Australia’s NSW Skilled Migration Program: New Pathways for Skilled Migrants

Program Opening Announcement
The skilled visa nomination program for NSW has officially launched for the 2024-25 program year, with updates aimed at streamlining the application process and creating additional opportunities for skilled migrants and their families to start a new life in NSW. Below, you'll find an overview of the key changes to the program.

Key Program Updates

1. NSW Priority Sectors
The program aligns with NSW Government priorities, specifically targeting sectors facing ongoing skill shortages and significant industry shifts. The identified NSW Priority Sectors include:

• Construction: Infrastructure and housing
• Renewables: Net-zero initiatives and clean energy
• Care Economy: Aged care, disability services, early childhood education, and care
• Digital and Cyber: Digital roles across various sectors
• Education: Teachers
• Agriculture and Agrifood: Agricultural and food sectors
• Advanced Manufacturing: Cutting-edge manufacturing roles

2. Published Skills Lists
Skills lists for the 2024-25 program year are available at the ANZSCO unit group level, with separate lists for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). While each occupation within an eligible unit group is eligible for NSW nomination, note that Home Affairs determines the eligibility of specific occupations for each visa. Please confirm that your occupation qualifies before pursuing a skills assessment.

3. Invitation Rounds for Subclass 190 Visa
Invitation rounds for subclass 190 nomination will commence shortly, occurring regularly until quotas are met. To maximize eligibility, ensure your SkillSelect EOI remains updated and that you have verifiable supporting evidence for all claims.

4. Nomination Pathways for Subclass 491 Visa
Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) will open soon, with detailed eligibility criteria available online. Please review these requirements carefully before applying to confirm eligibility.

5. New Regional NSW Graduate Pathway for Subclass 491 Visa
The program now includes a direct application pathway for recent graduates of select regional NSW institutions (Pathway 3) under the subclass 491 visa. For details on eligibility and the application process, visit the program's website.

6. TSMIT Concession for Subclass 491 (Pathway 1)
Certain occupations may qualify for a 10% concession on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) under Pathway 1. This adjustment can help ease income requirements for eligible applicants. Consult the TSMIT Concessions List for more information.

7. Updated Skilled Employment Criteria
In a bid to simplify the approach, NSW has removed previous limitations on claimable employment in EOIs, adopting the Home Affairs definition of skilled employment. For guidance on eligible employment claims, consider consulting a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.

8. EOI Submission Changes
Past restrictions around submitting EOIs in SkillSelect have been lifted. From this year forward, any valid EOI selecting NSW will be considered during invitation rounds. To ensure consideration, make sure your EOI is complete and visible to NSW.

9. Application Fee Update
The application fee has been adjusted by CPI for the 2024-25 program year and is now A$315, plus GST if applying from within Australia.