Understanding State Nominations in Australia: Updates for August 2024
Are you considering migrating to Australia? If so, it is crucial to understand the State Nomination process. Currently, State Nominations are open for several Australian states, offering skilled migrants the opportunity to secure a visa and start a new chapter in this beautiful country. In this blog, we’ll explore what State Nominations are and provide the latest updates on their availability across Australia.
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|1. What is a State Nomination?
State Nomination is an essential pathway for skilled migrants seeking to move to Australia. Specifically, it involves a state or territory government nominating an applicant for a visa based on their skills, work experience, and the demand for their occupation in that particular state. When a state nominates you, it essentially endorses your application, thereby increasing your chances of securing a skilled visa under programs such as the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa).
Furthermore, State Nominations are highly sought after because they can significantly fast-track the visa application process. Additionally, each state and territory has its own criteria, which may include a specific list of occupations, residency requirements, and sometimes even the need to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) before receiving an invitation to apply.
|2. How Does It Work?
Applying for a State Nomination involves several key steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process:
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Check Eligibility:
- Before anything else, ensure you meet the general requirements for a skilled visa, including age, English language proficiency, relevant work experience, and qualifications.
- Each state has specific criteria and occupation lists. Research the requirements for the state you’re interested in to ensure you qualify.
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
- You must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you can indicate the states or territories you are interested in.
- Based on your EOI, states and territories can view your details and decide whether to invite you to apply for a nomination.
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Register Your Interest (ROI):
- Some states require you to submit an additional Registration of Interest (ROI) before they invite you to apply. This is a separate step where you express your specific interest in that state.
- For example, Tasmania and Victoria will open ROIs starting from the 1st of August 2024.
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Receive an Invitation:
- If a state or territory is interested in nominating you, they will send you an invitation to apply. This invitation is based on the information in your EOI and ROI, as well as the state’s current needs.
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Apply for State Nomination:
- After you receive an invitation, you will then need to submit a formal application for state nomination to the state or territory government. This process typically involves providing detailed documents, such as proof of work experience, qualifications, and English language skills.
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Receive Nomination and Apply for Visa:
- If your application is successful, the state will nominate you, and you can then apply for the relevant visa through the Department of Home Affairs. The nomination adds points to your application, improving your chances of being granted a visa.
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Wait for a Decision:
- After submitting your visa application, you’ll need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process and approve your visa.
|3. Latest Updates on State Nominations: August 2024
As of August 2024, there have been several updates regarding State Nominations across Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the current status for each state and territory:
Tasmania
- Registration of Interest (ROI) Opening Date: 1st August 2024
Tasmania has announced that it will open ROIs from the 1st of August 2024. Therefore, if you’re considering Tasmania as your destination, you will soon be able to express your interest and potentially receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.
Western Australia
- Invitation Rounds: Monthly, beginning the first week of August 2024
Western Australia is actively issuing invitations to eligible candidates. Invitations can be expected anytime within the first week of each month, making it an opportune time for applicants who meet the criteria to apply.
Victoria
- Registration of Interest (ROI) Opening Date: 1st August 2024
Similar to Tasmania, Victoria will open its ROIs on the 1st of August 2024. This presents a significant opportunity for skilled migrants who want to settle in Victoria, known for its vibrant cities and strong economy.
Queensland & New South Wales
- Current Status: Not yet open
As of today, Queensland and New South Wales have not yet opened their state nominations. However, keep an eye on updates as these states may announce their timelines soon.
South Australia
- Invitation Rounds: Ongoing
South Australia has already begun issuing invitations, with the first round of invitations already taking place. If you’re interested in moving to South Australia, this could be the perfect time to submit your EOI.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Canberra
- Invitation Rounds: Ongoing
The ACT has also started issuing invitations, with the first round already completed. Canberra, known for its high quality of life, is a desirable destination for many skilled migrants.
Northern Territory
- Current Status: Open for invitations as of today
Northern Territory is now open for invitations. If you’re considering a move to this region, you can start the application process immediately.
|4. Increased Opportunities for Migrants
An exciting development in the State Nomination process is the increase in available places. For instance, Western Australia has increased its nomination slots from 2,350 to 5,000, aligning it with the number of places available in New South Wales and Victoria. This increase reflects the growing demand for skilled migrants in these states and presents a promising opportunity for applicants.
|5. Ready to Apply?
If you’re planning to apply for a State Nomination, now is the time to ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) is in top shape. At Get Your Visa, we’re here to assist you with reviewing your EOI, assessing your skills, and guiding you through the application process.
If you would like to book a consultation with one of our agents, just call us on (08) 6117 4152 or write us at [email protected] or click on this following like to book your appointment https://www.getyourvisa.com.
