NSW Skilled Migration Invitation Rounds : April 2026 Update (Subclass 190 & 491)

New South Wales has announced its upcoming Skilled Migration invitation rounds for April 2026, offering fresh opportunities for skilled professionals targeting state nomination under the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional visa Pathway 2). These rounds are highly competitive and form a critical part of NSW’s migration strategy to address workforce shortages across priority industries.

Subclass 190 Invitation Round : Week Commencing 13 April 2026

Investment NSW will conduct a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) invitation round in the week commencing 13 April 2026. To ensure fair and accurate selection:

• Applicants must ensure their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date by COB Sunday, 12 April 2026

• Only EOIs reflecting the most current information will be considered during this round

• Invitations are issued based on occupation demand, points ranking, and eligibility criteria

This round represents one of the key opportunities for skilled professionals aiming to secure permanent residency (PR) through NSW state nomination.

Subclass 491 (Pathway 2) Invitation Round : Week Commencing 27 April 2026

Following the 190 round, NSW will conduct an invitation round for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) Pathway 2 in the week commencing 27 April 2026.

Applicants should note:

• EOIs must be updated by COB Sunday, 26 April 2026 to be considered

• Invitations under this pathway are targeted at applicants willing to live and work in regional NSW

• This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency after meeting regional and work requirements

Key Eligibility & Selection Criteria

NSW invitation rounds are strictly competitive, and not all applicants will receive invitations. Key factors influencing selection include:

• Occupations listed on the NSW Skills List

• Points score and ranking within SkillSelect

• Relevant work experience and qualifications

• Demand for specific occupations at the time of the round

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If you are targeting NSW skilled migration:

✅ Ensure your EOI is accurate and up to date

✅ Maximise your points score where possible

✅ Check your occupation against the NSW Skills List

✅ Be prepared before the cut-off dates for each round

Timing and accuracy are critical-submitting or updating your EOI after the deadline may result in missed opportunities.

The upcoming April 2026 NSW invitation rounds highlight the importance of being proactive and strategically prepared in Australia’s skilled migration landscape. With limited invitations and high competition, applicants who maintain updated EOIs and strong profiles are better positioned for success. Stay informed, stay prepared, and ensure your application reflects your current and most competitive profile. If you are unsure about your pathway or, would like to streamline a pathway through most in-demand courses such as Nursing (online), Teaching (online) or Trade, book a Free consultation through our website or, simple text (sms/WhatsApp) us: +61410478759 At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.