The NSW Government’s skilled visa nomination programme for 2024-2025 is now open. It comes with exciting updates and simpler application processes for skilled migrants.
The programme now accepts 40 occupations for NSW 190 visa nomination. It focuses on key sectors like construction, renewables, the care economy, digital and cyber, education, and advanced manufacturing. Getting this visa needs more than meeting simple criteria. You must score at least 65 points in your SkillSelect EOI, which you can estimate using a PR points calculator, and show competent English skills. The age limit stands at 45 years.
This detailed guide shows you the key steps to build a strong NSW 190 visa application. You’ll learn how to boost your approval chances and understand the latest nomination rules for 2024-25.
Understanding NSW 190 Visa Requirements
NSW’s 190 visa programme helps skilled workers become permanent residents while supporting the state’s economy. You need to meet specific requirements from both the NSW Government and Department of Home Affairs to qualify.
Your occupation must be on the NSW Skills List within an ANZSCO unit group. The current list covers many sectors, from engineering and healthcare to education and ICT. You also need a valid skills assessment that exactly matches an occupation on the NSW subclass 190 visa occupation list.
Points are the foundations of visa requirements. You must score at least 65 points based on your age, English skills, and work experience. Here’s how points work:
- Age: 30 points for 25-32 years, 25 points for 18-24 or 33-39 years, and 15 points for 40-44 years
- English language: Up to 20 points for superior English, 10 points for proficient English
- Work experience: Maximum 20 points combined for overseas and Australian employment
You must live in NSW with six months of continuous residence or have stayed offshore for the same period. The NSW programme supports priority sectors that don’t deal very well with skill shortages, especially in:
- Construction (infrastructure and housing)
- Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
- Care Economy (aged care and disability services)
- Digital and Cyber sectors
- Education
- Agriculture and Advanced Manufacturing
You can claim work experience points only from your nominated occupation or related skilled jobs in the last 10 years. Australian work experience counts only when you hold a valid visa with proper conditions.
The NSW Government sends invitations every 2-3 weeks until they use up their allocation. Your selection depends on your points, English proficiency, and relevant work experience. EOIs in NSW Priority Sectors get higher priority during selection.
Preparing Your NSW 190 Application
NSW 190 visa applications need careful preparation and attention to detail. The Department of Home Affairs accepts several English language tests that have specific score requirements. Each component needs these minimum scores:
- IELTS: 6 in each component
- PTE Academic: 50 in each component
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking
Your skills assessment should be valid within three years before you receive an invitation. You’ll need detailed documentation to show your skilled work experience. Here are the essential documents:
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead
- Pay slips (one for every 6-month period)
- Bank statements showing wage payments
- Tax records
- Superannuation statements
Self-employed applicants need these extra documents:
- Business registration certificates
- Bank statements
- Client testimonials
- Business partner statements
Your employment reference letters must include:
- Full company address
- Contact information
- Exact employment period
- Position details
- Five main duties
- Salary information
Make sure you can prove every claim in your Expression of Interest (EOI) with valid documentation. The assessment typically takes six weeks after you submit your payment. Onshore applicants must show either:
- Three months of continuous NSW residence, or
- Current employment in your nominated occupation for minimum 20 hours weekly
Note that you can only claim skilled employment points for work experience after the date on your skills assessment. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Republic of Ireland, or New Zealand don’t need to take English language tests.
The NSW nomination process has strict deadlines. You’ll have exactly 14 days to submit your application after receiving an invitation. Getting all your documents ready beforehand is vital to meeting these deadlines.
Maximising Your Selection Chances
Your points score is the lifeblood of securing the NSW 190 visa nomination. Competition is fierce, and knowing how to optimise your profile is vital to succeed.
English language proficiency is a great way to get more points. Superior English adds 20 points to your total score, while proficient English gives you 10 points. You need to score at least 8 bands in IELTS or equivalent scores in other accepted tests to achieve Superior English.
There’s another reason to boost your points: work experience. Australian work experience weighs more, giving up to 20 points for 8+ years of relevant employment. Overseas work experience can add up to 15 points for 8+ years. Notwithstanding that, the combined maximum points for employment experience cannot go beyond 20 points.
Your work must meet these criteria to claim employment points:
- Direct relation to your nominated occupation
- At least 20 hours weekly
- Within the last 10 years
- After your assessing authority deems you skilled
Your professional qualifications affect your points total too. PhD holders can claim 20 points, while bachelor’s degree holders get 15 points. Relevant authorities must assess overseas qualifications to meet Australian standards.
Your partner’s skills can add meaningful points to your application. Their skills assessment and English proficiency can contribute up to 10 points if they meet the requirements. A Professional Year Programme in accounting, IT, or engineering adds 5 extra points.
State nomination gives you 5 points automatically, but NSW looks at several factors beyond just points. These include:
- English language capability
- Total years of skilled work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Age profile
NSW runs invitation rounds throughout the financial year without set dates. EOIs with highest rankings within each ANZSCO unit group get priority. Therefore, keep your documentation updated and respond to invitations within the 14-day window.
Conclusion
Getting your NSW 190 visa needs careful attention to detail and good preparation. The process might look complex at first. But you can position yourself well for success by knowing the key requirements and ways to score points.
Your points total builds the foundation of your application. The NSW government looks at more than just numbers. Your case becomes stronger by a lot when you combine great English skills with relevant work experience and proper documentation. Note that sectors like construction, renewables, and care economy get extra attention during selection rounds.
The 2024-25 programme gives great chances to skilled migrants, especially those in critical sectors. Your expression of interest must match your supporting documents exactly. While you just need 65 points to qualify, your selection chances improve when you score higher through extra qualifications, work experience, or better English skills.
Good timing matters in your application journey. Early preparation helps you collect all documents, finish assessments, and act fast when invitation rounds begin. Being organised and meeting all eligibility criteria puts you on track to get permanent residency in New South Wales.