NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-25 Update

NSW Skilled Migration Program 2024-25: Key Updates

The NSW Skilled Migration Program is preparing to roll out in September, with applications becoming available from October. Invitations will be issued consistently every 2-3 weeks, continuing until the state’s allocation is filled.

This year’s 2024-25 program introduces several changes, which are outlined in the summary below:

Key Dates to Remember

• Program Launch: September 2024

• Invitations Open: October 2024

• Regular Invitation Rounds: The NSW Government will issue invitations every 2-3 weeks, providing ample opportunities for applicants to receive their invitation until all allocations are filled.

Visa Allocations for 2024-25

The NSW Government has announced its quota for the two key skilled migration visa subclasses:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 3,000 places available. This visa is for skilled workers nominated by the NSW Government and offers permanent residency.

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 2,000 places available. This provisional visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of NSW for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

Invitation Process and Application Pathways

The invitation process remains crucial for many applicants. Here’s what to expect:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
   As with previous years, to be considered for an invitation, applicants must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. It’s important that  dall information is accurate and complete to maximise your chances of receiving an invitation.

2. Multiple Visa Subclass Selection
   One significant improvement in this year’s program is the ability for applicants to select more than one visa subclass in their EOI. This makes the process more flexible and gives applicants more opportunities to be invited under different streams, whether it's the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.

3. Invitations Issued Regularly
   NSW will be issuing invitations on a regular basis, with rounds occurring every 2-3 weeks until all places are filled. This creates a dynamic system where applicants have ongoing opportunities to receive an invitation, reducing uncertainty and long waiting periods.

Pathways for Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa, which focuses on regional NSW, has three distinct pathways:

1. Pathway 1: Direct Application for Regional Workers
   Applicants who have established a work history in regional NSW for at least six months can apply directly for nomination. This means you don't need to be invited through SkillSelect for this pathway if you meet the eligibility criteria:

• You must have been employed by one regional employer for six months.

• Your occupation should be either the nominated one or closely related.

• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) applies.

What's New for 2024-25: This year, the NSW Government has removed the requirement for applicants to reside in NSW while working in a regional area, expanding opportunities for those living outside NSW but working within the state.

1. Pathway 2: Invitation-Based (Priority Occupations)
   This pathway is designed for applicants in priority occupations that support the economic development of NSW. Invitations will be issued based on the Regional NSW Skills List 2024-25. Eligibility for this pathway requires:

• Continuous residency in either NSW (onshore) or outside of Australia (offshore) for at least three months before applying.

• Employment in a priority occupation listed for regional areas.

2. Pathway 3: Direct Application for Regional NSW Graduates
   In response to the growing need for skilled professionals in regional areas, recent graduates from regional NSW in eligible occupations are now able to apply directly for a nomination. To qualify, you need:

• A Bachelor's, Master's, or a research degree (Masters by Research or PhD) related to your nominated occupation.

• The study must meet the Australian Study Requirement.

• Graduation should have occurred within 24 months before applying.

• A valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation.

• You must have studied in regional NSW, making you eligible to claim 5 points towards your points test.

Key Change for 2024-25: This pathway is part of the program's focus on promoting study and work in regional NSW, helping address skill shortages while offering new opportunities for regional graduates.

TSMIT Concessions and Income Requirements

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) continues to play a pivotal role in the eligibility for skilled visas. The threshold ensures that skilled workers receive appropriate remuneration for their occupation. For 2024-25, the following concessions are available:

• Type 1 Concession: Businesses must show that annual earnings will be at least 90% of TSMIT, while also ensuring they meet award requirements and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the specific occupation and location.

• Type 2 Concession: For certain occupations, businesses can offer a combination of monetary and non-monetary benefits (such as food and accommodation). These benefits must total at least 90% of TSMIT, and the non-monetary components cannot exceed 10% of the total earnings.

What’s New for 2024-25: The NSW Government has published a TSMIT Concessions List, which details the occupations eligible for these concessions. Employers must apply for the concession, but there is no fee associated with this application.

New Approach to Skilled Employment Assessments

The NSW Government has taken steps to simplify and align its approach to assessing skilled employment. In previous years, NSW applied its own definition of when an applicant was deemed skilled. However, for the 2024-25 program, NSW will adopt the Department of Home Affairs' definition of skilled employment.

This change means that when assessing your work experience, NSW will consider:

• The opinion of the relevant skills assessing authority (such as the Australian Computer Society for IT professionals).

• Information from ANZSCO (the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).

• Other relevant documents, including employment records and references.

This comprehensive approach ensures that applicants' skills are more holistically evaluated, potentially increasing the chances for those with extensive work experience.

NSW Skills Lists for 2024-25

For both the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, NSW will be reintroducing its skills lists, which will be available at the ANZSCO Unit Group level. All occupations within a unit group will be prioritised and ranked, offering clearer guidance for applicants on which skills are currently in demand in NSW.

• NSW Skills List (Subclass 190): This list will focus on occupations that are critical to the state's economic development.

• Regional NSW Skills List (Subclass 491): This list will target occupations that are important for regional areas and align with the state's strategy to develop these regions.

Both lists will be published on the NSW Government’s official website and updated regularly.

Fees and Program Costs

Applicants for the NSW Skilled Migration Program will be required to pay a nomination application fee of $315 (plus GST). This fee applies to both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 applications, ensuring that the process remains accessible while covering the administrative costs of processing nominations.

Conclusion: Why You Should Apply Now

With an expanded number of places, simplified processes, and clearer guidelines, the NSW Skilled Migration Program for 2024-25 is shaping up to be a promising pathway for skilled migrants. Whether you're currently working in regional NSW, about to graduate from a regional university, or an international applicant with sought-after skills, now is the time to explore your options.

At One Planet Migration Law, we can help guide you through the process, from submitting your EOI to navigating the complexities of the application. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your future in New South Wales. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your migration journey.

For further details, visit the NSW Skilled Migration website or reach out to us directly.

 Contact us now to schedule a consultation and get the professional guidance you need.

Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.