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Understanding Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia

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Understanding Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia
State nomination is an essential step for skilled workers seeking Australian visas, offering extra points, broader occupation options, and pathways to permanent residency, though each state has different criteria and processes.

Applying for state nomination for a skilled visa is a critical step for many individuals and families looking to make Australia their new home. Understanding how state nomination works, why it matters, and how to successfully apply can make all the difference in your Australian migration journey. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know: from eligibility and process to benefits, challenges, popular occupations, costs, and more.

What is State Nomination for Skilled Visas?

State nomination is a process where an Australian state or territory government endorses an applicant’s visa application, supporting their nomination as a skilled migrant. It is a key pathway for many skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, especially when their occupations are in demand in specific states or territories.

Skilled visas that most commonly require or use state nomination include:

  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): A provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.

State nomination provides extra points towards your visa application, making you more competitive in the Department of Home Affairs' points-based system.

Why is State Nomination Important?

Securing state nomination is often essential for several reasons:

  • Boosts Points: State nomination grants 5 (Subclass 190) or 15 (Subclass 491) additional points, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
  • Expands Occupations: States may nominate a broader range of occupations, even those not on federal skill lists.
  • Opens Pathways: Provides alternative routes for applicants who may not meet the higher points threshold required for independent migration.
  • Regional Incentives: For those happy to live and work outside major metropolitan areas, regional nominations (Subclass 491) are highly encouraged by Australian government policy.

How Does the State Nomination Process Work in the Context of Australian Migration?

The process incorporates several sequential steps and involves both the federal Department of Home Affairs and the specific state or territory government:

1. Check Your Occupation

  • Consult both the Commonwealth’s MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) and the relevant state’s or territory’s occupation lists, as these can differ.
  • Each state regularly updates their list based on local labour market needs.

2. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Age (usually under 45 years at time of invitation)
  • English language proficiency (often IELTS 6.0, or equivalent, or higher for some roles)
  • Positive skills assessment for your occupation
  • Relevant work experience (requirements differ by occupation and state)
  • Health and character criteria
  • Sufficient points (minimum 65+), including those awarded for state nomination

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

  • Create a profile and submit your EOI through the Australian Government's SkillSelect platform.
  • Select your preferred state/s or territory/ies in your application.
  • Indicate which visa subclass(es) you are interested in (e.g., 190, 491).

4. Apply to the State or Territory

  • Complete a separate application to the state or territory for nomination. Each jurisdiction has its own portal, eligibility criteria, priority sectors, and documentation requirements.
  • Some states may require:
    • Proof of ties to the state (study, work, family)
    • Detailed settlement plans
    • Evidence of financial capacity

5. Assessment by State/Territory Government

  • They assess your application against their criteria (points, work history, occupation demand, ties to state, etc.)
  • Successful applicants receive a formal nomination.

6. Invitation to Apply for a Visa

  • Once nominated, you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.

7. Lodge Your Visa Application

  • Submit all required documents and fees for your selected visa subclass (e.g., 190 or 491).
  • Wait for department processing.

Key Benefits and Features of State Nomination

  • Enhanced Points: Extra points make your EOI stand out in a competitive pool.
  • Tailored Occupation Lists: Each state adapts its skilled occupation lists to its labour needs, sometimes nominating jobs not eligible for independent skilled migration.
  • Priority Processing: State-nominated EOIs may enjoy faster processing times.
  • Pathways to Permanent Residency: Subclass 190 is a direct PR visa; Subclass 491 offers a route to PR through the Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional work and residence.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Meeting State Requirements

  • Challenge: Each state sets different eligibility rules, which may change with little notice.
  • Solution: Regularly check official state websites and use platforms like ausvisalibrary.com to track updates.

Competition and Quotas

  • Challenge: Some states have limited nomination places and high demand, especially for popular professional streams.
  • Solution: Strengthen your profile with higher English scores, additional work experience, or demonstrated ties to the state.

Documentation

  • Challenge: Complex requirements for skills assessment, settlement plans, and proof of relationship or state ties.
  • Solution: Use a migration agent or lawyer for advice; always double-check documentation before submission.

Which Professions Commonly Apply for State Nomination?

States focus on occupations experiencing shortages. As of 2024, common roles include:

  • Registered Nurses
  • ICT Professionals (Software Engineers, Systems Analysts)
  • Accountants and Auditors
  • Mechanical and Civil Engineers
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Chefs, Bakers, Pastrycooks
  • Early