Australia’s Skilled Migration Nomination Selection: What You Need to Know
Are you looking to immigrate to Australia? Australia has reopened for business and immigration, marking a significant opportunity for skilled workers globally. In July 2024, both Western Australia and Victoria announced the reopening of their skilled migration nomination selection, signaling a renewed commitment to attracting talented professionals to fill critical roles across the country.
The Reopening of Skilled Migration Programs
Western Australia and Victoria have both welcomed skilled migrants back with open arms, following a temporary pause in their programs. The Australian Government has allocated 5,000 skilled visa nomination places to Victoria for the 2024-25 program. These places are divided between the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) with 3,000 spots and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) with 2,000 spots.
South Australia Joins the Reopening with 3,800 Skilled Visa Nomination Places
Following suit, South Australia has also reopened its state-nominated skilled migration program for the 2024-2025 period, offering 3,800 skilled visa nomination places. This program is tailored to attract both onshore and offshore skilled workers who can contribute to the state’s economy. South Australia has identified priority occupations and skills, including Trades and Construction, Health and Education. With 464 occupations available for onshore applicants and 427 for offshore candidates, South Australia is committed to addressing skill shortages across its regions. Prospective migrants are encouraged to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and keep their Expression of Interest (EOI) updated, as the state plans to conduct regular offshore invitation rounds throughout the year. South Africans who have relocated to the area are known to be oustanding employees who settle into the community quickly.
2024-25 Eligibility and Program Features
To be considered for an invitation for state nomination in Western Australia, your occupation must be eligible under the General or Graduate streams. The General stream caters to a wide range of occupations and industries listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), while the Graduate stream is designed for international students completing their education in WA.
Notably, the 2024-25 program includes reduced employment requirements for candidates in the WA building and construction industry sector and additional employment contract arrangements for those under the General Stream – WASMOL schedule 1. These changes highlight Western Australia’s targeted approach to filling skill shortages in critical sectors.
Australia’s Broader Migration Strategy
On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced a permanent Migration Program with planning levels set at 185,000 places. The program’s focus is on strengthening the economy by addressing skill shortages, particularly in regional areas, and supporting family and community bonds. With 71% of the program dedicated to the skill stream, there’s a clear emphasis on bringing in highly skilled migrants to boost the nation’s workforce.
If you’re considering skilled migration to Australia, now is the time to act. With Western Australia and South Australia reopening their programs and offering numerous benefits, Australia is once again a top destination for skilled professionals. Contact Tri-Nations Migration for more information about immigrating to Australia.
