The 2024-25 NSW Skilled Migration Program has officially opened, featuring several key updates aimed at enhancing opportunities for skilled migrants and their families.
Top 8 Highlights of 2024-25 NSW Skilled Migration Program
- NSW Priority Sectors: The NSW Skilled Migration Program is focused on addressing critical skill shortages in key industries, including:
- Construction (infrastructure and housing)
- Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
- Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education)
- Digital and Cyber, Education (teachers)
- Agriculture and Agrifood, and Advanced Manufacturing.
- Published Skills Lists: NSW has skills lists for Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). The lists are provided at the ANZSCO unit group level, but not all occupations within a group may be eligible. Applicants are encouraged to confirm eligibility before seeking a skills assessment.
- Invitation Rounds for Subclass 190: Regular invitation rounds for the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa will commence soon. Applicants are urged to ensure their SkillSelect EOI is up to date with valid supporting documents.
- Opening of Subclass 491 Nomination Pathways: Subclass 491 nomination pathways will open shortly, with Pathways 1 and 3 accessible. Graduates from regional NSW institutions can apply for nomination through the new Pathway 3.
- Pathway 1:
- Applicants must currently be employed in a skilled position in a designated regional area of NSW, earning at least the TSMIT salary.
- Continuous employment for six months is required.
- Pathway 2:
- Invitation to apply by Investment NSW.
- You must be skilled in an occupation on the NSW Regional Skills List.
- You must be residing in NSW (continuously for three months) or offshore (continuously for three months).
- Pathway 3 (New):
- Eligibility: For recent graduates from regional NSW institutions.
- Occupation Relevance: Your degree must be related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation.
- Completion: The degree must have been completed within the past two years.
- Regional Study Points: You must qualify for points for ‘Study in regional Australia,’ reflected in your SkillSelect EOI.
- Additionally, you must:
- Be skilled in an occupation within an ANZSCO unit group listed on the NSW Regional Skills List.
- Be residing in NSW or offshore, having continuously resided for at least three months.
- Pathway 1:
- TSMIT Concession for Subclass 491:
- Some occupations in Pathway 1 may qualify for a 10% concession on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- Skilled Employment Criteria Update:
- NSW has updated its criteria for skilled employment to align with Home Affairs’ definitions, allowing more flexible employment claims on your EOI.
- Changes to EOI Submission:
- NSW will now consider any valid EOI during an invitation round, as long as NSW is selected. Applicants can choose multiple visa options under the same EOI, provided it remains valid.
- Increased Application Fee:
- The application fee for the NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-25 has increased to A$315, plus GST for applicants in Australia.
For personalized guidance and support throughout your 2024-25 NSW Skilled Migration Program application, contact Albert Arthur Lawyers.
