Australia's State Sponsorship Program

The Australian State Sponsorship Program is like a lifeline for skilled professionals dreaming of a fresh start in a land brimming with opportunity. For those who long for a place where their talents and ambitions can truly shine, the state sponsorship acts as a beacon, lighting the way to a promising future.

For individuals facing hurdles in traditional migration pathways, whether due to high point requirements, job market restrictions, or limited options, the State Sponsorship Program emerges as a savior. It’s designed for those who are skilled, driven, and ready to contribute, yet might need that extra support to step through Australia’s doors. By matching each applicant’s skills with the unique needs of specific states and territories, the program not only opens doors but actively pulls them through, guiding them toward regions eager to welcome and support them.

Each state has its own sponsorship criteria, tailored to fill its specific gaps in skilled labor. For qualified professionals, the program transforms this vast continent into a map of potential homes, where communities await with open arms, ready to benefit from their contributions.

The Australian State Sponsorship Program offers two targeted visa options for skilled professionals to settle in specific regions: the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa. Each visa caters to different professional and lifestyle aspirations, and both are essential pathways for skilled individuals seeking either permanent or provisional residence.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa is designed for individuals whose professions align with state or territory demand, allowing them to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Once granted, visa holders can work and study anywhere within the sponsoring state or territory, and, as permanent residents, they also gain the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for residency. Additionally, this visa opens a path toward Australian citizenship for those who meet eligibility requirements.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Possess a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
• Meet the points test and receive an invitation to apply.

With its permanent residency benefits, the Subclass 190 visa is an attractive option for skilled workers committed to building a long-term life in Australia.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is ideal for skilled professionals interested in living and working in regional Australia. This provisional visa provides a five-year residency in designated regional areas, allowing holders to work, study, and fully immerse themselves in the unique communities of regional Australia. The visa also offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years of continuous residence and employment in the region.

Eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 visa include:

• Nomination by a state or territory government agency, or sponsorship by an eligible relative residing in regional Australia.
• Employment in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Successful completion of a skills assessment and satisfaction of the points test.

This visa encourages skilled individuals to contribute to regional areas, which are essential for balanced economic growth and community development.

Skill List Priorities

Skill List Priorities of New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales prioritizes highly skilled professionals in various sectors to drive economic growth and address skill shortages. The NSW Skills Lists outline eligible occupations for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). 

1. Health: Medical practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals.

2. Education: Early childhood, primary, and secondary school teachers.

3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): ICT managers, software developers, and network professionals.

4. Infrastructure: Civil engineers, construction managers, and urban planners.

5. Agriculture: Agricultural scientists, crop farmers, and environmental scientists

Skill List Priorities of Victoria

Victoria is focusing on prioritizing certain occupations in key industry sectors for their skilled nomination program.

• Health

• Social Services

• Education (including Early Childhood)

• Construction

• New Energy

• Digital Economy (for Subclass 491 visa)

• Advanced Manufacturing (for Subclass 491 visa)

• Hospitality and Tourism (for Subclass 491 visa)

For Subclass 491 Visa Applicants Living Overseas:

• Health

• Social Services

• Education (including Early Childhood)

Skill List Priorities of South Australia (SA)

South Australia’s skilled occupation list focuses on key sectors that drive economic growth and address skill shortages.

• Construction

• Medical

• Education

• ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

• Engineering

• Agribusiness and Trade

• Hi-tech/Digital

• Healthcare

• Life Sciences

• Green Energy

• Defence

• Space

• Cyber Security

Skill List Priorities of Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia’s priority occupations list reflects critical needs across four main sectors: Building and Construction, Education and Training, Healthcare and Social Assistance, and Hospitality and Tourism. Below is a summary of priority roles within each sector.

• Building and Construction: Civil Engineer, Electrician, Carpenter, Quantity Surveyor

• Education and Training: Early Childhood Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Special Needs Teacher

• Healthcare and Social Assistance: General Practitioner, Registered Nurse (Critical Care), Physiotherapist

• Hospitality and Tourism: Chef, Cafe/Restaurant Manager, Baker

• Agriculture and Primary Industries: Agricultural Scientist, Agronomist, Veterinarian

• Information Technology: ICT Project Manager, Systems Analyst, Software Engineer

• Mining and Resources: Mining Engineer, Geologist, Metallurgist

• Transport and Logistics: Truck Driver, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager

Skill List Priorities of Tasmania

The following occupations are prioritized for registrations of interest in Tasmania, highlighting key areas for skilled pathways.

• ICT Managers: Chief Information Officer, ICT Project Manager, ICT Managers (nec).

• Engineers: Chemical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Environmental Engineer.

• ICT Analysts and Programmers: ICT Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist.

• Network and Support Specialists: Network Administrator, ICT Support Engineer, Database Administrator.

• Natural Scientists: Chemist, Food Technologist, Geologist, Meteorologist.

• Teachers: Early Childhood Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher.

• Healthcare Imaging and Nutrition: Dietitian, Radiographer, Sonographer, Nutritionist.

• Pharmacists: Hospital Pharmacist, Industrial Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist.

• Specialist Physicians: Cardiologist, Oncologist, Paediatrician, Endocrinologist.

• Surgeons: General Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon.

• Nursing Professionals: Nurse Educator, Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Registered Nurse (Critical Care).

• Social and Welfare Support Workers: Social Worker, Community Worker, Youth Worker, Disabilities Services Officer.

 Skill List Priorities of Queensland

Queensland prioritizes candidates, focusing on addressing verified skill shortages in the state’s growing industries.

• Energy 

• Construction and infrastructure 

• Healthcare and social assistance 

• Education 

• Professional services 

• Agribusiness 

• Tourism and hospitality 

• Transport 

 Skill List Priorities of Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory’s targeted sectors for skilled migration, are aimed at addressing key industry needs.

• Managers: Child Care, Welfare, ICT, Cafe/Restaurant, Hotel/Motel, Retail.

• Educators: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Vocational, ESL Teachers.

• Healthcare: Medical Radiographer, Pharmacist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Nurse Manager, Midwife.

• Medical Specialists: General Practitioners, Anaesthetists, Cardiologists, Surgeons, Obstetricians, Pathologists.

• ICT Specialists: Project Manager, Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, ICT Security.

• Engineering & Technical: Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Surveyor.

 The Priority Occupations Stream remains closed due to high volumes, and existing applications will face significant delays.

Skill List Priorities of Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The Australian Capital Territory’s targeted skilled migration sectors focus on addressing critical industry demands.

• Health and Welfare Services Management

• Construction Management

• Research and Development Management

• ICT

• Education and Teaching

• Architecture and Landscape Architecture

• Engineering (Various Fields)