In February 2022, the Australian border opened. The states and territories have now started to open their Skilled Migration Program to offshore applicants after 2 years of closure. This article aims to provide a summary of which states/ territories are open for visa 190 and visa 491 nomination.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia is accepting applications from offshore candidates for their skills migration nomination program. In order to apply from offshore, applicants generally need to meet higher requirements. Offshore migrants under the state’s skills migration program will be eligible for visas in subclass 491.
Applicants must have an occupation that is included in the occupation list eligible for the offshore stream, a minimum level of Proficient or Superior in English and at least five or eight years of work experience in the occupation or related occupations, depending on their nominated occupation.
To apply for a nomination from South Australia, you must Register your Interest with the State government and wait for an invitation to apply for a State Nomination.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Candidates skilled in occupations within some ANZSCO unit groups will now be considered in invitation rounds for visa 190 nomination. If you are residing offshore, you must:
- Have been continuously residing offshore for the past three months.
- Have a valid skills assessment for an occupation within an ANZSCO unit group that accepts offshore applicants.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
The table below summarises the requirements for overseas applicants and their eligibility to apply for the ACT skilled nomination program.
| Criteria | Visa 190 Nomination | Visa 491 Nomination |
| Occupation | Must be in the ACT Critical Skills List | Must be in the ACT Critical Skills List |
| Current employment | Must be currently working full time in your nominated occupation.Hold the relevant Australian registration or licencing if it is required for your nominated occupation | Must be currently working full time in your nominated occupation. |
| Job Offer | You have a full time job offer in your nominated occupation. The position must be Canberra and be available for at least two years.Your employer must has at least 50 employees and is trading is Canberra. | No need. However, you must prove that you must explain that you are employable in Canberra |
| English | Proficient or Superior | Proficient or Superior |
| Spouse/ Partner | Must have proof of relationshipCompetent English | Must have proof of relationshipCompetent English |
Overseas Resident: You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT):
- are living overseas.
- have not lived in Australia for the last year.
- do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa), except an Australian visitor visa.
TASMANIA
If you have the qualifications and work experience, you may be eligible to apply for Tasmania state nomination for visa 491, provided that your occupation is in the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List (TSOL) or you have got a job offer in Tasmania.
AABD Recruitment has been helping employers in regional areas find employees for the past decade. Many of our candidates have gone on to obtain permanent residency, and many more receive full-time jobs with sponsorship.
To learn more about our employment services, speak to one of our recruitment consultants and find out what they can do for you.
