Skilled Migration

Victoria (VIC) is offering a total of 5,000 places. This includes:

• 3,000 places for the 190 visa
• 2,000 places for the 491 visa

New South Wales (NSW) is offering a total of 5,000 places. This includes:

• 3,000 places for the 190 visa
• 2,000 places for the 491 visa

Criteria for Claiming Skilled Employment under your Expression of Interest (EOI)

New South Wales have made recent changes to how you may claim Skilled Employment. The state has broadened their definition and no longer has additional requirements alongside the Home Affairs definition. Previously, the New South Wales program would only consider employment to be skilled from the date deemed in your skills assessment.

To have skilled employment under the New South Wales program, you need only show that you are employed in an occupation closely related to your nominated occupation and working at least twenty hours a week.

EOI Submission

The New South Wales program have also recently changed their restrictions around submitting EOIs in SkillSelect. From this program year, any valid EOI with NSW selected will be considered during an invitation round.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

New South Wales offers a state nomination pathway for highly skilled migrants under the Skilled Nominated Visa- Subclass 190.

Key features:

• The New South Wales government have generated a list of occupations that have been identified as a priority for the state for 2024-2025 financial year. Occupations in these industries will also be prioritized during invitation rounds. The full list can be found here.

• Priority will be given to specific sectors that have persistent skill shortages within the state. This includes construction (infrastructure and housing), renewables (net zero and clean energy), care economy (aged care and disability services, early childhood education and care sectors), digital and cyber (across all sectors), education (teachers), agriculture and agrifood and advanced manufacturing.  

The state requirements are reflective of the federal eligibility requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility:

• Have received an invitation from Investment New South Wales to apply. This invitation is only offered to those who have met the 65 points test* requirement and have a demonstrated competency in English.
• Have a valid skills assessment by the relevant body of your nominated occupation. You can determine who this may be here.

*Points are often mentioned in association with visa eligibility. The Department has provided this tool to help you determine how many points you may have.

Subclass 491– Skilled Work Regional Visa

There are now currently three pathways available for the subclass 491.

Pathway 1- Direct Application- Work in Regional NSW

Apply directly to Investment NSW if you have an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer.

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements before applying. 
2. Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI): If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect, specifically requesting NSW nomination for this visa only. Note: Your qualifying employment must be listed in your EOI.  
3. Apply For Nomination: Apply for NSW nomination using their online application form.
4. Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment.

Eligibility:

• Meet the visa requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.
• You must have worked in regional New South Wales for at least six months and with one employer that is also your nominated occupation or closely related to it.

TSMIT Concession:

Some employers may be able to apply for this concession if the nominated occupation of their employee forms part of the ‘NSW TSMIT Concessions List’.

There are two categories for this concession:

Type 1 – Businesses must demonstrate that annual monetary earnings will be at least 90% of TSMIT while also meeting Award requirements and Annual Market Salary Rate expectations for the specific occupation and location.

Type 2 – Businesses must demonstrate that monetary earnings will be at least 90% of TSMIT and non- monetary earnings (food and board) must not be more than 10% of TSMIT, with the total package being at least equal to the TSMIT.

Pathway 2- Invitation for Priority Occupations

To be considered for NSW nomination under Pathway 2 you must: 

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest.
2. Submit Your EOI: Expression of Interests are submitted in in SkillSelect- this is where NSW will then be selected.
3. Be Invited: NSW holds invitation rounds ongoing throughout the financial year. All EOIs that meet the guidelines are considered, but preference is given to occupations in NSW target sectors.

Eligibility:

• Must be in an eligible ANZSCO occupation critical for NSW’s economic development. Occupations are ranked based on the introduction of the NSW Regional Skills List for 2024-2025.
• Either continuously residing onshore in NSW for at least three months or offshore for at least three months.

Pathway 3- Regional NSW Graduate

This pathway has been newly designed and added to address challenges in regional NSW by providing a pathway for recent graduates to work in a regional town and positively contribute to a regional community.

Eligibility:

• Must have an eligible educational qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or research degree) that is also related to your nominated occupation.
• Must have graduated in the last 24 months prior to applying for nominations as per Academic Transcripts/ Completion Letters.
• The nominated occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List 2024-2025.
• Must meet visa requirements and Home Affairs eligibility criteria.

Having studied in regional NSW also gives an additional 5 points for your application.

The New South Wales program will be introducing a new direct application pathway for recent graduates from select regional NSW institutions to apply for NSW nomination under this pathway.

Department Application Fee

The application fee has been increased by CPI for the 2024-25 program year, and is now A$315, plus GST if applying from within Australia.

South Australia (SA) is offering a total of 3,800 places. This includes: 

• 3,000 places for the 190 visa 

• 800 places for the 491 visa 

This is an additional 1,500 places compared to the 2023-24 program year.  

Invitations to apply for South Australian nomination will be sent on an ongoing basis throughout 2024-25.   

Subclass 190- Skilled Nominated Visa 

South Australia offers a state nomination pathway for the Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 if you meet the state nomination requirements.  

This is a permanent visa that allows you to stay in South Australia indefinitely.  

Key features 

A Subclass 190 visa allows applicants to stay in South Australia indefinitely. 

State nomination from South Australia provides you with five additional points to help you qualify for a subclass 190 visa under the Department of Home Affairs points test*. 

Eligibility  

To apply for a Subclass 190, you must: 

• Be under the age of 45; 

• Have a valid skills assessment;  

• Have an eligible skilled occupation, as determined by the Migration (Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019; and 

• Satisfy Department of Home Affairs English language visa requirements.  

 If you satisfy these initial requirements set out by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, you may then be able to apply under the following South Australia state-specific streams.  

There are four streams available. This includes:  

• Stream 1 for South Australian Graduates 

• Stream 2 for Skilled Migrants working and living in South Australia 

• Stream 3 for Skilled Migrants working and living in an Outer Regional area of the state.  
  Stream 4 for Skilled Migrants offshore but wishing to live and work in South Australia. 

Stream 1: Graduates   

If you are an international graduate, who has studied and lived in South Australia, you may be eligible for this pathway.  

Requirements include: 

• You must be an international graduate who has completed a qualification at a South Australian education provider registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.  

• Graduates who achieved a strong employment outcome are prioritised under the General Skilled Migration program. 

• Your nominated occupation must be included in South Australia’s State’s Skilled Occupation List.   

• Currently living in South Australia, have lived in South Australia for at least one year during your studies, and completed at least 75% of your qualification in South Australia.   

• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week). Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation.  

• Your minimum 6-month work-experience in your nominated field must have taken place post-course completion.  

Stream 2: Skilled Migrants  

This pathway may be available to international graduates, self-employed applicants, and sub-contractors already living and working in South Australia.  

Requirements include: 

• Your nominated occupation must be included in South Australia’s State’s Skilled Occupation List;  

• A score of at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs points test*; 

• Have been living in South Australia for at least the last 12 months;  

• Have been working for the last 12 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job. Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation; and  

• Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.  

Stream 3: Skilled Migrants (Outer Regional)  

Similarly to stream 2, if you are skilled migrant already in living and working in South Australia, but specifically in an outer regional area of the state, this pathway may be available to you.   

Requirements: 

• Currently work and live in Outer Regional South Australia. The postcodes included in this area are listed on the South Australian government website, and linked here for your convenience.  

• Your nominated occupation must be included in South Australia’s State’s Skilled Occupation List;  

• A score of at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs points test; 

• Have been living and working in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week). Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation.  

• Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.  

 Stream 4: Skilled Migrants (Offshore) 

You must be offshore and submitted an Expression of Interest using the Commonwealth Government’s SkillSelect system. This pathway will be available if following your Expression of Interest, South Australia invites you to apply for state nomination.  

For most occupations, applicants must have a minimum of three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 5 years to secure an invitation to apply for SA nomination.  This excludes construction which only requires a minimum of one year of skilled employment within the last three years.  

Your nominated occupation must be included in South Australia’s State’s Skilled Occupation List. 

South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors:  

1. English language ability  

1. Years and field of skilled employment  

1. Expression Of Interest points  

Subclass 491- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 

South Australia offers a state nomination pathway for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491 if you meet all state nomination requirements.  

Key Features 

• State nomination from South Australia provides you with 15 additional points to help you qualify for a subclass 491 visa under the Department of Home Affairs points test*. 

• Holding this visa subclass provides a further (conditional) pathway to permanent residency via a subclass 191.  This pathway is dependent on meeting income thresholds whilst on a subclass 491 for at least three years.  

Eligibility 

To apply for a Subclass 491, you must: 

• be under the age of 45; 

• have a valid skills assessment;  

• have an eligible skilled occupation, as determined by the Migration (Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019;  

• have a minimum of 65 points*; and 

• satisfy Department of Home Affairs English language visa requirements.  

The Department of Home Affairs website also has a points calculator here. We can assist you in determining which points may be available to you. 

Western Australia (WA) is offering a total of 5,000 places. This includes:

• 3,000 places for the 190 visa
• 2,000 places for the 491 visa

WA has the equal largest program with NSW and Victoria and is likely to have one of the most flexible and favourable state nomination programs for 2024-25.

Key features

• Interstate applicants eligible
• Ranking system which favours residents of WA
• Limited additional requirements above Department of Home Affairs’ requirements
• Contract of employment exemptions for Construction workers and 491 visa candidates

Cost

No application fee for WA nomination. Professional fees will apply if you engage Hammond
Migration.

Eligibility

There are three streams available, Schedule 2, which comprises most occupations, a WA Graduate (study) stream and Schedule 1 for health and medical occupations.

General stream WASMOL Schedule 2 (other occupations)

• Occupation listed on WASMOL Schedule 2 occupation list. Not all occupations are eligible for 190.
• 190 visa: Full time (at least 35 hours per week) employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation (not applicable to building and construction industry sector occupation).
• 491 visa: No contract required

Graduate stream

• Occupation listed on WASMOL Graduate stream occupation list
• Gained a qualification:
  • From an accredited WA educational institution
  • At PhD, Masters, Bachelor (including Honours), Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Trade Certificate III level or higher
  • Through Full-time study and face to face learning
  • Of at least two academic years duration. English study, study at multiple WA institutions or courses can be used to make up the two-years study. Credit and advanced standing cannot be used

General stream WASMOL Schedule 1 (Health and medical occupations)

• Occupation listed on WASMOL Schedule 1 occupation list
• At least one year Australian or overseas work experience in nominated (or closely related) occupation in the last 10 years (only post-qualification experience, and must be at least 20 hours per week)
• 190 visa: Full time (at least 35 hours per week) employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation (not applicable to building and construction industry sector occupation)
• 491 visa: No contract required

Ranking

Candidates eligible for the General streams will be ranked in accordance with the following:

• currently residing in Western Australia
• currently residing offshore or in another Australian state or territory
• occupations in priority WA Industry sectors (in no particular order):
  • building and construction;
  • healthcare and social assistance;
  • hospitality and tourism; and
  • education and training.
• occupations in all other WA industry sectors
• highest EOI points score
• oldest EOI submission date

Graduate stream applicants will be ranked as above, with graduates of higher qualifications being ranked above those with lower qualifications.

WA residency evidence

Applicants receiving a prioritised invitation based on residing in Western Australia must be able to substantiate this claim by providing evidence such as a residential property lease agreement, bank or mortgage statement, insurance policies, registration or driver’s licence renewal notice.

   Tasmania (TAS) is offering a total of 2,860 places. This includes:

• 2,100 places for the 190 visa
• 760 places for the 491 visa

Tasmania’s 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program: A Comprehensive Overview 

The Tasmanian Government has launched the 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program, providing various avenues for skilled workers to achieve state nomination. This program is essential for individuals pursuing either a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa. Below is a detailed overview of the program’s key features, eligibility criteria, and available pathways. 

Key Aspects of the 2024-25 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program 

The 2024-25 program has introduced modifications to priority attributes, including a reduction in “green” attributes and the addition of a new “orange-plus” attribute category.* These updates aim to align more closely with Tasmania’s evolving labour market needs, ensuring that the state prioritizes the most sought-after skills. 

Eligibility Across All Occupations: 

All occupations listed on the Australian Government’s subclass 190 and 491 lists continue to be eligible for nomination through at least one program pathway. This broad eligibility allows a diverse range of skilled professionals to apply for state nomination. 

Expansion of the Tasmanian Onshore Skilled Occupation List (TOSOL): 

The TOSOL has been expanded to incorporate 18 new occupation groups, totalling 78 individual occupations. Candidates who hold a skills assessment and have directly related employment in these occupations may qualify for permanent visa nomination after six months of work in Tasmania, with am average of at least 20 hours per week during this six-month period.

Income Threshold Adjustments: 

Income thresholds have been adjusted to reflect changes in Australian median and average earnings as well as the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. These updates ensure that applicants meet the financial criteria needed for successful integration into Tasmania’s workforce. 

Updated Critical Roles List: 

A revised critical roles list is available for applicants seeking gold priority in the Tasmania Skilled Employment, Skilled Graduate, and Established Resident pathways. This list highlights roles that are particularly significant to Tasmania’s economy and community services. 

Increased Application Fee: 

The service fee for applying for nomination has increased to $360 (plus $36 GST). However, there is no charge for submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI). 

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work in Tasmania for up to five years. Being nominated by Tasmania adds 15 points to the Department of Home Affairs points test, where the pass mark is 65 points. 

Pathways to Subclass 491 Nomination: 

Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway: 

Eligibility: Applicants must have been employed in Tasmania for at least six months (ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3) or 12 months (ANZSCO Skill Level 4-5) before applying. Employment Requirements: Employment must average at least 20 hours per week, and the role must be ongoing with a genuine need within the business. Living in Tasmania: Applicants and their dependents must currently reside in Tasmania and intend to continue living there. 

Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway: 

Eligibility: Candidates must have lived in Tasmania for at least two years, with more than half of your total time in Australia having been spent in Tasmania.  You must  be currently employed in Tasmania. Employment Requirements: Employment must be in a role corresponding to ANZSCO Skill Level 1-5, with specific experience requirements depending on the skill level. 

Overseas Applicant (Job Offer) Pathway: 

Eligibility: Candidates must have a formal job offer in Tasmania closely related to their nominated occupation. You, or any of your dependents must not have lived in another Australian state or territory within the last 12 months.

Employer Requirements: The employer must be well-established and have been operating in Tasmania for at least 12 months. There must be a genuine and ongoing need for the position within the business and the capacity for the business to sustain employment.

Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathway: 

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Tasmania and have lived in the state for at least one calendar year. Course Requirements: The course must be AQF Level 5 (Diploma) or higher, completed full-time, and on-site in Tasmania. 

Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway: 

Eligibility: Candidates must have operated a business in Tasmania for at least 12 months, generating a personal taxable income of at least 85% of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. 

You must show that you have an understanding of the responsibilities and requirements around treating employees fairly by completing key units on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online learning centre.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa 

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa that permits skilled workers to live and work in Tasmania indefinitely. Nomination by Tasmania grants an additional 5 points toward the points test. 

Pathways to Subclass 190 Nomination: 

Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway: 

Eligibility:

Employment must be in a role closely related to the applicant’s skills assessment and meet specific occupational requirements.

Employment Requirements: Applicants must have been employed in Tasmania for at least 15 months and meet the minimum contract and wage conditions. 

Additional Conditions:

Dependents must not be residing in another Australian state or territory. Specific conditions apply to business operators and recent graduates, which may influence eligibility. 

Applicants should consult the Migration Tasmania website for additional information, exclusions, and definitions. It’s important to note that meeting the minimum criteria doesn’t guarantee nomination, as the Australian Government sets an annual nomination quota for each state. 

Additionally, applicants must ensure they satisfy both the Department of Home Affairs’ visa requirements and the Tasmanian nomination requirements to be eligible for state nomination.

*Favourable Application Attributes

A ranking system applies to candidates who submit a Registration of Interest as part of the pathway to a state sponsored pathway in Tasmania. Only the most competitive candidates are invited to apply for nomination.

The attribute titles are Gold, Green, Orange-Plus and Orange. Each attribute has specific criteria to be met, including the ANZSCO Skill Level, duration of employment as well as salary.

Candidates who have at least one of the orange-plus priority attributes are a high priority for nomination and, after Gold and Green passes, will be the first candidates with an Orange pass to be invited to apply for nomination.

For further information on the attribute and ranking system, please refer to the Migration Tasmania website. Additionally, someone from our team will be happy to speak with you and explain further.

Queensland (QLD) is offering a total of 1,200 places. This includes:

• 600 places for the 190 visa
• 600 places for the 491 visa

Key features

You must obtain a nomination from the Queensland Government, if you wish to migrate to Queensland on certain skilled visas.

Queensland state migration is managed by Trade and Investment Queensland’s business unit Migration Queensland.

State nominated visas allow you to live and work permanently in Queensland.

Subclass 491- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 

This is a five-year, points-tested visa that leads to permanent residency after living and working in regional Queensland for at least three years.

After registering an Expression of Interest with the state, you may then be invited to apply for the subclass 491 visa.

There are four streams available for this subclass in Queensland. This includes:

• Skilled Workers (in Queensland)- this stream is for skilled workers currently employed in Queensland, helping to fill priority skills gaps
• Skilled Workers (offshore)- this stream is for skilled workers outside of Australia who can contribute to Queensland’s strongest skilled workforce needs
• Queensland Graduates– this stream is for international graduates who have an eligible qualification from a Queensland university and are currently employed, helping to fill priority skills gaps
• Small Business Owners– this stream is for migrants who are currently living in and operating a small business in regional Queensland

Skilled Workers (Queensland)

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last three months during the time of your expression of interest, and doing so in an occupation that is closely related your nominate occupation and recent qualification. You must also be working at least 30 hours a week in this occupation.
• Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. 
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted.

Skilled Workers (offshore)

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation (or a closely related occupation) and you must have on-going full-time employment in this occupation.
• Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted.

Queensland Graduates

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last three months during the time of your expression of interest, and doing so in an occupation that is closely related your nominate occupation and recent qualification. You must also be working at least 30 hours a week in this occupation.
• Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. 
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted.

Small Business Owners

There are two pathways you can choose under this stream. They are:

1. Business purchase: this pathway is available if you have purchased an existing registered business for outside of Southeast Queensland for a minimum of $100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident. You must operate the business for a minimum of six months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest. The business must be located in one of the following post codes- 4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895.

If you signed your contract of business purchase before 1 September 2024, then the full list of 491 regional postcodes is eligible.

Requirements for this pathway:

• Have a points test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points.*
• Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.**
• Be under 45 years of age.
• Demonstrate competency or higher in English.
• Have an occupation on the Legislative Instrument (LIN19/051).
• Provide evidence you are living in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode list.
• Be working for the business full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) for at least six months.
• Provide evidence you hold 100% ownership of the business. 100% ownership must have been in place since the business was purchased.
• Settlement of business purchase must have occurred less than 18 months prior to submitting your Expression of Interest.
• The business purchased must have been operating for a minimum of two years in its current location, immediately prior to purchase.
• Provide evidence you have purchased a business for a minimum of $100,000. 
• Provide evidence you have been operating the business for a minimum of six months after settlement. The six months of operation does not start until 100% of the business purchase price is settled. 
• Provide evidence of employing at least one Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week, or two employees working 10 hours per week. Employees cannot be a family member or a subcontractor.  

2. Start-up business: this pathway is applicable if you have started your own business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of two years. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest. The business must be located in one of the following post codes- 4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895.

Requirements for this pathway:

• Have a points test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points.*
• Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.**
• Be under 45 years of age.
• Demonstrate competency or higher in English.
• Have an occupation on the Legislative Instrument (LIN19/051).
• Provide evidence you are living in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode list.
• Be working for the business full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) for at least six months.
• Provide evidence you hold 100% ownership of the business. 100% ownership must have been in place since the business was started.
• Provide evidence you have been operating a profitable start-up for a minimum of two years, with a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to application.  

Additional requirements for the Small Business Owner stream

• No share transfer (must have a contract of business sale)
• No vendor financing
• Cannot purchase business from a family member or relative
• Cannot relocate or sell a business without first receiving approval from Migration Queensland (prior to visa grant). Migration Queensland reserves the right to withdraw state nomination from applicants who do not follow this requirement.
• Cannot purchase a business previously used as part of a visa application for migration purposes (i.e. 491, 188, 888 or 405 visa application).
• Applicants must operate their business for at least three years in a regional area (may be subject to monitoring) after the grant of the visa.

Businesses not accepted 

• Multiple businesses operating under the one ABN with combined financials/BAS. These businesses do not meet the requirements for this pathway.
• Passive investments i.e. Management rights
• Home-based businesses (including those with virtual offices)
• Commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as petrol stations)
• Diagou businesses.

Franchises

If you are considering purchasing a franchise business, you must have the approval of the Master Franchise (franchisor) prior to purchasing. 

Subclass 190- Skilled Nominated Visa 

There are three streams available for this subclass in Queensland. This includes:

• Skilled Workers (in Queensland)- this stream is for skilled workers currently employed in Queensland, helping to fill priority skills gaps
• Skilled Workers (offshore)- this stream is for skilled workers outside of Australia who can contribute to Queensland’s strongest skilled workforce needs
• Queensland Graduates– this stream is for international graduates who have an eligible qualification from a Queensland university and are currently employed, helping to fill priority skills gaps

Skilled Workers (in Queensland)

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last six months during the time of your expression of interest, and doing so in an occupation that is closely related your nominate occupation and recent qualification. You must also be working at least 30 hours a week in this occupation.
• Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. 
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted.

Skilled workers (offshore)

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation (or a closely related occupation) and you must have on-going full-time employment in this occupation.
• Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted.

Queensland Graduates

Requirements include:

• Have 65 points or more*
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries
• Have Proficient English or higher
• Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last six months during the time of your expression of interest, and doing so in an occupation that is closely related your nominate occupation and recent qualification. You must also be working at least 30 hours a week in this occupation.
• Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. 
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted.

*The Department of Home Affairs website also has a points calculator here. The friendly team at Hammond Migration can also assist you in determining which points may be available to you.

** A skills assessment is conducted by a relevant authority of your nominated occupation. The list of these authorities can be found here. The friendly team at Hammond Migration can assist you in determining the relevant authority and help you receive a positive outcome upon your skills assessment.

Northern Territory (NT) is offering a total of 1,600 places. This includes:

• 800 places for the 190 visa
• 800 places for the 491 visa

Key features

• Offshore applicants are eligible for the 491 visa under the NT Family Stream and Job Offer Stream
• The ranking system favours applicants with a long residence history and strong connections to the NT
• Job offers are not required for onshore NT graduates applying for 190 or 491
• Applicants with high employment prospects and alignment with NT industry needs will be prioritised

Cost

Application fee of $300 + GST (if applicable) for each nomination application. Professional fees will apply if you engage Hammond Migration.

Eligibility

Onshore applicants – NT Graduates Stream

190 Nomination           

1. Successfully completed qualifications after two years of full-time study at an NT institution.
2. Lived in the NT for at least 6 months immediately after completing your studies while holding a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa or a bridging visa associated with a subclass 485 visa application.
3. Demonstrated genuine efforts to obtain employment from an NT employer in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.

491 Nomination

Same as above, but the 2. residence requirement does not apply.

Onshore applicants – Other NT residents

A NT resident applicant refers to those on temporary visas with full work rights, currently residing in the NT.

190 Nomination

1. Lived in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years.
2. None of your migrating dependents are residing in other parts of Australia.
3. Full-time employment in the NT in a nominated or related occupation for at least 2 years and demonstrate that the position is available for at least a further 12 months.

491 Nomination

1. Lived in the NT for at least 2 consecutive years.
2. None of your migrating dependents are residing in other parts of Australia.
3. Full-time employment in the NT in a nominated or related occupation for at least 6 months and demonstrate that the position is available for at least a further 12 months.

Employment requirements:

• The position must be based in the NT with an employer that has been operating for at least 12 months.
• you must be paid at market salary.
• Positions that are based at serviced office spaces or involve hot-desking arrangements will generally not be considered favourably.

Applicants who meet all of the other requirements specified above but are employed outside of their nominated or related occupation may qualify for a subclass 491 nomination on an exceptional and case by case basis if they are employed in one of the following critical sectors: health, aged or disabled care, education (including childcare), hospitality, construction and the trades.

Offshore applicants

Offshore applicants will generally only be nominated for a subclass 491 visa.

There are 3 different streams. Applicants need to meet the following general requirements and the additional requirements for the stream you are applying under:

General requirements:

• At least 2 years of post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation in the last 5 years.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to live and work in the NT on a long-term basis
• Declare that they have the financial capacity to settle in the NT

1. Priority occupation stream

• Have a full migration skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL)
• Meet any additional work experience required for the occupation as specified on the NTOMOL

2. NT Family Stream

• Have a family member in the NT who:
• meets specific visa requirements, and
• is a usually resident in the NT has been living in the NT for at least 12 months and
• is willing to provide settlement suppor
• Provide evidence of sustained efforts to seek employment in the NT, including job market research and records of job applications.
  
  

3. NT Job Offer Stream

• Must have a verifiable job offer in your nominated occupation from an NT business that has been actively operating for at least 12 months.

Ranking

The NT Government considers various factors, including:

• Length of residency in the NT
• Previous travel to the NT
• Connections to the NT (for example, close family members being long-term residents of the NT).

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is offering a total of 1,800 places. This includes:

• 1,000 places for the 190 visa
• 800 places for the 491 visa

 The ACT aims to address local labour market needs and stimulate economic growth.

Key features

• If you have registered your Expression of Interest with the ACT government, you may then be invited to apply for nomination. It is only with this invitation that you may then apply for the visa.
• ACT organizes their visa nomination via the ‘Canberra Matrix’. The Matrix is how the ACT orders applicants by their points and eligibility when determining which applicants will receive an invitation. You can check your points and score against the Canberra Matrix here.

Subclass 491- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 

There are two streams under which you may be eligible to apply for the 491 visa in Canberra. This includes:

• Canberra resident applicant; or
• Overseas applicant

Canberra Resident Stream

Requirements include:

• You must have a valid English test demonstrating competency or higher in English; and
• You must have a valid skills assessment (which was submitted at the time of your expression of interest and remains valid until you receive nomination).**

If you satisfy the above two requirements, you then meet one of the following to be eligible under this stream:

• Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List
• You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer.
  • You worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer under either of these subclasses for the last six months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.

• You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
  • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
  • The following business types are not eligible: sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.
• You have lived in Canberra for at least three months at date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation. Your banking activity and transaction history will be assessed as evidence of residency.
• You have worked in Canberra for at least 13 weeks, working a minimum of 15 hours per week in a genuine position earning no less than the market salary rate. The position must also be genuinely and reasonably based in Canberra, it is not sufficient to be working remotely for another company not based in Canberra without need to be in Canberra.

Overseas Applicants

Requirements include:

• You must have a valid English test demonstrating competency or higher in English; and
• You must have a valid skills assessment (which was submitted at the time of your expression of interest and remains valid until you receive nomination)**
• Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List
• You have at least one year full time relevant work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years.
• You must provide a statement and evidence of research of how your employability in Canberra based on the current labour market and contributions to the ACT economy.
• You must not have lived in Australia within the last twelve months of your application or hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) other than a visitor visa.
• You have evidence of sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement.

Subclass 190- Skilled Nominated Visa 

There are two streams under which you may be eligible to apply for the 190 visa in Canberra. This includes:

• Canberra resident applicant; or
• Overseas applicant

Canberra Resident Stream

Requirements include:

• You must have a valid English test demonstrating ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English skills (exceptions apply for Chefs or ANZSCO occupations with skill levels 3 to 5); and
• You must have a valid skills assessment (which was submitted at the time of your expression of interest and remains valid until you receive nomination).**

If you satisfy the above two requirements, you then only have to satisfy at least one of the following to be eligible under this stream:

• Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List
• You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer.
  • You worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer under either of these subclasses for the last six months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.

• You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category.
  • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
  • The following business types are not eligible: sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.
• You have lived in Canberra for at least six months at date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation. Your banking activity and transaction history will be assessed as evidence of residency.
• You have worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks, working a minimum of 30 hours per week in a genuine position earning no less than the market salary rate. The position must also be genuinely and reasonably based in Canberra, it is not sufficient to be working remotely for another company not based in Canberra without need to be in Canberra.

Overseas Applicants

Requirements include:

• You must have a valid English test demonstrating ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English skills (exceptions apply for Chefs or ANZSCO occupations with skill levels 3 to 5); and
• You must have a valid skills assessment (which was submitted at the time of your expression of interest and remains valid until you receive nomination)**
• Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List
• You have at least three years full time relevant work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years.
• You must provide a statement and evidence of research of how your employability in Canberra based on the current labour market and contributions to the ACT economy.
• You must not have lived in Australia for within the last twelve months of your application or hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) other than a visitor visa.
• You have evidence of sufficient funds to facilitate your migration to Australia.

*The Department of Home Affairs website also has a points calculator here. The friendly team at Hammond Migration can also assist you in determining which points may be available to you.

** A skills assessment is conducted by a relevant authority of your nominated occupation. The list of these authorities can be found here. The friendly team at Hammond Migration can assist you in determining the relevant authority and help you receive a positive outcome upon your skills assessment.