What is the NSW Skilled Migration Program?
The NSW Skilled Migration Program is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program, allowing international individuals to work, live, and migrate to Australia. Like the General Skilled Migration Program, the NSW program is based on a points test system, meaning applicants who meet the required points are eligible to apply for these visas. However, the NSW Skilled Migration Program differs in that it requires nomination from the state of New South Wales (NSW).
Similar to other states, NSW has its own skilled migration pathways designed to address the state’s specific labour market needs by attracting professionals in high-demand occupations. Each year, the state releases a list of occupations that are eligible for NSW visa programs.
Visa Subclasses in the NSW Skilled Migration Program
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
This visa subclass is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled professionals to work and live permanently in NSW.
To be eligible for this visa, the applicants must:
- Occupation: have an occupation that must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List.
- Skills Assessment: have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation from the relevant Australian authority.
- Points Test: must have a minimum sore of 65 points on the points test, though higher scores increase your chances of nomination.
- Residency: You must currently reside in NSW or demonstrate a strong connection to the state.
Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491
This is a provisional visa which allows skilled professionals to work and live in a regional area of NSW for up to 5 years. However, they can obtain a permanent residency after 3 years on this visa.
To be eligible for this visa, the applicants must:
- Occupation: have an occupation that must be on the NSW Regional Occupation List that points out labour shortage in regional areas of NSW.
- Sponsorship: have a nomination from either the NSW government or a regional employer.
- Residence: commit to living and working in a designated regional area of NSW.
- Points Test: Similar to the Subclass 190, a minimum of 65 points is required, but a higher score increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation.
Updates in NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024 - 2025
Priority Occupations
Due to the labour market need, NSW identifies the prioritised occupations list which need more skilled workers than other occupations.
- Healthcare Professionals: Registered nurses, general practitioners, aged care workers, and allied health professionals.
- Engineers and Construction Workers: continued to be prioritised due to the strong development of infrastructure.
- Information and Communication Technology: The high demand for ICT fields remains unchanged compared to previous years.
- Education professionals: Early childhood educators and secondary school teachers, particularly in STEM subjects.
- Agricultural Professionals: These occupations are in the priority list as they are crucial for the regional development.
Focus on Regional Areas to Support Local Development
In order to support the development of regional areas, NSW is offering more nominations to applicants who are willing to work in regional NSW.
A key change is that while you must work in a regional are to be eligible for this visa, you are no longer required to live there. This added flexibility provides skilled professionals with more options, encouraging them to apply for this stream and helping to address the labour shortage in regional NSW.
Streamlined Application Process
NSW has simplified to streamline the application process. The NSW Government has improved the online application portal and give a clear guideline for both visa 190 and 491. These improvements will reduce processing times, allowing applicants to receive nomination decisions more quickly. Invitation rounds for NSW visas may occur more regularly, approximately every 2-3 weeks until the quota is filled.
Need help with the NSW visa application? Contact our experience Migration Agents today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.