NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-2025 | Latest Update
The 2024-2025 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is now available for application and significant changes have been made to this year’s program. This latest change aims to streamline and simplify the application process and offer new opportunities to skilled workers at the same time.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced its allocation of this year’s General Skill Migration Visa scheme.
There are 3,000 spots for Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190); and
There are 2,000 spots for Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).
This change emphasises NSW’s ongoing skill shortages and reflects the state’s most recent labour needs and economic priorities.
There are currently over 700 different occupations on the Skilled Occupation Lists. The visa applicant’s role must meet a specific occupation listed in one of the skilled occupation lists:
STSOL – Short-term Skilled Occupation List
MLTSSL – Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
ROL – Regional Occupation List
What are NSW Priority Sectors for 2024-2025?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) for occupations in the Priority Sectors will be focused on by the NSW Government when selecting invitations to apply for the visa. The key sectors that the NSW’s Migration Program 2024-2025 prioritised on:
Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
Construction (Infrastructure and housing)
Education (Teachers)
Care Economy (Aged care and disability services, early childhood education and care sectors)
Agriculture and Agri-food
Advanced Manufacturing
Digital and Cyber
What are the Key Changes of the NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-2025?
NEW direct application Pathway for Subclass 491 Visa – Pathway 3
The NSW Government has introduced a new direct pathway for Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa - Pathway 3.
Eligibility: For recent graduates from select regional NSW institutions.
Occupation Relevance: Your degree must be related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation.
Completion: The degree must be completed within the past 2 years.
Regional Study Points: As stated in your EOI, you must qualify for points for ‘Study in Regional Australia’.
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.
TSMIT concessions for Subclass 491 – Pathway 1
There are some occupations in Pathway 1 listed on the NSW TSMIT Concession list (table below) that may be eligible for a 10% concession on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 311111 | Agricultural Technician |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker |
| 141111 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager |
| 351411 | Cook |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 324111 | Panel Beater |
| 351112 | Pastry Cook |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician |
| 411715 | Residential Care Officer |
| 331112 | Stonemason |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse |
Simplified process of Expression of Interest (the “EOI”)
NSW will now consider any legitimate EOI application during an invitation round, provided NSW is selected in the EOI application. Applicants may select multiple visa alternatives under the same EOI, as long as it stays valid.
Increase of Nomination Application Charge
The Nomination Application Charge of the NSW Skilled Nomination Program is increased to AUD 315 (plus GST if the application is lodged within Australia).
Skilled Employment Criteria Definition Update
The NSW Government has now modified its skilled employment requirements to align with the Department of Home Affairs’ definition, enabling more flexible work claims on the applicants’ EOI.
What is the Skilled Invitation Process?
Rounds of interviews will keep running regularly (approximately 2-3 weeks) until the allocation is exhausted. The Government will consider multiple factors when selecting EOIs including points score, English language proficiency, and the relevant skilled work experience. If you are thinking of applying for the GSM visa program, NSW invitation rounds for subclass 190 will commence soon, we highly recommend that the applicant’s EOI be updated with supporting documents.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Interested in applying under GSM in NSW and seeking professional legal advice, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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