NSW State Nominated Migration Program Opens for 2024-2025: Key Details

The state of New South Wales (NSW) has officially launched its State Nominated Migration Program for the 2024-2025 financial year. This announcement brings new opportunities for skilled migrants looking to move to Australia under two key visa categories: the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). Here’s what applicants need to know about eligibility and application processes.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) allows skilled workers to live and work in NSW as permanent residents. Key eligibility requirements include:

  1. Basic Eligibility Requirements:

    • Applicants must meet all the visa requirements set by Home Affairs.
    • They must hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation listed on the eligible skilled occupation list and belong to an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) unit group featured on the NSW Skills List.
    • Residency conditions require that applicants have resided continuously in NSW or offshore for at least six months before applying.
  2. NSW Skills List:

    • To qualify, the applicant’s occupation must be on the NSW Skills List, which outlines in-demand skills across the state.
    • The list focuses on filling critical skill gaps in high-demand industries, including construction, education, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) offers temporary residency to skilled workers in regional areas of NSW. There are three pathways to apply for nomination under this visa:

  1. Pathway 1 – Employment-Based Application:

    • Applicants must be currently employed in a designated regional area of NSW and have maintained this employment for at least six months.
    • The employment must be in the nominated or a closely related occupation and paid at least the minimum salary threshold.
  2. Pathway 2 – Invitation by Investment NSW:

    • Applicants must demonstrate skills in an occupation on the NSW Regional Skills List.
    • Residency requirements include a minimum of three months residing in NSW or offshore before applying.
  3. Pathway 3 – Recent Graduate Pathway:

    • Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution in a regional NSW area within the past two years.
    • The completed studies must be related to the applicant’s nominated occupation and contribute to points for ‘Study in regional Australia.’

Understanding Invitation Rounds and Skills Lists

NSW conducts invitation rounds throughout the financial year without fixed dates, based on the highest-ranking Expressions of Interest (EOI). Factors considered include age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and points score. For the 2024-2025 year, the application fee has been increased to AUD $315.

NSW Priority Sectors

The program aims to address skills shortages and cater to industries undergoing significant changes. Priority sectors include:

  • Construction (housing and infrastructure)
  • Renewable Energy (net-zero initiatives)
  • Care Economy (aged care, disability, early childhood education)
  • Digital and Cybersecurity (all sectors)
  • Education (teachers)
  • Agriculture and Agrifood
  • Advanced Manufacturing

Changes to EOI Submission

Restrictions on submitting EOIs in SkillSelect have been removed. Any valid EOI with NSW selected will now be considered, so applicants must ensure their EOIs are complete and visible for consideration.

For further details, refer to the NSW Skills List for subclass 190 and 491 visas. This program year presents an exciting chance for skilled professionals to pursue career opportunities in NSW, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.

References:

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | NSW Government

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) | NSW Government