Migration Tasmania – An overview of Tasmanian 2022 Skilled Nomination Program (Subclass 190&491)
【No more detours to secure your state nomination】
You may have decided to migrate to Australia if you are reading this article right now. Some of you may have taken a wrong path, wasted lots of time and energy, fought hard to meet the requirements, but all the efforts went down the drain. These wrong paths may still keep you stuck in the hopeless process of 189 skilled independent visa nomination, 190 or 491 state nomination in certain states, 186 employer nomination…The list can be endless. It is about time to stop the sunk cost and turn to a more effective way of migration that requires less investment, but every effort comes into fruition!There is no doubt that the Australian government will place emphasis on migration to regional areas in upcoming years. This is because the Australian government has an urgent need to foster economic growth in less developed areas. Skilled migrations can significantly contribute to the local economy by consuming goods and services and filling the talent gap in various industries.
Why Tasmania?
With so many regional areas in Australia, why is Tasmania the best choice for migration purposes? The following three factors are crucial and will be the key to your ultimate success in securing your state nomination, regardless of which regional areas you choose as your migration destination.
1. The entry requirements of the state nomination program
2. The quota of the state nomination program
3. The number of state nomination applicants determines how fierce the competition can be.
A low threshold usually indicates that the state government is more open in its immigration policy and that immigrants are more welcomed. The high entry threshold means less demand in the labour market and that the state government is picky about the skills the applicants are equipped with. Therefore, the higher the threshold of the Skilled Migration Nomination program, the more difficult it is to migrate to that state. For example, many states, such as South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, require working experience for a certain amount of time. It has to be closely related to their nominated occupation. Finding a job in Australia has been difficult for young people in recent years. It could be harder for new graduates with a temporary visa and limited work rights. Employers can be reluctant to take the risk of training international graduates who may not be able to settle in Australia in the long run. International graduates also have difficulty landing in high-skilled jobs relevant to their skills assessment. Most graduates have to start from the entry-level occupation, which is relatively low skilled, regardless of the visa status. Australian working experience closely related to your nominated occupation is not required for the state nomination in Tasmania. It is one of the main factors indicating Tasmania’s lowest threshold in Australia.
AESC has been dedicated to Tasmanian education and migration services for 8 years. Over the years, our team has witnessed the history of the Tasmanian migration policy and how it has evolved. Between the year 2011 to 2014, few people knew about the Tasmania Skilled Nomination Program. From 2015 to 2016, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) became more restrictive while Tasmania’s Skilled Migration Program began to attract people’s attention. Tasmania has become the most popular migration destination because of its stable and friendly migration policy. AESC is a Tasmania-based registered migration agent. Compared to other migration agents, we can provide you with more support. AESC’s expertise lies in the profound understanding of Tasmanian education and migration policies. Our experienced consultants have all lived in Tasmania for a long time. Frequent interactions with the Tasmanian government keep us updated on the migration policies. In-depth insights and local life experience enable us to obtain reasonable foresight of the future trends in migration programs. Over the past 9 years, our professional services have helped over 3500 clients realize their migration dreams. We are here to provide personalized advice based on your circumstances so that you can avoid further detours and dead ends.
The high quota of the state nomination program means the state is more supported by the Department of Home Affairs, which allocates quotas to each state or territory. High quotas mean less competition and a higher chance for applicants to secure state nominations. Tasmania has been given more quota than other regional areas such as Canberra, the Northern Territory and Western Australia for the past five years. The quota for Tasmania has also seen a steady increase during these years. This is a strong indication of the willingness of the Australian government to develop Tasmania. Sufficient quota also suggests that the Australian government places emphasis on Tasmania’s economic growth. Although many areas in Australia have been classified as regional areas, some of them are already well developed. Consequently, the Department of Home Affairs will not allocate as many quotas to those states.
The fierceness of competition depends on the number of applicants for the state nomination. When you apply for the state nomination, you compete with all applicants for a limited quota. So, the more applicants apply for the state nomination, the more competitive it is. Tasmania is located on a less-developed small island. It has only one public university. Way much fewer international students come here compared to other states. Tasmania also faces demographic challenges such as an aging population and brain drain. After a visit to Tasmania, you will understand why Tasmania has a strong demand for population growth and why Tasmania relies heavily on new migrants to address its demographic problems.
There are two categories of Tasmanian Government state nomination:
1. The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
2. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Note: Both Subclass 190/491 have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. AESC always acts in your best interest. After free consultations, we will generate personalized migration plans that maximize your chances of securing a state nomination without any detour.
【Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa】
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa for skilled migrants to live and work in Tasmania. Compared to 491, it is a direct way to obtain your permanent residency. After getting this visa, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you would like to.
The general application process for Subclass 190 visa is as follows:
1. Submit your online application to the Tasmania government after meeting the eligibility requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. The Tasmanian Government will then assess your application for state nomination.
3. If your application for state nomination has been approved, you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to apply for a visa based on the EOI you have submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
4. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application.
The general application process for Subclass 190 visa is as follows:
1. Submit your online application to the Tasmania government after meeting the eligibility requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. The Tasmanian Government will then assess your application for state nomination.
3. If your application for state nomination has been approved, you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to apply for a visa based on the EOI you have submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
4. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application.
Advantages of Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
1. It is a permanent visa. You can enjoy the benefits as a permanent resident.2. The migration policy of subclass 190 has remained stable, with only minor changes since 2017.
3. The policy change only applies to students who will come to Tasmania in the future. It does not affect students who are currently studying in Tasmania.
Disadvantages of Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
1. You must study in Tasmania for two years. Therefore, the initial investment is higher than that of the Subclass 491 visa .2. You must continue to live in Tasmania for two years after you obtain the Subclass 190 visa (The commitment to live for two years in the state that offers you a nomination remains the same in all states in Australia).
It is suitable for students who:
1. have sufficient funds available for the duration of the study in Australia.2. wish to obtain their permanent residence as soon as possible.
Future possible changes:
The possibility of major policy changes is extremely low.Costs:
Tuition fees are expected to be around AU$70,000 for two years if you go to the University of Tasmania, lower than most universities in other states. The tuition fees are approximately $16,000 for TAFEs, which is similar to TAFEs in other states. The annual living costs in Tasmania are expected to be between AU $5,000 and AU $7,000. The accommodation costs are expected to be around AU$10,000 per year.Difficulty level:
To be eligible to apply for subclass 190, you must meet either of the following criteria:1. To study in Tasmania for two years. The difficulty level: 1 star.
2. You must have been working in Tasmania for 6 months immediately prior to your application for state nomination, and your employment must be in an occupation listed on the Tasmanian Skilled Occupations List (TSOL). The difficulty level: 5 stars.
For more details regarding the eligibility requirements for Subclass 190 visa, please refer to this article . You can scan the QR code at the bottom of this page and contact us through WeChat for your convenience. After free consultations, we will generate personalized migration plans for you that maximize your chances to secure a state nomination without any detour.
【Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa】
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional (temporary) visa for skilled workers which allows you to live and work in Tasmania for up to five years. You are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if certain conditions are met. As a Subclass 491 visa holder, you are entitled to the same rights and benefits as other permanent residence visa holders. You can also apply for Australian citizenship if you would like to.
The general application process for Subclass 491 visa is as follows:
1. Submit your online application to the Tasmania government after meeting the eligibility requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. The Tasmanian Government will then assess your application for state nomination.
3. If your application for state nomination is approved, you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to apply for a visa based on the EOI you have submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
4. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application.
5. If you have been granted a visa, you must live and work for 3 years in regional areas, and you or your partner will need to earn for those 3 years a minimum income each year (currently $53,900 per annual).
The general application process for Subclass 491 visa is as follows:
1. Submit your online application to the Tasmania government after meeting the eligibility requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. The Tasmanian Government will then assess your application for state nomination.
3. If your application for state nomination is approved, you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to apply for a visa based on the EOI you have submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
4. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application.
5. If you have been granted a visa, you must live and work for 3 years in regional areas, and you or your partner will need to earn for those 3 years a minimum income each year (currently $53,900 per annual).
Advantages of Subclass 491 –Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
1. Low upfront costs. Only one year of study in Tasmania is required.2. Low threshold and relatively stable policy compared to other Australian states or territories.
Disadvantages of Subclass 491 –Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
1. You must continue to live in regional areas for at least three years after obtaining your Subclass 491 visa. However, compared with metropolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the job opportunities in regional areas are relatively limited.2. It is a provisional/temporary visa. It requires you to earn a minimum taxable income of AU$53,900 for at least 3 years before you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. However, this salary might be a little bit difficult to achieve for some applicants in regional areas.
3. It is time-consuming and may take 6 to 7 years to obtain the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. This category is not recommended if you wish to bring your parents or other family members to Australia as soon as possible.
It is suitable for students who:
1. have a limited budget to cover related costs.2. are confident of securing employment in Tasmania and earning a minimum taxable income of AU$53,900.
Future possible changes:
According to the history of the subclass 491 policy, although this category has become a little bit more restrictive with minor changes happened during the past five years, Tasmania still has the lowest entry requirements in Australia.Costs:
Tuition fees are expected to be around AU$6000 to AU$35,000 for one year, depending on whether you choose to do a one-year university course or a one-year TAFE course. The annual living costs in Tasmania are expected to be between AU$5,000 and AU$7,000. The accommodation costs are expected to be around AU$10,000 per year.Difficulty level:
To be eligible for this category, you must meet one of the following criteria:1. Complete one-year full-time on-campus study in Tasmania. The difficulty level: 1 star.
2. You must have been working in Tasmania for 6 months immediately prior to your application for state nomination. Employment in your nominated occupation is not required. The difficulty level: 4 stars.
3. Overseas applicants will not be considered unless your employment and skills assessment are related to critical roles. The difficulty level: 5 stars.
4. You have an immediate family member who has been an Australian Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident residing in Tasmania for at least 12 months. The difficulty level: 1 star.
5. Own a small business in Tasmania, detailed requirements are explained in this article. The difficulty level: 5 stars.
For more details on the eligibility requirements for Subclass 491 visa, please refer to this article. You can scan the QR code at the bottom of this page and contact us through Whatsapp for your convenience. After free consultations, we will generate personalized migration plans for you that maximize your chances to secure a state nomination without any detour.
The 190/491 visas above are one of the most stable and favourable migration programs available in Australia.
If you are interested in effective migration pathways, please feel free to contact us.
Please bear in mind that there is no “best” migration program that suits every potential applicant. The “best” solution for you highly depends on your personal circumstances, such as your age, family situation, financial capacity, etc. Our experienced migration consultants are more than happy to provide you with tailored solutions.
If you aim to migrate to Australia with the least amount of time, effort and money, Tasmania is the best migration destination!
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Some of the most common inquiries about living and studying in Tasmania are listed below:
1Will Tasmania's migration policy change in the near future? What should I do if the policy changes while I am studying?
Previously in Tasmania, any policy change only applied to students who will come to Tasmania in the future. The changes will not affect students who have started their studies. Therefore, as long as you have enrolled in your course, you do not need to worry about policy changes. For example, the state government announced minor changes to the migration policies in January 2021 but stated at the same time that the new policies would be implemented in July 2021. Students who have enrolled in their courses prior to July 2021 are still assessed against the previous criteria.
2Is it hard to graduate from the University of Tasmania?
No, not at all. Our team members all graduated from the University of Tasmania. We are more than happy to share our study experiences with you. Firstly, the University of Tasmania is a reputable public university with outstanding teaching quality. Students will be fully supported with accessible professional help to boost their academic performance. Secondly, despite the university's excellent teaching quality, the University of Tasmania is not a member of the Group of Eight (G08), yet. The exit tickets are more obtainable compared to those big names. It is not difficult to get a pass as long as you attend classes and finish your assignments on time (some of which are group assignments). The workload is not heavy, offering you extra time and energy to work part-time to prepare for future careers and earn some money at the same time. Many of our clients have one or even two part-time jobs.
3How to prove that I have lived in Tasmania when I submit my application for state nomination?
A bank statement is generally the most powerful evidence to prove that you have lived in Tasmania for a certain amount of time. The transactions included location information about where the transactions occurred. It is one of the most important documents when lodging your application for state nomination.
4Is it safe to live in Tasmania? Which suburbs are better to live in Tasmania?
Tasmania has a low incidence of crime, and Hobart was ranked as the friendliest city in Australia. All of our team members have been living in Tasmania for many years. According to our experience, Tasmanian people are friendly and hospitable. They value the benefits brought by migrants and welcome newly settled migrants with open minds.
The best suburbs in Tasmania include Sandy Bay, Battery Point and Hobart CBD area. These are some of the affluent districts with well-established infrastructure.
The best suburbs in Tasmania include Sandy Bay, Battery Point and Hobart CBD area. These are some of the affluent districts with well-established infrastructure.
5Is there any website I can use to find accommodation in Tasmania?
Some of the popular websites include Realestate, Flatmatefinders and Facebook groups. If you are a UTAS future student, you also can choose UTAS’s accommodation.
6Is it boring to live in Tasmania as it is a regional area?
It depends on your lifestyle. Tasmania has a slow pace of life and abundant natural resources. For people who enjoy life in metropolitan cities, life in Tasmania might be boring. However, for people who want a tranquil and cozy lifestyle and love hiking or fishing, Tasmania turns out to be the right place for you.
7Is it easy to land a job in Tasmania? How are the career prospects?
There is no fixed answer to this question. No matter which state you are in, securing employment largely depends on factors such as your visa category, your English level, your ability to blend in the Australian workplace, whether you are a fast learner, etc. Locating a permanent high skilled role can be challenging for international students because of language barriers, visa status and so on in any state. It is undeniable that Tasmania is a regional area with a small population and fewer job opportunities than metropolitans such as Sydney or Melbourne. That is part of the reason why neither working experience nor job offers are required in the state nomination application. For those who decide to come to Tasmania, it is recommended that you study hard, practice your English, conduct your research about the job market, and seize every opportunity to land on employment. Exactly the same things you would do in any other state.
8Are there any education providers of the Professional Year Program and NAATI course In Tasmania? Can I take the PTE or IELTS test in Tasmania?
YES! You can find the Professional Year Program and NAATI course providers in Tasmania. There are test centres for both PTE and IELTS in the University of Tasmania.
9What is the average rent in Tasmania?
The accommodation near the University of Tasmania is in high demand due to the proximity to campus. The rent for shared accommodation with 3 to 4 people is usually from $150 to $220 per week. The weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment varies from $250 to $300. However, you have more options if you have a car. The rent would be much cheaper for rental properties further away from campus.
10What is the climate like in Tasmania? Is it cold in winter?
The climate in Tasmania is spring-like all year round. The temperature is usually between 3 to 11 degrees in winter and 25 to 30 degrees in summer. Tasmania is very close to Melbourne, with only 50 minutes to travel by plane. The climate in Tasmania is very similar to Melbourne but a little cooler.
11What is the population of Tasmania?
Currently, Tasmania's population is estimated to be 550,000, and Hobart's (where I live and work) population in 2021 is estimated to be 240,889.
About us
· Founded in 2014, AESC TASMANIA is a MARA (The Migration Agents Registration Authority) registered migration agent in Australia.· We’ve stayed dedicated to Tasmanian education and migration services for 8 years.
· Our professional services have helped over 3500 clients realize their migration dreams.
· From 2017 to 2021, we have been the best performing agent officially acknowledged by the University of Tasmania for five consecutive years.
Contact Us
WhatsApp: +61 450 977 777Mobile：0450 977 777
Email: aesc@aesctas.com
Address：24A Magnet Court，Sandy Bay，TAS，7005 (near UTAS)
If you choose Tasmania as the destination to study and migrate, a local migration agent like us will provide you with the best help!
