ACT Critical Skills List

ACT Critical List – 2022/2023

ACT Critical Skills List July 2022

What is the ACT Critical Skills List?

The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT. This List is important if you want to apply for ACT nomination for either a:

You can also claim points in the Canberra Matrix if your nominated occupation is on the Critical Skills List or you are working in an occupation on the List.

Cap on occupations

Depending on demand, we may cap the number of ACT nomination places for each occupation on the ACT Critical Skills List.

You may not be invited to apply for ACT nomination if the monthly cap for your nominated occupation has been reached.

Current ACT Critical Skills List

The ACT Critical Skills List was last updated on 11 July 2022. It applies to all Canberra Matrix, regardless of when they were submitted.

We will update the list annually ahead of the new financial year to make sure that the ACT Migration Program adapts and responds to the evolving critical skills needs of the ACT economy.

ACT Critical Skills List – July 2022

ANZSCO Unit Group Nomination places available each month ANZSCO Nominated Occupation
Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers (1311) 5 or less 131112 Sales and Marketing Manager
131113 Advertising Manager
131114 Public Relations Manager (491 only)
Corporate Services Manager (1321) 5 or less 132111 Corporate Services Manager
Finance Managers (1322) 5 or less 132211 Finance Manager
Human Resource Managers (1323) 5 or less 132311 Human Resource manager
Policy and Planning Managers (1324) 10 or less 132411 Policy and Planning Manager (491 only)
Construction Managers (1331) 15 or less 133111 Construction Project Manager
133112 Project Builder (491 only)
Production Managers (1335) 5 or less 133511 Production Manager (forestry)
133512 Production Manager (manufacturing)
Supply and Distribution Manager (1336) 5 or less 133611 Supply and Distribution Manager
133612 Procurement Manager (491 only)
Child Care Centre Manager (1341) 5 or less 134111 Child Care Centre Manager
Health and Welfare Services Managers (1342) 5 or less 134211 Medical Administrator (491 only)
134212 Nursing Clinical Director
134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager
134214 Welfare Centre Manager
134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers (nec)
Other Education Managers (1344) 5 or less 134412 Regional Education Manager (491 only)
134499 Education Managers (nec)
ICT managers (1351) 5 or less 135112 ICT Project Manager
135199 ICT Managers (nec)
Other Specialist Managers (1399) 5 or less 139911 Arts Administrator or Manager
139912 Environmental Manager
139913 Laboratory Manager
139914 Quality Assurance Manager
139915 Sports Administrator (491 only)
139999 Specialist Managers (nec)
Café and Restaurant Managers (1411) 5 or less 141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager
Hotel and Motel Managers (1413) 5 or less 141311 Hotel or Motel Manager
Retail Managers (1421) 5 or less 142115 Post Office Manager (491 only)
Call or Contact Centre and Customer Service Managers (1492) 5 or less 149212 Customer Service Manager
Conference and Event Organisers (1493) 5 or less 149311 Conference and Event Organiser
Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers (1499) 5 or less 149912 Cinema or Theatre Manager (491 only)
149913 Facilities Manager
149914 Financial Institution Branch Manager (491 only)
Journalists and Other Writers (2124) 5 or less 212411 Copywriter
212412 Newspaper or Periodical Editor
212413 Print Journalist
212415 Technical Writer
212416 Television Journalist
212499 Journalist and Other Writers (nec)
Accountants (2211) 5 or less 221111 Accountant (General)
221112 Management Accountant
221113 Taxation Accountant
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers (2212) 5 or less 221211 Company Secretary
221213 External Auditor
221214 Internal Auditor
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers (2223) 5 or less 222311 Financial Investment Adviser
222312 Financial Investment Manager
Human Resource Professionals (2231) 5 or less 223111 Human Resource Adviser (491 only)
223112 Recruitment Consultant
223113 Workplace Relations Adviser (491 only)
Intelligence and Policy Analysts (2244) 10 or less 224412 Policy Analyst (491 only)
Management and Organisation Analysts (2247) 5 or less 224711 Management Consultant
224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst
Other Information and Organisation Professionals (2249) 5 or less 224912 Liaison Officer (491 only)
224914 Patents Examiner
224999 Information and Organisation Professionals (nec)
Advertising and Marketing Professionals (2251) 5 or less 225111 Advertising Specialist
225112 Market Research Analyst (491 only)
225113 Marketing Specialist
Public Relations Professionals (2253) 5 or less 225311 Public Relations Professional
Surveyors and Spatial Scientists (2322) 5 or less 232212 Surveyor
232213 Cartographer
232214 Other Spatial Scientist
Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators (2324) 5 or less 232411 Graphic Designer
232412 Illustrator
232413 Multimedia Designer (491 only)
232414 Web Designer
Civil Engineering Professionals (2332) 5 or less 233211 Civil Engineer
233212 Geotechnical Engineer
233213 Quantity Surveyor
233214 Structural Engineer
233215 Transport Engineer
Electrical Engineers (2333) 5 or less 233311 Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineers (2334) 5 or less 233411 Electronics Engineer
Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers (2335) 5 or less 233511 Industrial Engineer
233512 Mechanical Engineer
233513 Production or Plant Engineer
Other Engineering Professionals (2339) 5 or less 233911 Aeronautical Engineer
233912 Agricultural Engineer
233913 Biomedical Engineer
233914 Engineering Technologist
233915 Environmental Engineer
233916 Naval Architect
233999 Engineering Professionals (nec)
Environmental Scientists (2343) 5 or less 234311 Conservation Officer (491 only)
234312 Environmental Consultant
234313 Environmental Research Scientist
234399 Environmental Scientist (nec)
Veterinarians (2347) 5 or less 234711 Veterinarian
Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals (2349) 5 or less 234911 Conservator
234912 Metallurgist
234913 Meteorologist
234914 Physicist
234915 Exercise Physiologist (491 only)
234999 Natural and Physical Science Professionals (nec)
Early Childhood (2411) 5 or less 241111 Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher
Primary School Teachers (2412) 5 or less 241213 Primary School Teacher
Secondary School Teachers (2414) 5 or less 241411 Secondary School Teacher
Special Education Teachers (2415) 5 or less 241511 Special Needs Teacher
241512 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
241513 Teacher of the Sight Impaired
241599 Special Education Teachers (nec)
University Lecturers and Tutors (2421) 5 or less 242111 University Lecturer
Vocational Education Teachers / Polytechnic Teachers (2422) 5 or less 242211 Vocational Education Teacher (491 only)
Medical Imaging Professionals (2512) 5 or less 251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
251212 Medical Radiation Therapist
251213 Nuclear Medicine Technologist
251214 Sonographer
Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals (2513) 5 or less 251311 Environmental Health Officer (491 only)
251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
Pharmacists (2515) 5 or less 251511 Hospital Pharmacist
251512 Industrial Pharmacist
251513 Retail Pharmacist
Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals (2519) 5 or less 251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals (nec)
Dental Practitioners (2523) 5 or less 252311 Dental Specialist
252312 Dentist (491 only)
Occupational Therapists (2524) 5 or less 252411 Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapists (2525) 5 or less 252511 Physiotherapist
Audiologists and Speech Pathologists / Therapists (2527) 5 or less 252711 Audiologist
252712 Speech Pathologist
General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers (2531) 5 or less 253111 General Practitioner
253112 Resident Medical Officer
Anaesthetists (2532) 5 or less 253211 Anaesthetists
Specialist Physicians (2533) 5 or less 253312 Cardiologist
253317 Intensive Care Specialist
253318 Neurologist
253321 Paediatrician
253399 Specialist Physicians (nec)
Psychiatrists (2534) 5 or less 253411 Psychiatrists
Other Medical Practitioners (2539) 5 or less 253912 Emergency Medicine Specialist
253917 Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
Midwives (2541) 5 or less 254111 Midwife
Nurse Managers (2543) 5 or less 254311 Nurse Manager
Registered Nurses (2544) 15 or less 254411 Nurse Practitioner
254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
254413 Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
254414 Registered Nurse (Community Health)
254415 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
254416 Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)
254417 Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
254418 Registered Nurse (Medical)
254421 Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
254422 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
254423 Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
254424 Registered Nurse (Surgical)
254425 Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)
254499 Registered Nurses (nec)
ICT Business and Systems Analysts (2611) 20 or less 261111 ICT Business Analyst
261112 Systems Analyst
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers (2612) 5 or less 261211 Multimedia Specialist
261212 Web developer
Software and Applications Programmers (2613) 40 or less 261311 Analyst Programmer
261312 Developer Programmer
261313 Software Engineer
261314 Software Tester
261399 Software and Applications Programmers (nec)
Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists (2621) 10 or less 262111 Database Administrator
262112 ICT Security Specialist
262113 Systems Administrator
Computer Network Professionals (2631) 5 or less 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer
263112 Network Administrator
263113 Network Analyst
ICT Support and Test Engineers (2632) 5 or less 263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer
263212 ICT Support Engineer
263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer
263299 ICT Support and Test Engineers (nec)
Solicitors (2713) 5 or less 271311 Solicitor
Counsellors (2721) 5 or less 272111 Careers Counsellor
272112 Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
272113 Family and Marriage Counsellor
272114 Rehabilitation Counsellor
272115 Student Counsellor
272199 Counsellors (nec)
Psychologists (2723) 5 or less 272311 Clinical Psychologist
272312 Educational Psychologist
272313 Organisational Psychologist
272314 Psychotherapist
272399 Psychologists (nec)
Social Professionals (2724) 5 or less 272412 Interpreter
272413 Translator (491 only)
272499 Social Professionals (nec)
Social Workers (2725) 5 or less 272511 Social Worker
Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers (2726) 5 or less 272611 Community Arts Worker (491 only)
272612 Recreation Officer
272613 Welfare Worker
Medical Technicians (3112) 5 or less 311211 Anaesthetic Technician
311212 Cardiac Technician
311213 Medical Laboratory Technician
311214 Operating Theatre Technician (491 only)
311215 Pharmacy Technician
311216 Pathology Collector (491 only)
311299 Medical Technicians (nec)
Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians (3121) 5 or less 312111 Architectural Draftsperson
312113 Building Inspector
312114 Construction Estimator (491 only)
312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (491 only)
312199 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians (nec)
ICT Support Technicians (3131) 5 or less 313111 Hardware Technician
313112 ICT Customer Support Officer
313113 Web Administrator
313199 ICT Support Technicians (nec)
Motor Mechanics (3212) 5 or less 321211 Motor Mechanic (General)
321212 Diesel motor mechanic
321213 Motorcycle mechanic
321214 Small engine mechanic
Panelbeaters (3241) 5 or less 324111 Panelbeater
Bricklayers and Stonemasons (3311) 5 or less 331111 Bricklayer
331112 Stonemason
Carpenters and Joiners (3312) 5 or less 331211 Carpenter and Joiner
331212 Carpenter
331213 Joiner
Painting Trades Workers (3322) 5 or less 332211 Painting Trades Worker
Plasterers (3332) 5 or less 333211 Fibrous Plasterer
333212 Solid Plasterer
Plumbers (3341) 5 or less 334111 Plumber (General)
334112 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
334113 Drainer
334114 Gasfitter
334115 Roof Plumber
Electricians (3411) 5 or less 341111 Electrician (General)
341112 Electrician (Special Class)
341113 Lift Mechanic
Bakers and Pastrycooks (3511) 5 or less 351111 Baker
351112 Pastrycook
Chefs (3513) 5 or less 351311 Chef
Cooks (3514) 5 or less 351411 Cook
Animal Attendants and Trainers (3611) 5 or less 361111 Dog Handler or Trainer
361112 Horse Trainer
361114 Zookeeper (491 only)
361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers (nec)
Gardeners (3622) 5 or less 362211 Gardener (General)
362212 Arborist
362213 Landscape Gardener
Hairdressers (3911) 5 or less 391111 Hairdresser
Enrolled Nurses (4114) 5 or less 411411 Enrolled Nurse
Massage Therapists (4116) 5 or less 411611 Massage Therapist
Welfare Support Workers (4117) 5 or less 411711 Community Worker
411712 Disabilities Services Officer
411713 Family Support Worker
411715 Residential Care Officer
411716 Youth Worker
Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials (4523) 5 or less 452312 Gymnastics Coach or Instructor
452313 Horse Riding Coach or Instructor
452314 Snowsport Instructor
452315 Swimming Coach or Instructor
452316 Tennis Coach
452317 Other Sports Coach or Instructor
452321 Sports Development Officer
Contract, Program and Project Administrators (5111) 5 or less 511111 Contract Administrator
511112 Program or Project Administrator

Disclaimer: The above set ACT Critical List has been copied from https://www.act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants/act-critical-skills-list. The document is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this information without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this document (and the documents themselves) do not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind, or any advertising or solicitation. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between VIVID EDUCATION and any person accessing or otherwise using any of the information. Vivid Education and its affiliates (and any of their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, and employees) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of this information.

ACT Critical Skills List

ACT 190 Visa – Canberra resident Applicant Eligibility 2022/2023

If you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Nominated Visa (permanent) subclass 190, you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra Matrix. These include the following:

Eligibility: 

You must meet one of the following:

    1. Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List. 
    2. You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
      • You worked in Canberra in the occupation nominated by the sponsoring ACT employer for the last six months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
      • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
    3. 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.
      • 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.
      • Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.

Resident in Canberra:

You lived in Canberra for the last six (6) months and continue until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity from the date you arrived in Canberra up to the date of invitation.  You can also live within commuting distance in NSW e.g., Queanbeyan.

Employment: 

You worked in Canberra for the last six (6) months.

    • Employee:
      1. You worked a minimum of 35 hours per week in each of the 26 weeks up to the date you submit the Matrix. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
      2. Continuous employment – your employment in Canberra was continuous for the 26 weeks.
      3. You worked in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment.
      4. You were in paid employment. Internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions are not eligible. Your employment does not have to be permanent.
      5. Your weekly income was no less than the relevant award or market salary rate.
      6. Employer statutory declaration: Your employer MUST declare that you were employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you were working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
      7. You may work for more than one employer and/or be self-employed:
      8. If you were working in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a genuine reason for why you are based in Canberra. You cannot be working online, or from a home office.
    • Self-employed (and you are not claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner):
      1. You can work for an employer and/or be self- employed.
      2. Your total (taxable) income was at least $1000 pw in each of the 26 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
      3. You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
      4. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.
    • Small Business Owner:
      1. You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
      2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your ACT Small Business activity.

English: 

You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English unless your nominated occupation:

    • is Chef 351311.
    • has an ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5.

Spouse/partner: 

Your spouse or partner was resident in Canberra for the last six (6) months, or living overseas:

    1. If you wish to claim Matrix points for a spouse/partner, you must have proof of the relationship.
    2. If you wish to claim Matrix points in the spouse/partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Commit to living in Canberra: 

You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from date of visa grant.

Service fee: $300

Supporting documentation: Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

Disclaimer: The above set criteria and details about The eligibility of 190 Visa have been copied from https://www.act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants/190-nomination-criteria/canberra-resident-applicant-eligibility. The document is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this information without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this document (and the documents themselves) do not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind, or any advertising or solicitation. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between VIVID EDUCATION and any person accessing or otherwise using any of the information. Vivid Education and its affiliates (and any of their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, and employees) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of this information.

act 491 / 190 nomination guidelines

ACT 491 Visa – Canberra resident Eligibility 2022 2023

491 Nomination – Canberra resident applicant eligibility

If you want to apply for ACT nomination for a Skilled Regional Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must meet certain criteria at the date you submit the Canberra matrix. These include the following.

Eligibility: You must meet one of the following:

  • Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
  • You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
  1. You worked in Canberra in the occupation nominated by the sponsoring ACT employer for the last three months as the holder of a 457/482 visa.
  2. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills 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.
  1. 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.
  2. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.

Resident in Canberra:

You lived in Canberra for the last three (3) months and continue until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity from the date of your claimed arrival in Canberra up to the date of invitation. You may also live within commuting distance in NSW e.g., Queanbeyan, Bungendore etc.

Employment: 

You worked in Canberra for the last three (3) months.

  • Employee
  1. You worked a minimum of 20 hours per week in each of the 13 weeks up to the date you submit the Matrix. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
  2. Continuous employment – your employment in Canberra was continuous for the 13 weeks.
  3. You worked in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment.
  4. You were in paid employment. Internships, stipends, scholarships and volunteer positions are not eligible. Your employment does not have to be permanent.
  5. Your  weekly income was no less than the relevant award or market salary rate.
  6. You can work for more than one employer and/or be self-employed:
  7. Employer statutory declaration: Your employer MUST declare that you were employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you were working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
  8. If you were working in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a genuine reason for why you are based in Canberra. You cannot be working online, or from a home office.
  • Self-employed and you are not claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner:
  1. You can work for an employer and/or be self- employed.
  2. Your total (taxable) income was at least $520 pwin each of the 13 weeks immediately before you submit the Matrix.
  3. You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
  4. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.
  • Small Business Owner:
  1. You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
  2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your ACT Small Business activity.

English: 

You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ English unless your nominated occupation:

  • is Chef 351311.
  • has an ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5.

Spouse/partner: 

Your spouse or partner was resident in Canberra for the last three (3) months, or living overseas:

  • If you wish to claim Matrix points for a spouse / partner, you must have proof of the relationship.
  • If you wish to claim Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.

Commit to living in Canberra: 

You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from date of visa grant.

Service fee: $300

Supporting documentation:   Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

Disclaimer: The above set criteria and details about The eligibility of 491 Visa have been copied from https://www.act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants/491-nomination-criteria/491-nomination-canberra-resident-applicant-eligibility. The document is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this information without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this document (and the documents themselves) do not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind, or any advertising or solicitation. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between VIVID EDUCATION and any person accessing or otherwise using any of the information. Vivid Education and its affiliates (and any of their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, and employees) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of this information.

NSW Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) Nomination guidelines

NSW 190 Visa Nomination Guidelines 2022/2023

UPDATED 10/12/2022

The Federal Government retains ultimate responsibility for Australia’s migration program, including the allocation of available places across program streams and making decisions on visa applications.

Previously published points scores and work experience guides for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) have been removed due to increased availability of the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) by the Department of Home Affairs.

NSW uses a selection-based invitation process to ensure that NSW nominees are aligned with the skills needs of the state’s economy.

Nomination for this visa is exceptionally competitive. We strongly encourage you to consider all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and do not wait to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

See Common questions about skilled visas page for answers to a full list of our most commonly received questions.

Basic eligibility

To be considered for NSW nomination, at a minimum, you must meet the following basic criteria:

  • Meet all requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa
  • Be skilled in an occupation that is:
    • within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW skills list for this visa; AND
    • is eligible for the visa
  • Be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of six months
  • Have submitted an EOI SkillSelect seeking nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) only and NSW only

Key steps

  1. Confirm you are eligible for this visa
  2. Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria outlined above
  3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate
  4. Be invited to apply for NSW nomination – because of the overwhelming demand for NSW nomination, the vast majority of migrants seeking nomination will not be invited
  5. If invited, apply for NSW nomination within 14 days and provide evidence for all points claims in your SkillSelect EOI and where you currently reside

Invitation rounds

Invitation rounds occur ongoing throughout the financial year. There are no set dates, and rounds are not announced beforehand.

We cannot advise the date of upcoming invitation rounds or the provide the likelihood your SkillSelect EOI will be invited to apply for nomination.

We generally consider such things as points score, English proficiency, and years of skilled experience during invitation rounds. Being invited to apply for NSW nomination is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government.

When you submit, or amend, your SkillSelect EOI does not affect your likelihood of being invited to apply for NSW nomination.

Common reasons applications are declined after being invited to apply

Common reasons why applications are declined include where an applicant:

Overclaimed skilled employment

For the purpose of NSW nomination, you may only claim employment that is:

  • after the date you have been deemed skilled by your skills assessor (if applicable), or
  • after the date you have completed your qualifying study

If you claim employment in your SkillSelect EOI before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation, you are not eligible to apply for NSW nomination if invited. There are no exceptions for any reason.

Does not meet the residency requirement

You must be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have done so for a minimum period of six months to be eligible for NSW nomination.

Could not provide evidence for all claims in EOI

It is the responsibility of the EOI owner to ensure they can provide evidence for all the claims in their SkillSelect EOI. This includes:

  • Claiming points for skilled employment before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation (see below)
  • Claiming credentialled community language points when your qualification has expired. Your CCL certificate must be valid on the day you are invited to apply by NSW to claim these points
  • Claiming professional year points when you are not eligible. Your professional year must:
    • be in your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and
    • have commenced within 4 years of the day you were invited to apply

Important information about providing false documents

NSW nominates applicants for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) to support its economy and communities through the settlement of highly skilled migrants who are committed to living and working in NSW long term.

The providing of falsified or misleading information to NSW with your application is taken very seriously.

Any instances of fraudulent activity will be reported to Home Affairs and/or NSW Police and may result in any nomination being withdrawn and/or visa canceled.

Alternative migration pathways

NSW nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is just one of a number of visa options for prospective skilled migrants. There are a range of visas offered by Home Affairs, including both temporary and permanent employer nominated visas.

Source: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-nominated-visa-subclass-190

Disclaimer: The above set criteria and details about The eligibility of NSW 190 Visa have been extracted from https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-nominated-visa-subclass-190. The document is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this information without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this document (and the documents themselves) do not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind, or any advertising or solicitation. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between VIVID EDUCATION and any person accessing or otherwise using any of the information. Vivid Education and its affiliates (and any of their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, and employees) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of this information.

NSW 491 visa NSW 491 visa nomination criteria

NSW 491 Visa Nomination Guidelines 2022/2023

UPDATED 10/12/2022

NSW Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) Nomination Guideline 2022/2023

The Federal Government retains ultimate responsibility for Australia’s migration program, including the allocation of available places across program streams and making decisions on visa applications.

About NSW nomination

NSW nomination for this visa allows skilled migrants to live, work and study in designated regional areas of NSW for a period of 5 years.

There are two pathways to NSW nomination for this visa:

  • Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office
  • Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW

There are two nomination streams under Pathway 1, these are:

  • Stream A – Established work history with a regional NSW-based employer
  • Stream B – My skills are required in regional NSW

See Common questions about skilled visas page for answers to a full list of our most commonly received questions.

Nomination criteria

To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must meet all eligibility requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa. This includes being skilled in an eligible occupation.

Additionally, you must also meet all eligibility for the nomination pathway and/or stream you are seeking nomination. These are outlined below.

Note: You are not eligible for NSW nomination for this visa if you have previously been nominated by NSW for any visa.

Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office

The nomination criteria for each nomination stream include:

Stream A – Established work history with a regional NSW-based employer

To apply under this stream, you must be currently living and working in a designated regional area of NSW, and have continuously done so for the past 12 months.

Your qualifying skilled employment in the twelve months immediately before applying must be:

  • In your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and

  • With the same regional NSW-based employer; and

  • Deemed skilled by NSW; and

  • Paid a minimum of the TSMIT salary level of $53,900 (prorated if under 38 hours per week) from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation

Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

See our Common questions about skilled visas page for further information about eligibility under this stream.

Stream B – My skilled are required in regional NSW

To be eligible to apply under this stream, you must:

  • Be skilled in an occupation that is:

  • Meet the minimum point score and years of skilled work experience for your ANZSCO unit group

  • Be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of three months

Minimum point scores and years of skilled work experience are outlined for each ANSZCO unit group on the Stream B skills list.

Regional NSW study exemption

You are exempt from the minimum work experience requirement under Stream B if you:

  • Completed study in regional NSW within the most recent 24 months before applying; and
  • Your study is related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and
  • Your study in regional NSW makes you eligible to claim points for Study in regional Australia.

Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW

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

  • Be skilled in an occupation that is:

  • Be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of three months

  • Have submitted an EOI in SkillSelect seeking nomination for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) only and NSW only

Previously published points scores and work experience guides for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) have been removed for Pathway 2 due to increased availability of the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) by the Department of Home Affairs.

Pathway 2 invitation rounds

Invitation rounds occur ongoing throughout the financial year. There are no set dates, and rounds are not announced beforehand.

We cannot advise the date of upcoming NSW invitation rounds or the likelihood your SkillSelect EOI will be invited by contacting our office.

Meeting the minimum nomination outlined above in no way guarantees you will be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

Because being invited to apply is highly competitive, we strongly encourage anyone seeking NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and do not wait to be invited by NSW.

Nomination process

How to apply or be considered for NSW nomination is different for each nomination pathway:

Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office

To apply directly for NSW nomination under Pathway 1 you must:

  1. Confirm you are eligible for this visa with Home Affairs
  2. Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements for your chosen nomination stream outlined above
  3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate and that your EOI is seeking nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) only and NSW only
  4. Complete your application fee payment directly with the RDA office in your chosen nominating region
  5. Apply for NSW nomination using our online application form
  6. Wait up to six weeks for your application outcome

Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW

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

  1. Confirm you are eligible for this visa with Home Affairs
  2. Confirm you meet all pathway eligibility requirements outlined above
  3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate and that your EOI is seeking nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) only and NSW only
  4. Wait to be invited to apply – because of the high demand for NSW nomination, most migrants seeking nomination will unfortunately not be invited
  5. If invited, apply for NSW nomination directly to Investment NSW using the link provided to you by email
  6. Wait up to six weeks for your application outcome

Common reasons applications are declined

Common reasons why applications are declined include where an applicant:

Overclaimed skilled employment

For the purpose of NSW nomination, you may only claim employment that is:

  • after the date you have been deemed skilled by your skills assessor (if applicable), or
  • after the date you have completed your qualifying study

If you claim employment in your SkillSelect EOI before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation, you are not eligible to apply for NSW nomination if invited. There are no exceptions for any reason.

Does not meet the residency requirement

You must be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have done so for a minimum period of six months to be eligible for NSW nomination.

Could not provide evidence for all claims in EOI

It is the responsibility of the EOI owner to ensure they can provide evidence for all the claims in their SkillSelect EOI. This includes:

  • Claiming points for skilled employment before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation (see below)
  • Claiming credentialled community language points when your qualification has expired. Your CCL certificate must be valid on the day you are invited to apply by NSW to claim these points
  • Claiming professional year points when you are not eligible. Your professional year must:
    • be in your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and
    • have commenced within 4 years of the day you were invited to apply

Participating RDA offices

Important information about providing false documents

NSW nominates applicants for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) to support its regional economies and communities through the settlement of highly skilled migrants who are committed to living and working in regional NSW long term.

Providing falsified or misleading information to NSW in support of your claims against our nomination criteria is taken very seriously.

Any instances of fraudulent activity will be reported to Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs and/or NSW Police and may result in any nomination being withdrawn and/or visa cancelled.

Alternative migration pathways

NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is just one of a number of visa options for prospective skilled migrants.

 *Designated regional postcodes within the RDA Sydney area available on the Home Affairs website.

Disclaimer: The above set criteria and details about The eligibility of NSW 491 Visa have been extracted from https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491. The document is provided for general information purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this information without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this document (and the documents themselves) do not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind, or any advertising or solicitation. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between VIVID EDUCATION and any person accessing or otherwise using any of the information. Vivid Education and its affiliates (and any of their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, and employees) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of this information.