During the Covid-19 pandemic, all states paused their regional migration programs for offshore candidates. Despite rising vaccination rates and the gradual opening of international borders, these measures remain in place and most states and territories still only consider candidates who already living and working in Australia.
So far only South Australia and Tasmania have started to consider international candidates for state nomination. This affects the two visa classes 190 and 491.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia currently considers only a limited range of occupations for offshore nomination. These occupations are mainly in engineering, agriculture, health care, and some trades as well as a few professionals in senior management roles. All offshore candidates must have at least 8 years of work experience in their profession and be able to meet all other criteria for this visa, such as English language, health, and character.
TASMANIA
Tasmania takes a different approach and will accept offshore candidates in most cases only for a provisional 491 visa. There are two possible pathways for offshore applicants: they either have an occupation (and meet the occupation-specific requirements) on Tasmania’s Skilled Occupation List (TSOL) or, if they have another occupation not listed on the TSOL, they have a genuine job offer from a Tasmanian employer.
At this stage, the other states have not made any announcements when they will open their migration programs to overseas candidates. A few states have, however, stated they will review their programs in December 2021.
If you require assistance with your visa application or would like to discuss your options with a registered migration agent, please get in touch to book a consultation.
Immigration Australia 