Tasmania open for Skilled State Nominated visas

Recent announcement by the State Government of Tasmania is good news for all those eager to access the State Nomination by Tasmania for the purpose of the two skilled visas, namely the 190 Skilled Nominated visa with 1,100 places and the 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa with 2200 places, bringing the nomination quota for the 2021–22 program year to 3300. It is expected that around 500 of these places may be used for applications carried over from the 2020-21 program year.

The program criteria remain almost the same with minor changes for a few categories:

• Tasmanian graduates would not need to show work experience but having one or having a career plan may improve your chances of meeting the threshold and being invited.

• Those already working for a period of at least 3 months in a skilled occupation (or related position) on the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List will be eligible for subclass 491 nomination.

• Those on Temporary Skill Shortage visas for a period of less than 12 months may be able to access the program with the support of their sponsoring employer

• Consideration of a semi-skilled work experience with career development prospects

• Acceptance of applications by candidates who are barred by section 48 of the Migration Act from applying for a further visa while in Australia who have pending review of a visa refusal or cancellation decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or Australian Federal Court however proviso that the applicant can demonstrate a reasonable ability to depart Australia, lodge their skilled visa application and return to Australia in the near future.

The Government of Tasmania provides a very clear guidance on their migration priorities:

1. Candidates with an employment and a skills assessment related to critical roles* (generally health, allied health, infrastructure engineering).

2. Candidates with an employment and skills assessment related to the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List.

3. Candidates in other skilled employment (ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3) with a related skills assessment.

4. New business owners providing substantial employment opportunities for local Australian citizens, permanent residents or provisional visa holders.

5. All other eligible candidates with skills or training relevant to the needs of Tasmania and who are able to make a genuine contribution to Tasmania through skilled employment.

The announcement offers almost a promise of an invitation for those falling in categories one to three and the other two categories if sufficient quota places are available.

Tasmanian Skilled Migration Program offers Q&A Webinars to provide further information to applicants.

Contact Assent Migration Lawyers for assistance with your nomination with the State Government of Tasmania.