Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in various Australian states. If you’re considering migration in 2024-2025, you’ll need to understand the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), both of which are state-sponsored visas. Each Australian state and territory has its own criteria for selecting migrants, tailored to local labour needs.
In this guide, we will break down the 190 visa and 491 visa requirements and eligibility criteria across all Australian states and territories for the 2024-2025 program year.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. With this visa, you can:
- Live and work permanently in Australia.
- Study and access healthcare services.
- Sponsor family members for permanent residency.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for 190 Visa
- State nomination is required.
- Must meet the points test, achieving a minimum of 65 points.
- Occupation must be on the relevant state's Skilled Occupation List.
- You must have a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
- English language proficiency (Competent English or higher).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. It is a provisional visa valid for 5 years, but it offers a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) if certain conditions are met.
Eligibility Criteria for 491 Visa
- State or regional nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area.
- Must meet the points test, achieving a minimum of 65 points.
- Occupation must be on the relevant state’s or regional area’s Skilled Occupation List.
- English language proficiency.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Commit to living and working in a regional area for 3 years to be eligible for permanent residency.
State and Territory Requirements for 2024-2025
1. New South Wales (NSW)
190 Visa Requirements:
- NSW has three streams for nomination: Stream 1 (high-ranking candidates), Stream 2 (occupations with a genuine shortage), and Stream 3 (international students or those working in the state).
- You must live in NSW to be eligible.
- NSW operates under an invitation-only system; you cannot apply directly for nomination.
- Priority is given to individuals with high points and those in occupations facing critical shortages.
491 Visa Requirements:
- Must live in a designated regional area of NSW.
- Candidates are selected based on their occupation, the region's labour needs, and available spots.
- Priority is given to candidates already living and working in regional NSW.
- Applicants can also apply through NSW Stream 2 (occupation list) or Stream 3 (residency or employment in regional NSW).
2. Victoria
190 Visa Requirements:
- Victoria focuses on selecting candidates who can contribute to priority sectors, including healthcare, medical research, life sciences, digital technologies, and agriculture.
- Applicants must demonstrate their skills and work experience align with these sectors.
- Living and working in Victoria is preferred.
491 Visa Requirements:
- Candidates must be living in a regional area of Victoria at the time of nomination.
- Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s occupation and their commitment to living in regional Victoria.
- Certain regional cities in Victoria, like Geelong, are prioritised.
3. Queensland
190 Visa Requirements:
- Applicants must be living and working in Queensland in an occupation on the QLD Skilled Occupation List.
- For offshore applicants, Queensland prioritises those with significant work experience and high-demand occupations.
491 Visa Requirements:
- You must be working in regional Queensland in a nominated occupation for at least 3 months prior to applying.
- Queensland allows both onshore and offshore applicants but gives preference to those currently working in a regional area.
- Applicants should have a strong commitment to living in regional Queensland.
4. South Australia
190 Visa Requirements:
- South Australia offers streamlined application pathways for offshore and onshore applicants.
- Candidates must meet the SA Skilled Occupation List requirements.
- Applicants are also encouraged to have work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field.
491 Visa Requirements:
- Must either be living and working in a regional area of SA or have a clear commitment to moving to a regional area.
- South Australia provides a pathway for graduates of South Australian universities, offering them a more straightforward route to nomination.
5. Western Australia (WA)
190 Visa Requirements:
- WA focuses on individuals working in key sectors, including mining, healthcare, and education.
- Applicants must meet the requirements of WA’s State Skilled Occupation List.
- Western Australia considers both onshore and offshore candidates.
491 Visa Requirements:
- For regional WA, candidates must be willing to live and work in the designated regional areas of the state, including cities like Bunbury and Kalgoorlie.
- Applicants should have relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the WA Regional Occupation List.
6. Tasmania
190 Visa Requirements:
- Tasmania offers nomination to applicants who have been living and working in Tasmania for at least 6 months.
- Certain categories apply for Tasmanian graduates and long-term residents.
491 Visa Requirements:
- Candidates should be living and working in regional Tasmania.
- Offshore applicants must demonstrate strong ties to Tasmania or have skills in occupations that face shortages in the state.
7. Northern Territory (NT)
190 Visa Requirements:
- Applicants must be living in NT and working in a skilled occupation on the NT’s list.
- Strong preference is given to those who can demonstrate commitment to the region.
491 Visa Requirements:
- NT welcomes offshore applicants, especially in critical industries like construction, healthcare, and mining.
- Candidates must commit to living in NT for at least 3 years and have a job offer or work experience in a regional area.
8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
190 Visa Requirements:
- The ACT operates on a points-based matrix system, which evaluates candidates based on their skills, English language ability, and employment prospects.
- Applicants must have been living in the ACT for at least 6 months to qualify for nomination.
491 Visa Requirements:
- Similar to the 190 visa, the ACT matrix is used to select candidates for the 491 visa.
- The territory focuses on selecting applicants who have a long-term commitment to living in Canberra and contributing to its economy.
Conclusion
The 190 and 491 visas offer exciting opportunities for skilled migrants to build their lives in Australia’s diverse states and territories. However, each region has its own specific criteria, ranging from state occupation lists to residency and work requirements. Ensuring you meet the individual state’s eligibility criteria is key to securing your visa in 2024-2025.Whether you’re applying for the 190 visa or the 491 visa, it is essential to thoroughly research the state or territory where you intend to settle, as their skilled migration policies can differ significantly.
Considering a move to Australia or need assistance with your visa application? Book a visa consultation with our experienced Registered Migration Agents. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the Migration Program and take your first step towards a promising future in Australia.
By tailoring your visa strategy to the specific demands of each state and territory, you can improve your chances of a successful application. Let us guide you on your skilled migration journey!
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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