Are you hoping to make New South Wales your permanent home? For skilled professionals wanting an Australian visa, the NSW Skilled Occupation List is a key factor in understanding which occupations are in demand. NSW Skilled Occupation List plays a huge role in determining eligibility for two of the most popular visas – the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491).
If you’re thinking about applying for a skilled visa, we have all the information you need about the NSW occupation list, including recent updates, visa types, and requirements. With new changes this year, now is the perfect time to see where your profession fits on the New South Wales skilled occupation list.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is the NSW Skilled Occupation List?
The NSW Skilled Occupation List is a curated list of occupations that New South Wales (NSW), Australia, identifies as being in high demand. This list helps the state attract skilled migrants with specific talents needed in the region.
The NSW Skilled Occupation List Objective
The NSW Skilled Occupation List tackles skill shortages in important areas across NSW by bringing in skilled workers for roles where local talent is scarce. This strategy helps fill the talent gap, boosts the state’s economy, and encourages growth in regional areas.
Visa Categories and NSW Occupation Lists
The NSW Skilled Occupation List connects skilled workers with two visa options tailored to different needs. Here’s a quick look at each :
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a visa for professionals nominated by NSW. This visa allows you to live and work in NSW permanently if your occupation appears on the NSW Skilled Occupation List and you meet all the other eligibility requirements.
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa for professionals who are ready to live and work in regional NSW. Although it doesn’t offer immediate permanent residency, it can lead to it over time. This option is perfect for those whose skills are needed in regional areas, even if their occupation isn’t on the main NSW list.
Please Note:
- Each visa under the NSW Skilled Occupation List has specific requirements, such as certain qualifications, relevant skills, and sometimes even location preferences, depending on the role and demand in different regions.
- Although there is a generic website hosted by the Australian government for SOL that lists out all the occupations that are in available/demand, in reality, there are visa subclasses and each subclass has its own specific occupation list.
- The NSW Skilled Occupation List is frequently updated to align with the state’s labour market needs, and navigating these changes can be complex. Consulting with a Registered Migration Agent like Knowbal ensures you choose the most appropriate visa for your occupation and personal circumstances.
With these visa options and high-demand sectors in mind, it’s crucial to understand the specific eligibility requirements for each visa type.
Key Visa Requirements for Subclass 190 and 491 Visas
To qualify for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491), applicants need to meet certain requirements and go through a points-based selection process. Here’s what you need to know about the primary requirements and what each visa offers.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
For both the 190 and 491 visas, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Age: You must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Health and Character: All applicants need to pass health and character checks to meet Australia’s standards.
- English Proficiency: You need a competent level of English, which is proven by passing an approved English test.
These requirements ensure applicants can work effectively and adapt to life in Australia. Now, let’s get into the latest updates on the NSW Occupation List and see what’s new this year.
Latest Updates to the NSW Occupation List 2024: What’s New?
For skilled professionals aiming for an Australian visa, the NSW Skilled Occupation List is essential for understanding which roles are in demand. This list directly impacts eligibility for two popular visa options—the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).
If you’re thinking about applying for a skilled visa, here’s everything you need to know about the NSW occupation list, including recent changes, visa types, and specific requirements.
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Increased Demand in Healthcare and Technology
The latest NSW Skilled Occupation List highlights a rising demand for specific skills, especially in healthcare, technology, engineering, and skilled trades. Positions such as nursing and allied health professionals are seeing a surge in demand, underscoring the state’s focus on strengthening its healthcare sector. Roles in technology and skilled trades have also gained prominence, presenting significant opportunities for qualified professionals.
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Reduced Demand in Some Sectors
Meanwhile, shifts in the economy have led to fewer openings in administrative, certain tech, and retail roles. These occupations may now have limited availability or, in some cases, may no longer appear on the list.
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Changes in Skilled Employment Criteria and Occupation List
To simplify the pathway for skilled migrants, NSW has introduced some changes to its employment criteria:
- Simplified Employment Criteria: The employment requirements now align with national standards, making it easier for applicants to understand and meet eligibility. This means that some applicants (such as IT Professionals) may not need to get their employment assessed by an assessment authority as long as they have a valid skill assessment.
- Enhanced Application Process: The criteria have been adjusted to streamline the application process, removing previous barriers to eligibility and making it easier to apply for NSW state nomination.
These updates ensure that New South Wales continues to attract professionals who contribute the most to the state’s development, maintaining a responsive and robust economy.
Understanding the SkillSelect and Points-Based System
The selection process for both visas relies on Australia’s points system. To apply, you’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect – an online system run by the Australian government to manage applications for skilled migration visas, where you earn points based on:
- Age: Younger applicants usually score higher points.
- Work Experience: Points are awarded for years of skilled work experience, with additional points for experience gained within Australia.
- Educational Qualifications: The higher your qualifications, the more points you’ll receive, with extra points for Australian education.
The points system is competitive, and NSW prefers applicants with higher scores, especially for high-demand occupations on the NSW Skilled Occupation List. Maximizing points in these categories increases your chances of being selected.
Once you’ve optimized your points, let’s move forward with getting a nomination from NSW.
Nomination by NSW
For both the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, nomination from NSW is mandatory. This means that the New South Wales government must select you from the SkillSelect pool based on your skills and the demand for your occupation. This nomination shows that NSW values your expertise and supports your visa application.
Subclass 190 Visa: With state nomination, this visa grants direct permanent residency, allowing you to live and work anywhere in NSW.
Subclass 491 Visa: NSW nomination is also required for this provisional visa, which lets you live and work in regional NSW. After meeting specific requirements over a few years, you can then apply for permanent residency.
A nomination from NSW is a crucial step for both visa types, as it demonstrates the state’s need for your skills and opens the door to living and working in New South Wales.
Securing a nomination is a major milestone, but understanding the tenure and pathway each visa provides toward permanent residency is equally important.
Tenure and Path to Permanent Residency
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Subclass 190 Visa:
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa, meaning it does not expire. You’ll have the right to live and work in NSW indefinitely. However, it includes a five-year travel facility, allowing you to enter and exit Australia freely. After five years, you’ll need to renew the travel facility or apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
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Subclass 491 Visa:
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a provisional visa valid for five years. This visa requires you to live and work in a regional area of NSW during that period. Once you complete three years of meeting specific requirements, including income thresholds and regional residency, you are now eligible to apply for permanent residency, typically through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 191).
By understanding these requirements and the tenure for each visa, you can plan a clear path to securing residency in NSW and setting up a long-term future in Australia.
Final Thoughts
New South Wales actively addresses labor shortages by welcoming skilled professionals to fill high-demand roles through its Skilled Occupation List. For anyone considering a skilled visa, understanding this list and the visa requirements is key to a successful application. However, the NSW list changes frequently to keep up with the state’s needs, which can make it hard to stay up-to-date.
That’s where Knowbal comes in. They can help you navigate these updates and ensure you’re always on the right track. Ready to get started? Schedule a call with Knowbal today and make your journey to living and working in NSW as smooth as possible!
