Skilled Migration to
New South Wales
New South Wales is Australia's most populous state and one of the most competitive migration destinations in the country. This guide covers the state-nominated skilled visa pathways; the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 along with eligibility requirements, invitation round processes, and the NSW Skills Lists as published by Investment NSW.
LAST UPDATED JUNE 2025
PROGRAM YEAR 2025-26
LIVE - SUBCLASS 190 OPEN
491 - PATHWAY 1 & 3 CLOSED
SUBCLASS 190
1st
Skilled Nominated Visa -Permanent
Live and work anywhere in NSW or Australia. It's a Points-tested permanent residency pathway. NSW nomination is invitation-based via SkillSelect.
SUBCLASS 491
+10
Skilled Work Regional Visa - Provisional
Live and work in regional NSW for up to 5 years. Pathway 2 open. Pathways 1 & 3 closed until 1 July 2026. Leads to Subclass 191 PR.
NSW SKILLS LIST
1st
Check Your Occupation Before Anything Else
Your occupation must appear on the NSW Skills List at ANZSCO unit group level. Check before applying as the list is updated regularly,
CRITICAL RULE
14
Days to Respond to a NSW Nomination Invite
Once NSW invites you, you have exactly 14 days to submit your full application. No extensions. No exceptions. Have your documents ready.
Skilled Nominated Visa: Subclass 190
What is subclass 190?
The Subclass 190 is a points-tested permanent residence visa. It grants the holder the right to live and work anywhere in NSW and indeed anywhere in Australia on a permanent basis from day one. NSW State Nomination adds 5 bonus points to your SkillSelect score. Because it confers permanent residence from the outset, the Subclass 190 is one of the most sought-after skilled visa products in Australia. NSW nomination for this visa is, by any measure, exceptionally competitive.
Skilled Nominated Visa: Subclass 190
1
Visa eligibility: Meet all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs for the Subclass 190
2
Skills assessment & occupation: Valid skills assessment in an occupation on the NSW Skills List, eligible for this visa.
3
Residency: Working in NSW in your occupation; residing in NSW for 6+ continuous months; or residing offshore for 6+ continuous months.
The Invitation Process: Step by Step
1
Confirm eligibility for both Home Affairs visa requirements and NSW nomination criteria.
2
Submit your EOI in SkillSelect; every claim must be backed by valid, non-expired documentation.
3
Wait for invitation rounds held throughout the year, no publicly announced dates.
4
5
If invited, you have exactly 14 days to respond, this window will not be extended under any circumstances.
Nomination assessments are typically completed within six weeks of payment.
NSW Skilled Work Regional Visa: Subclass 491
âš 2025-26 Program Year Update: Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are closed to new applications for the program year ending 30 June 2026. Pathway 2 (invitation-based) remains open. Pathways are expected to reset from 1 July 2026.
What is subclass 491?
The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa allowing skilled workers to live, work and study in designated regional areas of NSW for up to five years. It adds 15 additional points double the 190 and provides a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 after meeting income and residency requirements.
Closed for 2025-26
Pathway 1 : Currently Employed by a Regional NSW Employer
For skilled workers already embedded in regional NSW. Requires 6 months continuous employment with the same regional employer in your nominated occupation, earning at least TSMIT/CSIT. A salary concession is available for select occupations.
Open
Pathway 2 : Invited by Investment NSW
The invitation-based pathway. Your occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List. Residency requirement: working in NSW in your occupation; or 3+ months in NSW; or 3+ months residing offshore. Operates through SkillSelect invitation rounds.
Closed for 2025-26
Pathway 3: Graduates from Regional NSW
For those who completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD from a regional NSW institution within the past 2 years, with study related to their nominated occupation. Must be eligible to claim "Study in Regional Australia" points in SkillSelect.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Frequently Asked Question
Can I apply directly for NSW nomination?
​No. NSW nomination is invitation-based for the 190 and for Pathway 2 of the 491. Pathways 1 and 3 of the 491 allow direct applications during open periods, but are currently closed for 2025-26. They are expected to reopen from 1 July 2026.
​
Does the date I submitted my EOI affect my chances?
No. The date of submission or any subsequent amendments to your SkillSelect EOI does not affect your likelihood of being invited for NSW nomination. NSW ranks EOIs on merit factors, not submission chronology.
​
Can I hold EOIs for both the 190 and 491 simultaneously?
Yes. Many applicants maintain concurrent EOIs for multiple visa subclasses. This is a common and legitimate strategy. Whichever invitation arrives first, you can respond to that one and withdraw the other.
​
When will Pathway 1 and 3 of the 491 reopen?
Investment NSW confirmed these pathways are closed for the program year ending 30 June 2026. They are expected to reopen from 1 July 2026, subject to available allocation. Subscribe to the NSW Skilled Migration newsletter for updates.
​
How does the 491 lead to permanent residence?
After holding the Subclass 491 for at least 3 years and meeting minimum income and residency requirements in a regional area, you can apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Regional) visa, which grants permanent residence.
Speak to our Team
Considering New South Wales?
Thinking about making New South Wales your new home? NSW State Nomination through the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) could be your fastest pathway to Australian permanent residency. Both are points-tested visas managed by Investment NSW but they have different eligibility rules, pathways, and nomination rounds.
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