NSW Skilled Visa Update: First 2026-27 Invitation Round Begins 19 October 2026
Updated on 15 October 2026 Key takeaways
The NSW Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) program for 2026-27 opens with its first invitation round on 19 October 2026. The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is still closed. NSW has not published round sizes or allocation numbers.
On 19 October, only the 190 opens. The 491 remains closed to new applicants under all pathways.
Your occupation must be on the NSW Skills List (190) or the NSW Regional Skills List (491).
Residency is a key requirement: 6+ months for the 190, and 3+ months for Pathway 2 of the 491. Pathway 3 is for graduates of regional NSW institutions who studied a course related to their nominated occupation.
The NSW Skills List for the 190 has changed: 16 unit groups were removed and 15 were added.
Skilled Nominated Visa : Subclass 190
The 190 is a points-tested permanent visa. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one, and NSW nomination adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score. Nomination is competitive and by invitation only.
Visa eligibility.
Meet all Home Affairs requirements for the subclass 190.
Skills assessment and occupation.
You need a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the NSW Skills List that is also eligible for this visa.
Residency.
You must be working in your occupation in NSW, or have lived in NSW for 6+ continuous months, or have lived offshore for 6+ continuous months. Work experience only counts if it is at least part-time (20+ hours per week).
NSW Skilled Work Regional Visa : Subclass 491
The 491 remains closed to new applicants under all pathways. The pathways below show how it works once NSW opens it.
The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa for living, working and studying in designated regional NSW for up to five years. It adds 15 points, and after meeting income and residency requirements you can move to permanent residence through the subclass 191.
Pathway 1: Currently employed by a regional NSW employer
You need 6 months of continuous employment with the same regional NSW employer.
The job must be in your nominated occupation.
Pay must be at least the TSMIT/CSIT salary rate. A salary concession is available for select occupations.
Pathway 2: Invited by Investment NSW
Your occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List.
You must be working in your occupation in NSW, or have lived in NSW for 3+ months, or have lived offshore for 3+ months.
This pathway runs through SkillSelect invitation rounds, with no fixed dates.
Pathway 3: Graduates from regional NSW
You completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD at a regional NSW institution within the past 2 years.
Your study must be related to your nominated occupation. For example, if you nominate Accountant, you need to have studied a course related to accounting.
You must be eligible to claim "Study in Regional Australia" points in SkillSelect.
Update to the NSW Skills List (Subclass 190)
The NSW Skills List for the subclass 190 has changed. 16 unit groups were removed and 15 were added.
Next Steps Before 19 October 2026
Check your occupation.
Confirm it is on the right list and eligible for the visa you want.
Update your EOI.
Make sure SkillSelect shows your current points and claims.
Prepare your documents.
Skills assessment, English test, work evidence and qualifications should be valid and ready.
Consider both visas.
You can hold EOIs for the 190 and the 491 at the same time. If you receive one invitation first, you can respond to it and withdraw the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly for NSW nomination?
Not for the 190 or for Pathway 2 of the 491, which are by invitation. Pathways 1 and 3 of the 491 allow direct applications when they are open, but the 491 is still closed. Only the 190 opens on 19 October.
Does the date I submitted my EOI affect my chances?
No. NSW ranks EOIs on merit factors, not on submission date.
How does the 491 lead to permanent residence?
After holding the 491 for at least 3 years and meeting the income and residency requirements, you can apply for the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Regional).
Comments