applicants should be aware that processing times may extend beyond the estimated six-week timeframe.
Expedited Assessment Requests
For those with pending applications, it is possible to request an expedited assessment under specific, time-sensitive circumstances. Priority processing may be requested if, within 10 business days, any of the following events are due to occur:
The applicant’s current visa, or their partner’s current visa, is due to expire.
The applicant’s or their partner's English test, skills assessment, or passport is due to expire.
The applicant is approaching an age threshold that would reduce their points below the minimum requirement for the visa.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
The rapid closure of both pathways shows the intense demand for skilled migration to regional New South Wales (NSW). If you have any doubts about your visa pathway, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
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