Today is the first day of the financial year 2021- 2022. Accordingly, there are several changes have been announced, and more to come in the upcoming days, and we will update once they are available.
State and Territory nominated visa categories –2021-22 nomination allocations
The Department of Home Affairs just announced the numbers of nominations allocated to Skilled – Nominated (190), Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491), and Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) for all states and territories in Australia. Generally, the total number of nomination allocations slightly increases compared to the financial year 2020 – 2021.
| State | Skilled nominated (SC 190) Visa | Skilled Work Regional (SC 491) Visa | Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) |
| ACT | 600 | 1,400 | 30 |
| NSW | 4,000 | 3,640 | 2,200 |
| VIC | 3,500 | 500 | 1,750 |
| QLD | 1,000 | 1,250 | 1,400 |
| NT | 500 | 500 | 75 |
| WA | 1,100 | 340 | 360 |
| SA | 2,600 | 2,600 | 1,000 |
| TAS | 1,100 | 2,200 | 45 |
| Total | 14,400 | 12,430 | 6,860 |
NSW continues to have the greatest number of allocations in both subclass 190 and 491, followed by Victoria. Noticeably, although they have more allocations than other states/ territories, the competitions are relatively high, and the requirements are more difficult to meet. Furthermore, Victoria will give it priority to those who apply for 190 nomination, and 491 nomination will be more difficult to get.
South Australia has an impressive number of allocation, with 600 more places in 190 and 491 compared the financial year 2020 – 2021 (which was 2,000 for each subclass). This would mean that there are more chances to get a nomination from South Australia Government. Tasmania, on the other hand, will have more places for those who apply for 491 nomination.
The allocations for WA and QLD remain the same as last year, and they are quite small compared to the size of these states. NT remains to be the state with the lowest number of places, standing at 500 places for both 190 and 491.
Application for Victoria’s nomination is open
Victoria government just announced that they are opening for the state nomination for 190 and 491, with priority being given to 190 nomination. There are several changes in their requirement, however, it is generally still limited to those who are working in the target sectors (STEMM – being Health, Medical Research, Life Sciences, Digital, Agri-food, Advanced manufacturing, and New Energy, Emissions reduction and circular economy).
If you are not working in the above sectors, your chance of getting an invitation from Victoria is slim.
Health
The health sector in Victoria consists of professionals providing medical services to Victorians as well as those involved in related education and research and development.
You do not necessarily need to be working in a health occupation (e.g. Nurse) to be considered working in the health sector. For example, a software developer working on software for hospitals is considered to be working in the health sector.
Nursing applicants: please note that we only nominate applicants with specific specialisations, such as:
- Midwife – 254111
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 254412
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) – 254415
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health) – 254422
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative) – 254423
- Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) – 254425
Medical research
In addition to medical research conducted in universities and research institutes, Victoria’s medical research includes activities such as drug development, clinical trials, health product manufacturing, medical devices and digital health.
If you are using your STEMM skills to support medical research in Victoria, you are considered to be working in the medical research sector.
Life sciences
Victoria’s life sciences sector is composed of many industries such as the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Companies involved in food processing, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals may also be considered to form part of the life sciences sector.
If you are using your STEMM skills to support Victoria’s life sciences sector, you are considered to be working in the life sciences sector. For example, a lecturer in biotechnology working in a university is considered to be working in life sciences.
Digital
The digital sector makes use of technology and innovation to drive economic growth, productivity and competitiveness in Victoria.
Currently they are only selecting applicants with cyber security skills to apply for subclass 190 visa nomination. Applicants without cyber security skills who are seeking subclass 190 visa nomination may still be selected if they are using their digital skills in another target sector. For example, a software engineer working in medical research.
Applicants working in any segment of the digital sector will be considered for selection for subclass 491 visa nomination.
Agri-food
The agri-food sector in Victoria includes highly skilled people working to develop food growth and production as well as the modernization of Victoria’s agri-food sector. To be considered for selection to apply for nomination, applicants must be using their STEMM skills to innovate within the sector, which could include research and development or advanced manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing
Victoria’s advanced manufacturing sector includes industries such as defence and aerospace. To be considered to be working in advanced manufacturing, you must be using your STEMM skills to enhance innovation. This could include activities such as research and development, design, supply chain management increasing global competitiveness through the use of technology.
New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy
This sector includes industries such as clean energy, renewables, bioenergy, carbon capture and energy storage. Applicants could be using their STEMM skills to support efforts to reduce waste, cut pollution and protect the environment.
We expect that other states and territories will have changes announced in the following days. We will keep updated should any one of them become available.