NSW Target Sectors
On 27 August 2023, the NSW state government announced that they are shifting from publishing a list of eligible ANZSCO unit groups to a new sector-focused approach, effectively immediately. This strategic shift aims to streamline the immigration process and cater to the state’s specific needs.
The NSW Target Sectors are as follows:
- Health
- Education
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
Selection Criteria
The NSW state government will prioritise EOIs submitted in NSW Priority Sectors identified above. In addition, they consider multiple factors when selecting EOIs, including
- points score
- English language proficiency
- skilled work experience
The NSW state government notes that High-ranking EOIs in occupations outside of the NSW target sectors may be considered during invitation rounds; however, it’s crucial to understand that the odds of receiving an invitation are notably low due to high demand and limited spots.
Invitation Rounds and Process
Invitation rounds will continue to occur throughout the financial year. There are no predetermined or publicly announced dates for invitation rounds. NSW state government notes that they intend to commence invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) this week.
Interested applicants can visit the official NSW government website for more information.
Basic Eligibility for NSW Migration Program 2023-24
To be considered for NSW nomination for a subclass 190 visa, you must:
- must meet all visa requirements for subclass 190 visa
- must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible to apply for subclass 190 visa
- must be either currently residing: in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for at least six months; or offshore and have continuously resided offshore for at least six months
For the purpose of residency timeframe, the NSW state government does not consider any time spent in NSW on a tourist visa as you residing in NSW.
You do not have to be currently working (or have previously worked) in NSW in your nominated (or closely related) occupation to be eligible for nomination.
However, if you are claiming skilled employment for NSW nomination, you can only claim the period of employment after you obtained a valid and positive skills assessment. If your skills assessment does not specify a date, then the period of employment after you completed the qualifying study.
In particular, for ICT professionals, NSW highlights that you can only claim points for employment after the date ACS deems you skilled in your occupation, rather than ACS ‘post-Australian study assessment’.
We highlight that for you to receive a NSW nomination for a subclass 190 visa, your EOI must be exclusively for a subclass 190 visa and seeking nomination from NSW only.
To be considered for NSW nomination for a subclass 491 visa, there are two pathways available:
- Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office, under stream A or B. Stream A – Established work history with a regional NSW-based employer Stream B – Your skills are required in regional NSW
- Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW
To apply under Pathway 1 stream A, you must be currently living and working in a designated regional area of NSW and have continuously done so for the past 12 months.
To apply under Pathway 1 Stream B and Pathway 2, you must be skilled in an occupation eligible for a subclass 491 visa and currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have continuously done so for at least three months.
For all pathways, you must have submitted an EOI in seeking nomination for subclass 491 visa only and NSW only.
For Pathway 1, the participating RDA offices are as follows: Central Coast, Central West, Far South Coast, Far West, Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, Murray, Northern Inland, Northern Rivers, Orana, Riverina, Southern Inland, Sydney
Fees
Applying to Investment NSW: An application fee of $330 (including GST) applies if applying from within Australia, or $300 if applying from outside Australia.
Applying to an RDA office: Each RDA office sets its own fees. You need to contact the RDA office you wish to apply to directly for information about their fee structure.
Remember, Migration Affairs is here to support you. Contact our immigration experts for personalised advice on your circumstances and eligibility.
Your success in this journey is our success
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
