Which State is the Easiest to Be Invited for Any General Skilled Migration Visa?
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program offers pathways for skilled workers to migrate to Australia permanently. Receiving an invitation varies significantly by state, depending on the state’s specific criteria, the demand for certain occupations, and the number of places available. Here, we have listed a few states where we think that it might be easier to secure an invitation for a GSM visa. Please note, this information is general in nature.
Our Top list is Western Australia. Western Australia (WA) is often highlighted as one of the more accessible states for GSM visas.
On June 30, 2024, The Cook and Albanese Labor Governments signed a deal to allocate 10,000 skilled migration places for Western Australia in 2024-25. This agreement aims to address critical labour shortages in sectors such as construction and healthcare. The migration places will be divided between the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) and a new WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). These initiatives are designed to fill positions that cannot be met locally and to support the state’s economic growth and housing construction needs.
WA’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) offers several advantages:
- Flexible Requirements: WA has relatively lenient criteria for its nomination program. For some streams, having a job offer is not mandatory, making it easier for skilled workers to meet the requirements.
- Occupation Lists: WA maintains the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), which includes a variety of occupations. Applicants must have their occupation listed on this list and meet the minimum English language requirements.
- Work Experience: For the General stream WASMOL Schedule 2, there is no requirement for work experience, further lowering the barrier for eligibility.
Other States – SA, NT
Smaller states like South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT will also fair reasonably well. Immigration is expected to increase the number of invitations for each of these states as soon as the official announcement is issued.
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Potentially, states on the Eastern Seaboard, such as NSW, Victoria and particularly QLD, are more challenging for State Nomination. These states have larger populations and more attractive job markets, leading to a higher number of applicants. Intense competition, stricter requirements regarding points scores, work experience, and occupation, and state-specific priorities which influence their selection criteria and focus on specific high-demand sectors, make it harder to receive an invitation in these states.
High-Demand Occupation Industries
Regardless of the state, certain industries consistently have high demand for skilled workers. These include healthcare (nurses, doctors, allied health professionals), information technology (software developers, IT managers, cybersecurity specialists), engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical engineers), construction (project managers, surveyors, trade workers), and education (teachers, educational consultants). These sectors often have more opportunities and may offer a smoother pathway for GSM visa applicants.
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Conclusion
While Western Australia (WA) stands out as potentially the easiest state to be invited, the specific ease of receiving an invitation can vary significantly based on the applicant’s occupation, experience, and other personal qualifications. Prospective migrants should thoroughly research the latest requirements, weigh their own professional background to identify the most suitable state for their migration goals, and consider consulting registered migration agents for professional advice. By staying updated on state-specific criteria and maintaining flexibility, skilled workers can enhance their chances of securing an invitation under Australia’s General Skilled Migration program.
For personalised guidance and to explore your options for migrating to Australia, do not hesitate to contact us here at Pathway To Aus. Our expert team can help you navigate the complexities of the GSM program and find the best state for your skills and qualifications. Explore more within our website here Pathway to Aus to get started on your migration journey.
