New South Wales (NSW) State Migration Plan

On this page

• Update on the Subclass 491 visa nominations
• Invitation Rounds for the Subclass 190 Visa
• NSW Priority Sectors
• Published Skills Lists
• NSW Skills List
• Basic Eligibility
• Skill List

Update on the Subclass 491 visa nominations

To date, three invitation rounds have been completed for this program year. Monthly invitation rounds will recommence from January 2026 until the annual allocation has been met.

Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate will open on 19 January 2026.

Invitation Rounds for the Subclass 190 Visa

Next week we will be undertaking an invitation round for NSW nomination for the subclass 190 visa whilst we await the full allocation from Home Affairs. To ensure eligibility, we recommend keeping your SkillSelect EOI up to date and making sure that you can provide valid supporting evidence for all claims should your EOI be selected.

NSW Priority Sectors

NSW Government is working with the Australian Government to deliver shared migration priorities through the NSW State Migration Plan. Delivering priorities such as boosting the care economy and building more homes requires the attraction and retention of skilled workers. The NSW State Migration Plan will build on existing programs to support successful outcomes for skilled migrants in NSW.

The NSW Priority Sectors are Construction (infrastructure and housing), Net Zero and Energy Transition, Care and Support Economy, Digital and Cyber, Agriculture and Agrifood and Advanced Manufacturing.

Published Skills Lists

NSW has published NSW Skills Lists for the 2025-26 program year. The lists are provided at the ANZSCO unit group level, with separate lists for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

All occupations within an identified unit group that are eligible for the respective visa are eligible for an invitation for NSW nomination. Occupations that do not appear on the NSW Skills Lists will not be considered for an invitation for NSW nomination.

NSW Skills List

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa for highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the NSW economy. To be eligible for NSW nomination, your occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List which reflects skills in high demand across the state, and be eligible for the visa.

Basic Eligibility

To be considered for NSW nomination, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Visa eligibility - Ensure you meet all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa.
• Skills assessment - Have a valid skills assessment for an occupation that is both:
  • Listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa; and
  • Falls within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List.
• Residency - You must meet one of following criteria:
  • Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
  • Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of six months; or
  • Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of six months.