Explore Three Pathways for the NSW Migration Program 2024-25!

With the launch of the NSW migration program 2024-25 and significant changes to the skilled migration nomination process for skilled visas, NSW has also updated its Pathways to offer a smooth and more streamlined approach towards migration to NSW, Australia.  

 

This year, the Australian migration program 2024-25 is offering a host of new opportunities and various pathways specifically designed to attract a multitude of skilled professionals and graduates worldwide.

 

Whether you are a skilled worker or a recent graduate, this year’s New South Wales Migration Program has much to offer you. So, join us in exploring three pathways for the NSW migration program 2024-25 to take the first step to living and working in Australia permanently.  

 

Before diving deep into the details of the potential NSW migration pathways, let’s have an overview of key highlights of new changes for the 2024-25 NSW Migration Program that have been introduced in September 2024.

 

Key Highlights of Changes in NSW Migration Program 2024-25

 

Visa Category	Changes
Subclass 491 Vis – Pathway 1	TSMIT is applicable at the time of application. TSMIT concessions for eligible occupations: Type 1: 90% of TSMIT Type 2: Up to 10% non-monetary component Requirement to work in Regional NSW only; residency in Regional NSW is no longer mandatory.
NSW Skills Lists	Reintroducing NSW Skills Lists, which will be published at the Unit Group level.  All occupations within each Unit Group will be considered priority skills and ranked accordingly. NSW Skills List – Subclass 190 Regional NSW Skills List- Subclass 491
Subclass 491 – Pathway 3	Regional NSW Graduate Pathway Recent graduates who have studied in regional NSW in an eligible occupation can apply for nomination.
Skilled Employment Definition	NSW will adopt the Home Affairs’ definition of Skilled Employment and apply their policy when assessing skilled employment.
Simplification	All valid Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for NSW will be considered.

 

Expected Three Pathways for NSW Migration Program 2024-25

Here are three pathways for the NSW Migration Program 2024-25 that will lead you to New South Wales, Australia, to achieve your migration goals.

 

• Pathway 1: Direct Application (Work in Regional NSW)
• Pathway 2: Invited by NSW (Priority Occupation of the Regional NSW Skill List)
• Pathway 3: Direct Application (Regional NSW Graduate)

 

Pathway 1: Direct Application Work in Regional NSW

NSW state nomination under Pathway 1 allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of NSW for up to 5 years. To do so, applicants need to establish a work history with a regional NSW-based employer and apply directly for NSW nomination under Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491.

 

Pathway 1 Eligibility Criteria

Established Work History: You must have an established work history with a regional NSW employer. (The requirement to live in NSW has been removed now as per the changes.)

 

Eligible Occupations: All occupations are eligible to apply (they do not need to be on the NSW priority list).

 

Work Requirement: You must have six months of employment experience in regional NSW.

 

One Employer: You should have been employed by one employer.

 

Nominated Occupation: Your occupation must be nominated or closely related.

 

Visa Eligibility: You must meet all visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs for the subclass 491 visa.

 

Skills Assessment: You should have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list.

 

New Updates in NSW Pathway 1 Requirements

As per new updates:

For residency requirements, you are required to ensure that you are:

• Currently residing in NSW and having continually lived there for at least three months or,
• Residing offshore and constantly living outside Australia for at least three months.

 

Establishing a work history with a regional NSW-based employer is unnecessary.

 

Note: This requirement to live in NSW has been removed now. 

 

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will apply at the time of the nomination application.

 

Some occupations will be eligible for a TSMIT concession, as listed in the NSW TSMIT Concessions List.

 

Whether you are a skilled professional looking forward to applying through direct application pathway 1, pursuing nomination only Pathway 2, or a recent graduate aspiring to apply through pathway three direct application regional NSW graduates, it is mandatory to understand their eligibility criteria, the application process, and any recent changes.

 

We know choosing a suitable pathway, creating an EOI application, and handling other important processes can be complex for you to handle alone. But a migration agent can help you with these matters.

 

Pathway 2: Invited by NSW: Priority Occupation of the Regional NSW Skill List

Pathway 2 allows skilled workers to be invited by Investment NSW to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). This pathway will prioritize occupations listed on the Regional NSW Skills List.

 

Pathway 2 Eligibility Criteria  

Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI, you must ensure that both your prior visa and NSW state nomination eligibility requirements are fulfilled.

 

Submit Your EOI: After ensuring eligibility, submit an EOI in SkillSelect to request only NSW nominations for this visa. You must be invited to apply.

 

Be Invited: NSW state nomination holds invitation rounds that will be ongoing from October 2024 to May 2024. All EOI meeting the requirements guideline will be considered valid. 

 

Respond Promptly After Receiving Invitation: Once you have received an invitation, you will have 14 days to complete your NSW nomination application. You will be required to provide valid documents claimed in your EOI. 

 

New Updates in NSW Pathway 2 Requirements

The Priority Skills: occupations deemed essential for the economic development of NSW.

For residence requirements:

1. You must be currently residing in NSW and have been continuously residing in NSW for at least three months or,
2. You should have to live offshore and have been continuously living offshore for at least three months.

 

The NSW Skills List 2024-25 is included in the requirements.

• This list contains all those skills deemed a priority for the economic growth of NSW, Australia.
• The list is organised at the ANZSCO Unit Group level.
• All occupations within each unit group will form the priority skills list and be ranked within the unit group.

 

Note: The updated NSW skills list 2024-25 will be published on the NSW website.

 

Pathway 3: Direct Application for Regional NSW Graduates

Pathway 3 is designed for graduates who have completed their studies in a regional area of New South Wales within the last 24 months. This pathway allows the eligible graduates to apply directly for NSW nomination under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

 

NSW state nomination will help recent graduates to secure a permanent place to live and work in New South Wales, Australia. At the same time, it will make regional NSW a more attractive study destination for students.

 

General Eligibility Criteria of Pathway 3

To be eligible for this pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

 

Recent Graduation from NSW :

• You must have completed your program of studies in a regional area of NSW within the last 24 months.

 

Regional Study Points:

• In your Expression of Interest (EOI), you can claim 5 points based on your regional study.

 

Skills Assessment:

• You need a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation included in the NSW Regional Skills List.

 

Residency requirements:

• You must currently reside in a regional area of NSW and have continuously lived there for a minimum of 3 months.

 

Employment Requirements:

• You should be employed in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in a regional area of NSW.

 

NSW Nomination Application Process

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI):

• You must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs in the SkillSelect system to indicate your interest in the NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

 

Direct Application:

• You can apply directly to the NSW Government for nomination under Pathway 3.   

• You must ensure all your documents and evidence are up-to-date and meet all the NAW nomination requirements.

 

Skill Assessment:

• You must complete your skill assessment, as your NSW application will be assessed based on the eligibility criteria.
• You must ensure that you provide all necessary documentation, such as proof of graduation, residency, and employment.

 

You will Receive a Nomination:

• If your application is successful, you will receive a NSW nomination from the Government of New South Wales, which you can then use to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). 

 

What are TSMIT Concessions and their Types?

The TSMIT Concession is an adjustment to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to accommodate workers in inevitable circumstances. The TSMIT is a minimum salary requirement set by the Government of Australia for employers sponsoring overseas skilled workers with specific Australian visas. This TSMIT concession must be paid to skilled migrants to guarantee a fair wage that aligns with Australian labor market standards.

 

Types of TSMIT Concessions

Type 1: In this type of concession, businesses must demonstrate that their annual monetary earnings for the position will be at least 90% of the TSMIT. Furthermore, they must fulfill the Award requirements and Annual Market Salary Rate expectations for the specific occupation and location in NSW, Australia. 

 

Type 2: In this type of concession, businesses must show that their monetary earnings are approximately 90% of the TSMIT. Although non-monetary earnings like food and board must not exceed 10% of the TSMIT, ensuring the total compensation package is equal to the TSMI.

 

NSW TSMIT Concession List

Only occupations that are included on NSW TSMIT concession lists are eligible to apply for the TSMIT concessions. However, no fee will be charged to the employers who will apply for the concession. 

 

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

 

Final Thoughts

After reading this blog, you may have become familiar with three essential pathways that can lead you to your desired migration place in New South Wales, Australia.

 

So, after exploring three pathways in the NSW Nomination Migration Program 2024-25, you must ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, follow the application process, and are familiar with new updates. These pathways will help you to open up your ways toward your migration place in NSW, Australia.

 

Book Your Consultation Now with the Migration Expert!

We at the Migration have a registered migration agent, Nasir Nawaz, who can provide expert guidance and professional assistance regarding your NSW nomination application. 

 

Further, for more details about NSW Migration Programs 2024–25, visit the Migration’s news and blogs section.   

 

So, what are you waiting for? Book your consultation with our best migration agent today!

 

Related Blog: 

New South Wales State Nomination 2024-25 | All You Need to Know