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The New South Wales (NSW) government has officially launched its skilled visa program for the 2024-2025 financial year, marking a significant development for prospective migrants. This year, NSW will begin inviting candidates for the 190 and 491 visas, with multiple invitation rounds planned throughout the year. However, specific dates for these rounds will not be announced.
Target Sectors
This year's program will focus on several key sectors:
Construction
Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education)
Digital and Cyber
Education (particularly teachers)
Agriculture and Agrifood
Advanced Manufacturing
Changes in Employment Criteria
A notable update this year is the acceptance by NSW of the Department of Home Affairs' definition of "skilled employment." This change will allow some candidates to claim additional points for their work experience, which was previously limited by the skills assessment authority.
NSW Assessment
Candidates will continue to be assessed based on various criteria, including age, English language level, education, points score, and total years of skilled work experience. Invitations will be extended to those with the highest points.
Invitation Criteria for 190 Visa
EOI Candidates waiting for a 190 visa invitation must meet the following requirements:
Have submitted an EOI.
Hold an occupation listed in the NSW skilled list.
Achieve a minimum of 65 points (invitations typically go to higher-ranked candidates).
Have lived continuously in NSW for at least six months (time spent on a visitor visa will not be counted).
For offshore candidates, a continuous offshore residency of at least six months is required.
Pathways for 491 Visa
NSW has established three distinct pathways for the 491 visa:
Pathway 1: For EOI candidates working in a regional area of NSW for at least six months with a regional employer in any occupation listed by the Federal Government for the 491 visa.
Candidates must be working in the nominated occupation (or a closely related one) and it must be in the premises of the employer (for example, working from home or co-working space arrangements are not accepted). They must also be paid a minimum salary of $73,150, but there’s several types of income that can be considered in this amount and there are some concessions for some occupations.
Candidates do not need to be living in NSW, but they need to be working in NSW.
Once this pathway is opened, EOI candidates will be able to apply for NSW Nomination directly. NSW will then assess the Nomination application within 6 weeks and advise if the invite the candidate for the 491 skilled visa.
Pathway 2: Open to EOI candidates who have lived anywhere in NSW for a minimum of three months (or who have been offshore for at least three months) with an occupation in the NSW skilled list for the 491 visa. Candidates will need to be contacted by NSW before they can lodge a nomination application, which will then be assessed for an invitation for the skilled visa.
This pathway is now opened but is highly competitive.
Pathway 3: Designed for EOI candidates who graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher from an education institution in regional NSW within the last two years. The study must relate to the nominated occupation, which must be on the NSW skilled list for the 491 visa.
Candidates must also have lived in NSW (not necessarily in a regional area) or be offshore for at least three months.
Once this pathway is opened, candidates will be able to apply for NSW Nomination directly. NSW will then assess the Nomination application within 6 weeks and advise if the invite the candidate for the 491 skilled visa.
Further Information
To access the NSW Skilled Lists of Occupations, please visit NSW’s official website here .
For personalised advice or a detailed assessments of your situation, please feel free to contact us and book a consultation with us here .
Disclaimer: This information serves as a summary and does not constitute legal advice. It is crucial you review all detailed information provided by NSW and the Department of Home Affairs before proceeding with any applications.
