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NSW Trade and Investment has provided the following update on the October 2014 sponsorship round:

As you would be aware, NSW has grown its Skilled Migration program from a limit of 600 places in 2011-12 to the current 4,000 places negotiated with the Commonwealth.  The purpose of the program is to deliver on the economic and skills needs of NSW and it is managed to ensure it delivers on this purpose.  NSW now has the largest program amongst the States and territories and is extremely popular. Even at the country’s largest state skills program of 4000 places, not all potential applicants will secure nomination. This will lead to disappointment for those who are not within the cap.

In order to manage, and efficient processing of, applications to best deliver on NSW’sskills needs we have staggered the first two intakes for 2014/15 into intakes of a 1000 in July and October.  This approach was explained on the website prior to opening the 2014/15 skills program. As 1,000 applications have been received in the October intake, applications are now closed.

Prior to the opening of each intake, the online system was extensively tested before going live in conjunction with the migration community.  We also we sought out and received feedback from clients and agents which will help us continually refine the system.

After the July intake, our technical teams assessed the performance of the system and put in measures to deal with expected high volumes of online applications. However the extremely high volume of web traffic for the October intake resulted in applicants being unable to make payment and attach all of their documents. Those applicants that have successfully lodged an application will be contacted directly to finalise the application process by making payment, attaching documents and providing any other required information. 

The two intakes that have been undertaken will be reviewed in the light of our experience. The application process will open again in February 2015 after an analysis of the intakes to date which will determine the approach to future intakes. Advice as to the application process for future intakes will be posted on the website in January 2015.

Source: NSW Government Website