Like many developed countries, Australia faces a shortage of skilled workers to fill its workforce. To help alleviate this issue and attract more skilled migrants, The Australian states and territories have made it simpler for people to apply for visas.
Here are some of the opportunities available.
What is state sponsorship?
Skilled workers nominated and sponsored by employers in Australia may also be chosen by our state and territory governments under the State Nominated Migration Program.
The states are loosening their entry requirements to make it easier for people to apply.
Any company can employ workers sponsored by state authorities within the state, but they must be under 45 years old. They also do not have a guarantee of finding a job, so they will have to find their position.
Those who successfully apply for the Skilled Nominated visa are given a permanent visa which allows them to live in Australia indefinitely.
People with skills and qualifications in high demand in regional areas and business owners can apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa. This is a temporary visa that leads to permanent residence.
How many spots are available?
The Australian government has announced that almost 50,000 state-nominated visas are available this year. New South Wales will offer the most places, at 20,700. In response to Western Australia’s lobbying efforts, the federal government has agreed to allocate an extra 8,140 places this financial year.
What skills do you need?
In order to draw more top-notch applicants, some state governments have loosened their occupation lists and other criteria.
Victoria has opened its list of occupations to include almost every industry, but there are still restrictions and the competition is high. If you have been working in a job for some time, you will be prioritized.
What if I’m overseas? Can I apply?
If you’re living overseas, there’s good news for you. In Victoria and many other states, restrictions on applying for nomination have been eased.
What are the criteria for the state-nominated visa?
Western Australia
The Western Australian State Government is offering 5,350 subclass 190 visas and 2790 regional visas with plans to waive the $200 application fee and reduce the required proof of sufficient funds.
Additional English language requirements for professional and managerial positions will be removed. The amount of work experience required for these positions will also be reduced.
Victoria
Victoria is the second-highest state in terms of the number of state nominee visas available. It has 11,570 places available for the 2022/23 financial year, including 9,000 subclass 190 visas and 2,400 regional visas as well as 170 business visas.
The state of Victoria has expanded its list of eligible occupations to include more than 420 jobs on the federal skilled migration list.
Applicants living overseas or in the state may apply for a visa.
Queensland
The Queensland government will make 3,000 subclasses 190 visas, 1,200 regional visas and 235 business visas available.
The list of eligible occupations has been broaded to include several new categories, and for the first time since COVID-19 came into effect, overseas applicants will be able to apply.
South Australia
The government of South Australia has been allocated a total of 6,000 subclass 190 temporary work visas, including 3,180 regional and 70 business visas.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is the only Australian state that does not accept applications from those living overseas. To be accepted, applicants must agree to live and work in the Northern Territory for at least three years.
New South Wales
NSW has the largest allocation of state-nominated places, with more than 12,000 positions available.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has 800 subclass 190 visas available and another 1,920 regional visas. These visas are available to skilled workers in a range of occupations listed on the Commonwealth’s skilled occupations list.
Tasmania
As a new initiative, we will be prioritising applications from those who have worked in a critical role and those on Tasmania’s list of skilled occupations (up from 120 occupations last year) who have also worked in the state for at least 2 years.
AABD Recruitment, one of our sister companies, has been helping people from overseas find jobs in regional areas for the past decade. Many of these candidates have gone on to get sponsored work visas and permanent residency. To find out more about these services, please speak to one of our friendly consultants now.
