Highlights
- Australian states and territories open their skilled visa nomination programs for 2021-22
- NSW nomination for Subclass 491 is now by invitation only
- Victoria introduces major changes to its state nominated program
Australian jurisdictions receive quotas from the federal government each year, based on which the states and territories nominate skilled and business migrants for the Skilled Nominated visa Subclass 190 and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491.
Just like last year, the program in the current financial year will continue to respond to the challenges posed by the ongoing health crisis, with an emphasis on migrants who will make productive investments in Australia, create jobs, provide critical health and medical skills, and support economic productivity.
Here’s a state and territory wise update for the program year 2021-2022:
New South Wales
New South Wales continues to be the state with the highest number of allocations for its skilled nomination program. It has received 4,000 places for Subclass 190 and 3,640 for Subclass 491, a significant increase from last year’s total which stood at 6,350.
The state has now invited applications for Subclass 491. As part of the new process, the state will select and invite candidates to apply to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office during a submission window and up to seven days after a submission window closes.
Submission windows for the current financial year are the months of August, October, January, and March.
There are three nomination streams this financial year:
- Stream 1 — I am living and working in regional NSW
- Stream 2 — I have recently completed study in regional NSW
- Stream 3 — I am skilled in an occupation required in regional NSW
Melbourne-based migration agent Ranbir Singh said it is important to note that under Stream 3, applicants currently residing anywhere in Australia will be able to register their interest for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
"The key change here is that the applicants not currently residing in NSW will also be considered for an invitation. This change, in particular, is a ray of hope for prospective applicants in other states who have been unable to secure an invite in their respective states," he said.
Mr Singh, however, warned that preference would be given to applicants currently residing in regional NSW.
Victoria
Australian states and territories receive allocations for skilled visa nomination programs for 2021-22 Source: Pexels
Victoria has received a total of 4,000 places this year – 3,500 for Subclass 190 and 500 Subclass 491. This is marginally more than the previous program year.
Mr Singh said the number of spots allotted to the 491 visa goes against the government’s agenda to reduce congestion in cities.
“The numbers allocated for 491 are a bit surprising. Slashing those spots by over 50 per cent goes completely against the government’s push for regional migration,” he told SBS Punjabi.
However, this year, Victoria will focus on onshore applicants who are currently living and working in the state in one of the seven target sectors designated by the state based on their STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical) skills.
Victoria has received 4,000 places for its skilled nomination visa program. Source: AAP
The seven target sectors include health, medical research, life sciences, digital, agri-food, advanced manufacturing and new energy, emission reduction and circular economy.
Priority will be given to those using their critical skills in Melbourne’s business precincts, namely, Parkville, Footscray and Docklands.
Explaining the changes, Canberra-based migration lawyer Ben Watt said the state has changed its focus to align with the country’s current political, health and economic necessities.
“It’s quite similar to what happened last year when states were given instructions to nominate people with occupations that could support their economic recovery. So, they are not doing all occupations, they are only nominating people in target sectors that are essential to lead jurisdictions out of the economic crisis,” he said.
Western Australia
The General Stream of Skilled Migration in Western Australia is divided into two categories based on occupations: the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.
for WASMOL Schedule 1 and 2.
The state has expanded its occupation lists, but Mr Singh said the most noticeable change in the program is that applicants who apply for General Stream, do not have to be currently studying, working or living in the state to receive a nomination.
All they need is a job offer in the state to be eligible for this stream.
“The WA state nomination is unique and positive as it is open to applicants throughout Australia rather than limiting it to the state. Also, WA’s skilled occupation list is quite liberal with opportunities for trades like motor mechanic, chef, cook and painter. Applicants specifically from Victoria and Queensland will benefit from WA’s state nomination since the options for these occupations are limited in these states,” Mr Singh said.
The state has received 1,100 places for Subclass 190 and 340 for Subclass 491.
Australian Capital Territory
State and Territory nominated visa allocations for 2021-2022. Source: Department of Home Affairs
The ACT has received 600 more places for its skilled nomination program this year as compared to the last.
Its skilled migration program remains closed to offshore applicants until the federal government reopens the international borders.
South Australia
South Australia’s skilled nomination program has received 2,600 places each for subclasses 190 and 491, a total of 1,200 more places than last year.
Mr Singh said the increased allocation would mean applicants will have more chances to secure a nomination.
“The number of allocations is quite promising as they stand at 5,200 spots for the 491 and 190 visas combined, and are only second to NSW. SA is unique in a way that unlike states like Victoria, it didn’t restrict invitations to critical occupations and the trend is likely to continue this financial year as well,” Mr Singh added.
The state’s general skilled migration program is now open.
Queensland
Queensland skilled nomination program to reopen soon. Source: Getty Images/FotografiaBasica
Queensland has received the same number of places as the previous year – 1,000 for Subclass 190 and 1,250 for Subclass 491.
The state is currently finalising the criteria for its skilled nomination program, which remains closed until further notice.
Tasmania
Tasmania has received 1,100 places for Subclass 190 and 2,200 for Subclass 491, slightly more than last year.
The state will continue to assess applications for the Skilled Nominated visa in this program year which were not finalised by 30 June.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa applications lodged before 20 March, which were not finalised in the last financial year, will also continue to be assessed in the current year.
The state will open its nomination program for 2021-22 on 4 August.
Northern Territory
The Australian jurisdiction with the smallest skilled nominated program has been allocated 1,000 places, 500 each for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, the same as the previous year.
While the NT program remains open for new onshore applicants, it is closed to overseas applicants. However, all existing applications will be assessed.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
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