NSW Eased Requirements for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visa
NSW criteria amendments for Subclass 190 Visa and subclass 491 Visa
New South Wales's overall nomination allocation for subclass 190, subclass 491 and the business innovation & investment program this financial year is 12,290 (read more here). Even with limited nomination places, NSW decided to implement relaxed criteria for its skill visas to address the workforce demand.
The minimum requirements for the skilled nominated visa (subclass) 190 have been removed on the latest update released by the NSW state government. Aside from that, NSW also waived the required minimum work experience for the skilled independent visa (subclass) 491 applicants who meet the 'Study in Regional NSW' requirement.
Below are the current criteria for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
NSW nomination process
The nomination process for NSW is highly competitive and is designed to ensure that immigration to New South Wales is targeted toward the most skilled and capable migrants. However, with the recent policy amendments, there will be higher chances for migrants to get nominated this year as compared to the previous years.
Key eligibility requirements:
Fulfill all requirements defined by DHA
Be skilled in the occupation that is eligible for the visa you applied for
Submit an EOI SKill Select for NSW nomination
How to apply
For Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Confirm you are eligible for this visa
Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria outlined above
Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate
Be invited to apply for NSW nomination – because of the overwhelming demand for NSW nomination, the vast majority of migrants seeking nomination will not be invited
If invited, apply for NSW nomination within 14 days and provide evidence for all points claims in your SkillSelect EOI and where you currently reside
For Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office
Confirm you are eligible for this visa with Home Affairs
Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements for your chosen nomination stream outlined above
Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate and that your EOI is seeking nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) only and NSW only
Complete your application fee payment directly with the RDA office in your chosen nominating region
Apply for NSW nomination using our online application form
Wait up to eight weeks for your application outcome
Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW
Confirm you are eligible for this visa with Home Affairslaunch
Confirm you meet all pathway eligibility requirements outlined above
Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate and that your EOI is seeking nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) only and NSW only
Wait to be invited to apply – because of the high demand for NSW nomination, most migrants seeking nomination will unfortunately not be invited
If invited, apply for NSW nomination directly to Investment NSW using the link provided to you by email
Wait up to six weeks for your application outcome
Things to remember
NSW uses a selection-based invitation process to make certain that NSW nominees are in line with the skills required of the NSW economy. Here are the other things you need to remember before deciding to apply for NSW visa nomination:
The invitation rounds throughout the entire fiscal year, meaning there are no fixed, or set dates available.
No fixed date on when you will receive your ITA
Issuance of the ITA for NSW nomination highly depends on the NSW government.
What does this mean for you
This is a great opportunity for those living in NSW, but that does not leave out the rest of you living in other states because more options are still available for you. Australian immigration laws and requirements are constantly changing, which is why we should assess your circumstances so we can start actioning on them.
