The NSW Skilled Migration Program for 2024-25 offers tailored pathways for skilled professionals to support the state’s economic needs. The program encompasses the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491), targeting applicants both offshore and within regional NSW. Significant updates, including streamlined application processes, new eligibility criteria, and regional work pathways, are designed to attract high-demand skills and facilitate permanent residence in New South Wales.
In this blog, we will explore the key features, eligibility requirements, and how to successfully navigate the application process for NSW state nomination.
What is the NSW Skilled Migration Program?
The NSW Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract skilled workers to meet the state’s labour market needs. It provides pathways for eligible migrants to obtain permanent residency through:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Invitation-based permanent visa for skilled workers with priority skills that meet NSW’s economic demands.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491): A provisional visa for individuals willing to live and work in regional NSW, with potential for permanent residency.
What’s New for 2024-25?
Key updates in the NSW Skilled Migration Program for the 2024-25 year include:
- A new priority skills list published at the ANZSCO Unit Group level.
- Enhanced TSMIT Concessions for businesses in regional NSW.
- Streamlined expression of interest (EOI) processing with increased frequency of invitation rounds.
- A focus on Regional NSW graduates with specific occupation and study pathways.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Invitation-Only Pathway
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by the NSW government.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Invitation Requirement: Applicants must be invited by Investment NSW.
- Residency: Applicants must either:
- Reside in NSW for at least six months; or
- Have lived offshore continuously for six months.
- Skills List: The applicant’s occupation must align with NSW’s 2024-25 priority skills list.
- Nomination Fees: $315 (+GST) for the application.
New Developments:
- The NSW Skills List 2024-25 highlights skills crucial to the state’s development, targeting specific occupations across industries.
- Invitation-based applications are designed to match high-priority occupations, ensuring that NSW fills key skill gaps effectively.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: Pathways Explained
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional NSW. The 2024-25 program introduces three specific pathways under this visa category.
Pathway 1: Work in Regional NSW (Direct Application)
For those already employed in regional NSW, this pathway supports workers in eligible occupations, regardless of whether their job appears on the priority list. Applicants must have at least six months of employment with one regional employer in a closely related occupation.
What’s New:
- TSMIT Concessions for regional workers: Employers may offer salaries that are 90% of the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold).
- TSMIT now applies at the time of application, ensuring fair wages for regional employees.
Pathway 2: Invitation-Based Regional Occupations
This pathway targets skilled workers invited by NSW based on the Regional NSW Skills List 2024-25. Applicants can reside either in NSW or offshore, provided they meet the three-month residency requirement.
Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduate Pathway (Direct Application)
Aimed at recent graduates from regional NSW universities, this pathway allows those with degrees in priority occupations to apply directly for nomination.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or research degree closely aligned with the nominated occupation.
- The study must have been completed within the past 24 months.
- Eligible occupations are listed in the Regional NSW Skills List 2024-25.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Process and Nomination Rounds
For both subclass 190 and 491 visas, applicants must submit an EOI via SkillSelect. Key changes for 2024-25 include simplified processes, where:
- All valid EOIs selecting NSW are eligible for invitations.
- Invitation rounds will occur every 2-3 weeks, providing regular opportunities for selection.
- Applicants can now select more than one visa subclass in their EOI to maximise their chances of being invited.
TSMIT Concessions: Key to Regional NSW Migration
A major highlight for the 2024-25 program is the introduction of TSMIT Concessions for eligible occupations in regional NSW. These concessions allow businesses to attract skilled workers with flexible salary packages that meet industry standards while remaining competitive.
Types of TSMIT Concessions:
- Type 1: Requires monetary earnings to be at least 90% of TSMIT.
- Type 2: Allows non-monetary benefits, such as food and accommodation, to count as up to 10% of the total package.
Only occupations on the NSW TSMIT Concessions List are eligible for these benefits, allowing employers to offer more flexible remuneration packages.
Application Timeline and Process Improvements
The NSW Government has streamlined the migration program for 2024-25 with the following key process improvements:
- Decision Ready EOI: All documentation, including skills assessments, employment proofs, and English test results, must be valid and uploaded during application.
- Invitations are based on the points claimed at the time of invitation, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
- The program is open from September 2024, with continuous invitation rounds held until June 2025.
Conclusion
The NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-25 presents new and exciting opportunities for skilled migrants, particularly those willing to live and work in regional NSW. Whether you are a recent graduate, skilled worker, or employer, this program offers multiple pathways for permanent residency, tailored to NSW’s economic needs.
Take the first step towards your future in Australia today. Book your consultation with our Registered Migration Agents for personalised advice on navigating the NSW Skilled Migration Program.
Remember:
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent
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