Here is the hard truth for 2026: If you are waiting for a 190 Visa in Sydney with less than 95 points, you might be waiting forever.
The competition in the Sydney basin is fierce. But you don't have to move to the Outback to get Permanent Residency.
As the Best Nepali Migration Agent in Sydney, we are seeing a massive shift. Smart clients are realizing that the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is not a "downgrade"—it is the fastest, safest bridge to PR.
But since Sydney is not a designated regional area, how do you get it without losing your lifestyle? Here is the strategy we are building for our clients for the January 2026 program opening.
Strategy 1: The "Near-Metro" Move (Central Coast & Illawarra)
Did you know that Gosford (Central Coast) and Wollongong (Illawarra) are classified as "Designated Regional Areas" for the 491 visa?
- The Commuter Hack: Many of our clients live in these areas to meet the "Regional Residence" requirement but are still just 60–90 minutes from Sydney.
- The Requirement: To be nominated by NSW under Pathway 1, you generally need to be living and working in a regional area for at least 6 months before you apply.
- The 2026 Timeline: NSW Regional pathways officially reopen on 19 January 2026. If you move now, you could be eligible for the next major round.
Strategy 2: The Family Sponsored Stream (Stay in Sydney... Initially)
Do you have an eligible relative (brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin) living in a designated regional area like Canberra, Dubbo, or Perth?
If yes, you might be able to apply for the 491 Family Sponsored Stream.
- The Loophole: Unlike the State Nominated stream, you can actually be living in Sydney when you apply for the Family Sponsored 491 (subject to specific invitation rounds).
- The Condition: Once the visa is granted, you must move to a regional area. But this gives you time to plan your move after you have the visa security.
Strategy 3: The "Canberra Pivot"
Right and Associates is unique because we have offices in both Sydney and Canberra.
If NSW regional jobs are hard to find, we often advise our Sydney clients to look at the ACT (Canberra). It is 100% regional, has a stable "Matrix" system, and is only a 3-hour drive from your friends in Sydney. We can manage your transition smoothly between our two offices.
Crucial Update for 2026 Applicants
The NSW Government is focusing heavily on 4 sectors for 2026:
- Health (Nurses, Aged Care)
- Education (Teachers)
- ICT (Cyber Security, Systems Analysts)
- Infrastructure (Engineers, Trades)
If you are in these sectors and willing to move just outside the Sydney "exclusion zone," your chances of an invite are high.
Don't Pack Your Bags Until You Talk to Us
Moving is expensive. Don't break your lease in Parramatta or Rockdale until you have a confirmed strategy.
Come to our Sydney CBD office. We will look at your points, your family situation, and your job prospects to decide if the "Near-Metro" move is right for you.
Visit us in Sydney CBD: 📍 Address: Suite 12, Level 1, 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 📞 Phone: +61 2 9281 1464 📧 Email: admissions@rassociates.com.au