NSW Priority Sectors
The NSW Government’s program aligns with its priorities to address long-term skills shortages and industries experiencing significant structural changes. The priority sectors include:
– Construction (infrastructure and housing)
– Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
– Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education, and care)
– Digital and Cyber (across all sectors)
– Education (teachers)
– Agriculture and Agrifood
– Advanced Manufacturing
NSW Skills Lists for 2024-25
Skills lists for the 2024-25 program year have been published at the ANZSCO unit group level, with separate lists available for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). All eligible occupations within the identified unit groups qualify for NSW nomination.
Subclass 190 Visa Invitations
Invitation rounds for NSW nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) will commence soon and will continue regularly until the quota is filled. To ensure eligibility, please keep your SkillSelect EOI updated and be prepared to provide valid evidence for all claims.
Subclass 491 Visa Nomination Pathways Opening Soon
Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) will soon be open for NSW nomination. Eligibility criteria for both pathways are available on the NSW Government website.
New Graduate Pathway for Subclass 491 Visa
A new direct application pathway (Pathway 3) is being introduced for recent graduates from select regional NSW institutions, allowing them to apply for NSW nomination under the subclass 491 visa.
TSMIT Concession for Subclass 491 (Pathway 1)
Applicants in specific occupations may qualify for a 10% concession on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) under Pathway 1, easing income requirement criteria.
Updated Skilled Employment Criteria
NSW has simplified its skilled employment criteria by adopting the Home Affairs definition. Previous restrictions on the employment that could be claimed in your EOI have been removed.
Application Fee
The application fee for the 2024-25 program year has increased, now set at A$315, plus GST for those applying within Australia.