News
NSW looking for skilled migrants
While the number of Brits settling in New South Wales has decreased in recent years, new initiatives devised by the state’s government could once again make the state a Brit favourite
Although NSW is still the most popular destination for migrants from all over the world, over the last two years its popularity with Brits has been surpassed by both Western Australia and Queensland, and this along with a downturn in migrants from other key source countries and an imminent skilled worker shortage, has prompted the government to become the fifth state to join the State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) programme.
The scheme, which allows a state to sponsor migrants who have skills and experience in an occupation included on a state-specific occupations in demand list, is currently already operated in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
The NSW version of this scheme is currently focusing on attracting highly skilled applicants from three sectors – finance, information technology, and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals (see below for a full list) – although far more industries and occupations are expected to be added to the list over the coming months.
Skilled workers from the UK and Ireland are among those from seven countries being targeted through the state's STNI scheme, the others being from the US, Canada, India, South Africa and China.
In addition to having experience in one of the state's required occupations, applicants will also need to score 70 points on the General Skilled Migration points grid to be eligible for STNI nomination.
Other requirements are that applicants are under 45 years of age, have had their skills assessed by the appropriate Australian assessing authority, have good English language skills and have been in paid employment on a full-time basis in their nominated occupation for a specific period of time – this period will differ depending on the occupation.
For further information:
New South Wales STNI scheme
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14 December 2006