NSW State Nomination 190 & 491 Visa – 2024/25

NSW State Nomination Update for 190 and 491 Visa Program – 2024/25

The NSW state nomination program, a significant gateway for 190 Visa and 491 Visa candidates, has officially opened. This marks a new chapter for international graduates and skilled workers interested in migrating to NSW, Australia. The program has undergone updates, including the identification of priority sectors, a new regional pathway for NSW graduates, an updated Skilled Occupation List, and a TSMIT concession for 491 Visa – Pathway 1 candidates.

We have summarised all updated information on the NSW state nomination below. 

NSW State Nomination Priority Sectors

The priority sectors for the NSW state nomination program in 2024-25 include:

• Construction (infrastructure and housing),
• Renewables (net zero and clean energy),
• Care Economy (aged care and disability services, early childhood education and care sectors),
• Digital and Cyber (across all sectors),
• Education (teachers), 
• Agriculture and Agrifood, and
• Advanced Manufacturing.

Updated NSW State Skilled Occupation List 

The Skilled Occupation List for the NSW state nomination program in 2024-25 is updated. The Skilled Occupation List is provided at the ANZSCO unit group level and is separated into the 190 Visa and 491 Visa programs.

All occupations within the identified ANZSCO unit group on the NSW Skilled Occupation List are eligible for NSW state nomination. However, you have to recheck whether the occupation is eligible for the 190 Visa or 491 Visa.

For example, the ANZSCO unit group of 1331 – Construction Managers is on the NSW Skilled Occupation List. It implies all occupations under the 1331 unit group, which are Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO Code 133111) and Project Builder (ANZSCO Code 133112), are eligible for NSW state nomination. However, referring to the DHA’s Skilled Occupation List, Project Builder (ANZSCO Code 133112) is eligible for 491 Visa only, meaning if your nomination occupation is Project Builder, you are eligible for NSW state nomination under 491 Visa.

You can find the complete NSW Skilled Occupation List here

New Regional 491 Visa Pathway for NSW Graduates

The NSW government has introduced a new regional pathway for NSW graduates under the 491 Visa – Pathway 3. The new path is specified for international graduates who completed their studies in a regional area of NSW. The eligibility criteria for this pathway are:

• You must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution in a specified regional area of NSW.
• Your study or course must be related to your nominated occupation.
• You must have completed the study within two years before the NSW nomination.
• You must be qualified for ‘Study in regional Australia’ points (it should appear on your EOI).
• You must be skilled in an occupation within an ANZSCO unit group.
• You must be eligible for the visa.
• You must be resided in NSW or offshore for a minimum of three months.

Read more: Reason to Live and Work in Australian Regional Area – Complete Information

TSMIT Concession for 491 Visa – Pathway 1 Candidates

TSMIT concession is a special arrangement available for certain 491 Visa – Pathway 1 candidates. This concession means that there will be a 10% reduction in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), making it easier for applicants in specific occupations to meet the income requirements.

Occupations that are eligible for TSMIT concession are:

• Agricultural Technician (ANZSCO Code 311111)
• Butcher or Smallgoods Maker (ANZSCO Code 351211)
• Cafe or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO Code 141111)
• Cook (ANZSCO Code 351411)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (ANZSCO Code 234611)
• Motor Mechanic (General) (ANZSCO Code 321211)
• Panel Beater (ANZSCO Code 324111)
• Pastry Cook (ANZSCO Code 351112)
• Pharmacy Technician (ANZSCO Code 311215)
• Residential Care Officer (ANZSCO Code 411715)
• Stonemason (ANZSCO Code 331112)
• Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO Code 324311)
• Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO Code 361311)

Updates on EOI Submission

Starting this year, the NSW government has removed the restrictions on submitting EOI in SkillSelect. This significant change means that all valid EOI applications with NSW selected as the preferred state during the invitation round will be considered. This is a great opportunity for all candidates, so ensure your EOI is complete and visible to the NSW government for consideration.

Read more: Skilled Migration Invitation Round 2024 Update

Changes on NSW State Nomination Application Fee

The application fee for NSW state nomination is now AUD 315 plus GST.

What is the NSW State Nomination Process?

You must follow a few key steps to secure a nomination from the NSW state government. These include checking your eligibility, submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), waiting for an invitation, responding promptly if invited, and then waiting for your nomination assessment.

1. Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI to SkillSelect, make sure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility criteria.
2. Submit your EOI: If you meet the criteria, fill out an EOI in SkillSelect. If you are invited to apply, you must support each claim in your EOI with valid (i.e., non-expired) documents.
3. Be invited: NSW hosts invitation rounds throughout the fiscal year. All valid EOIs for jobs in ANZSCO unit groupings listed on the NSW Skills List are eligible for NSW nomination.
4. Respond Promptly if Invited: Your invitation to apply will be valid for only 14 days. When you apply, you must present legitimate papers to back up every claim made in your EOI. The 14-day window will not be extended.
5. Wait for Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will usually be reviewed within six weeks of payment. It is advised to abstain from contacting the NSW government for updates during this time.

What does it mean to you?

Great news for those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the NSW state nomination program! The updates make it even better, with exciting changes like TSMIT concessions for selected occupations and a brand-new regional pathway for international graduates in NSW. These updates could significantly improve your chances of securing a visa and starting a new life in Australia.

Curious about your eligibility? Contact us today at [email protected] or call 1300 827 159.

Let’s Check Your Eligibility for State Nomination!

Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting, with a remarkable 98% success rate, are here to guide you through the NSW state nomination program, whether you’re aiming for the 190 Visa or 491 Visa. We are proud to be one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see why our clients trust us.

We are complex visa specialists registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.