While the States and Territories limited their offshore skilled visa applications during the pandemic, we are seeing a gradual opening in Australia of these programs again. With expected changes coming in the new financial year, now is the time to review your options for migration.

Background

Travel restrictions introduced during the height of the covid-19 pandemic prevented many skilled migrants from entering Australia over the past two years.

In February 2022, the Australian Government reopened its international border to offshore migrants, welcoming visa holders who had been waiting since the beginning of the pandemic to enter the country.

However, despite the reopening of the international border, many offshore migrants interested in the skilled migration program continue to wait. State and territory governments have imposed additional criteria, and even closed their skilled migration programs, for offshore candidates during recent months. The limitations and closures of skilled migration programs to offshore candidates has prevented many from applying for nomination under the subclass 190 visa and subclass 491 visa programs to Australia.

Current status

As of June 2022, the skilled migration programs offered by Australia’s state and territory governments include the following options for offshore candidates.

New South Wales

The New South Wales government allows offshore migrants to apply for nomination under the subclass 190 visa and subclass 491 visa programs under specific occupations.

Offshore migrants who can provide evidence of a positive skills assessment in such occupations will also need to satisfy additional eligibility criteria set by the New South Wales government.

Victoria

The Victorian skilled migration program is currently closed to offshore applicants.

Queensland

The Queensland skilled migration program is currently closed to onshore and offshore applicants.

South Australia

The South Australian government currently allows offshore migrants to apply for nomination under the subclass 190 visa and subclass 491 visa programs under specific occupations.

Offshore migrants who can provide evidence of a positive skills assessment in such occupations may also need to satisfy additional eligibility criteria set by the South Australian government, depending on their nominated occupation.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government has temporarily restricted new applications for nomination under the skilled migration program to all applicants.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory skilled migration program is currently closed to offshore applicants.

Western Australia

The Western Australia skilled migration program is currently closed to offshore applicants.

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT government allows offshore applicants to seek nomination under the subclass 190 visa and subclass 491 visa pathways in specific circumstances.

To apply for nomination under the subclass 491 visa pathway in the ACT, you must prove at least three years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.

To apply for nomination under the subclass 190 visa pathway in the ACT, you must have a genuine ACT job offer in your nominated occupation.