The New South Wales (NSW) Government has recently announced key updates to its 2024-25 Skilled Migration Program, set to launch in October. With regular invitation rounds scheduled every 2 to 3 weeks until the allocation is exhausted, the NSW Government has implemented various changes designed to streamline the migration process and attract skilled migrants to the state. These changes aim to address regional skill shortages, promote regional growth, and align with federal migration policy standards.
Key Changes for the 2024-25 NSW Skilled Migration Program
Subclass 491 – Pathway 1: TSMIT & Concessions
For applicants pursuing the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491), there have been important adjustments:
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): The TSMIT applies at the time of application.
- TSMIT Concessions List: NSW introduced a TSMIT Concessions List for eligible occupations. There are two types of concessions:
- Type 1: Applies to 90% of the TSMIT.
- Type 2: Provides up to 10% of the TSMIT for non-monetary components.
It is important to note that these concessions apply to those who work in regional NSW only, with the residency requirement now limited to regional areas.
NSW Skills Lists: Revised for 2024-25
NSW has reintroduced its Skills Lists, which will be published at the Unit Group Level. This re-introduction means:
- All occupations within the Unit Group will be considered priority skills.
- Applicants will be ranked within their unit group based on the skills they possess.
- Skills lists will be divided as follows:
- NSW Skills List – for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.
- Regional NSW Skills List – for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa.
These lists will be pivotal for applicants as they navigate the eligibility requirements for state nomination, with skilled applicants being ranked according to their specific occupation and experience.
Subclass 491 – Pathway 3: Graduate Pathway
This pathway has been introduced specifically for regional NSW graduates:
- Recent graduates who studied in regional NSW in an eligible occupation can apply for nomination under Subclass 491. This change aims to retain talent within regional areas of NSW and address regional skill shortages.
Updated Definition of Skilled Employment
In a significant shift, NSW will now adopt the Department of Home Affairs’ definition of Skilled Employment. This alignment with federal migration policies means:
- NSW will consider the opinion of the relevant skills-assessing authority on when an applicant was deemed skilled.
- The state will also evaluate employment records, references, and other relevant documentation to assess the applicant’s skills, in accordance with ANZSCO codes.
This change ensures consistency between NSW and federal migration policies, allowing for a more uniform assessment of skilled employment across the board.
Simplification of Expression of Interest (EOI) Process
One of the most impactful changes in the 2024-25 migration program is the simplification of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Moving forward:
- All valid EOIs for NSW will be considered, regardless of occupation.
This streamlined process ensures that all eligible applicants have a fair opportunity to receive an invitation, further broadening the pool of skilled workers who can contribute to the NSW economy.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
The updates to the NSW Skilled Migration Program make it clear that the state is focusing heavily on addressing skill shortages in regional areas, while simultaneously aligning with federal migration standards. For prospective migrants, this means:
- Expanded Pathways: The reintroduction of the NSW Skills Lists, especially at the unit group level, ensures a broader range of occupations are considered for nomination.
- Flexibility for Graduates: Recent graduates from regional NSW now have a distinct pathway (Subclass 491 Pathway 3) to state nomination, which could be highly beneficial for those seeking to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
- Fairer Work Experience Assessments: With the new policy aligned with the Department of Home Affairs’ definitions, the assessment of skilled work experience is expected to be more consistent and inclusive of diverse employment backgrounds.
Conclusion
The changes to the NSW Skilled Migration Program for 2024-25 reflect the state’s commitment to attracting skilled workers, particularly in regional areas, while aligning with federal migration standards. These updates provide more opportunities for skilled professionals and recent graduates to make NSW their home, contributing to the state’s growth and economic development.
For more detailed information on eligibility, occupations, and the application process, prospective applicants should visit the NSW Government’s Skilled Visas page and the official website of the NSW Government.
If you are interested in applying for the NSW Skilled Migration Program or need expert assistance in navigating the visa process, feel free to book a consultation with our team at Kris Ahn Lawyers. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
The information provided in this blog post/article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create a representative-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content may not reflect the most current legal developments or specific circumstances.
Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
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