2024-2025 Skilled Migration Updates: States and Territories that Are Now Open for Application
States and Territories that have already opened their 2024-2025 migration program
Tips on your General Skilled Migration Visa Application
The Australian government has announced the nomination allocations for the 2024-2025 Permanent Migration Program. With 16,500 places allocated for the 190 visas and 9,760 for the 491 visas, this year's program outlines the pathways for those looking to make Australia their new home. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of each state and territory’s skilled migration program, highlighting the ones that are currently open and accepting applications.
States and Territories that have already opened their 2024-2025 migration program
Northern Territory’s 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program
MigrationNT is still processing onshore applications. Offshore applications reopened last 14 August 2024, but only for the NT Family Stream and Job Offer Stream. The Priority Occupations Stream remains suspended due to high application volumes, though existing applications will still be assessed with expected delays. Nonetheless, NT has doubled its allocation from last year, now offering 1,600 places:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 800 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places
Western Australia’s 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program
For the 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP), Western Australia will continue waiving the $200 application fee. Also, a new addition is expanded employment contract options for candidates invited through the General Stream – Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) – Schedule 1. Invitation rounds already begin this August 2024 and are expected to occur in the first week of each month.
The allocations for this year are:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 2,000 places
Tasmania’s 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program
Tasmania has secured nearly 2,900 places for skilled migrants, more than doubling its allocation from last year. This boost addresses critical needs in sectors like healthcare, construction, and tourism, reflecting the state’s low unemployment rate and high demand for skilled workers. The allocations are as follows:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 2,100 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 760 places
Victoria’s 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program
To be considered for a Victorian skilled visa nomination, you must first submit or update an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system and then complete a Registration of Interest (ROI).
For the 2024-25 program, the Australian Government has allocated 5,000 skilled visa nomination places to Victoria, distributed as follows:
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – 3,000 places
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – 2,000 places
South Australia
This year, South Australia received an additional 1,500 nomination places, bringing the total to 3,800 for the 2024-25 program. 464 occupations are available for the onshore streams, while 427 occupations are open to experienced overseas workers through the offshore stream.
The allocations are as follows:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places
Tips on your GSM visa application
Navigating Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa process can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some expert tips to enhance your application:
Focus on Points: Your application’s competitiveness hinges on your points score. Ensure you have a positive skills assessment, recent English test results (at least at the competent level), and meet all other criteria. To boost your points, consider taking the NAATI test, improving your English scores, or completing a professional year.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: Over-claiming points is a frequent error in DIY applications. This can involve claiming non-skilled work experience, ineligible regional studies, or points for being single while planning to marry during the visa process. Missteps like these can jeopardize your application.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to navigate the complexities of the application process. These professionals are well-versed in immigration laws and can provide valuable insights, ensuring that your application is not only accurate but also optimized for success.
If you are having a hard time planning your pathway to Australia, the best thing to do is ask for assistance from certified migration experts. At Think Visa, we specialize in processing visas in these complex situations. By ensuring that all the essential documents, our team of skilled migration consultants can help you get through the process. Start your migration process with people you could trust.
