RDA offices will focus on nominating applicants who are undertaking skilled work in critical sectors. These applicants are a priority for the Government to promote economic recovery following the impact of COVID-19.

NOMINATION CRITERIA

1. Living and working in the NSW region

In order to be eligible for the NSW nomination under this stream, you must:

- Hold a valid job skills assessment that appears on the occupation list of your nominated region;

- Have been living in the designated NSW regional area for at least the previous 12 months;

- Have worked in your nominated occupation, or in a closely related occupation, in a designated NSW regional area for at least the previous 12 months. 

2. Recently completed a study in the NSW region

In order to be eligible for the NSW nomination under this stream, you must:

- Hold a valid job skills assessment that appears on the occupation list of your nominated region;

- Have completed studies or education with an educational provider, where: 

   • The study was completed in the previous 24 months;   

   • The educational provider is located in the designated regional area of the NSW;   

    • The study meets the requirements of the Australian study (as determined by Home Affairs from time to time).

    • The qualification obtained from this study has been assessed as closely related to your nominated occupation by the competent assessment authority;

- Have lived in a designated NSW regional area upon completion of the study. 

3. Living and working outside the NSW region

In order to be eligible for NSW nomination under this stream, you must meet all the criteria for at least one of the following categories:

a. Job offer in the NSW region
In order to be eligible for the NSW nomination under this category, you must:

• Hold a valid job skills assessment that appears on the occupation list of your nominated region;
• Have an offer for continuous employment, which is:
    - in your nominated occupation, or in a closely related occupation;
    - For a minimum period of 12 months and 35 hours of work per week;
 • Have an offer from the employer for continuous employment, which is:
   - located in the designated regional area of the NSW;
   - registered in Australia

b. At least five years of skilled employment experience (offshore Applicants)
If you live outside Australia, you must:

 • Hold a valid job skills assessment that appears on the occupation list of your nominated region;

• Have at least five years of skilled employment in such a nominated occupation or in a closely related occupation.

c. Family ties in the NSW region
In order to be eligible for the NSW nomination under this category, you must:

• Hold a valid job skills assessment that appears on the occupation list of your nominated region;
• Have an immediate family member in the designated NSW regional area who meets all of the following criteria:

- is either your grandfather, your grandma, your father, your mother, your brother or your sister (including by virtue of an active or adoptive relationship);
- age of at least 18 years;
- either an Australian permanent resident, an Australian citizen or a provisional visa holder nominated by the NSW (489);
- Currently living in a designated regional area of the NSW;
- has been residing in the designated regional area of NSW for at least the preceding 24 months;

- and you must ensure that your family member has completed a statutory declaration confirming that they meet each of the above-mentioned migration requirements.