2025–26 NSW Skilled Migration Program

NSW received full allocations for the 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program 

Updated: November 7, 2025

New South Wales has officially received its full allocation for the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program. This allocation represents the total number of nominations the state can issue through its regular monthly invitation rounds.

NSW received a total allocation of 3,600 places for this program year. This is a significant drop from the 5,000 places that it had in 2024-25.

NSW allocation breakdown

Invitation rounds start for the subclass 190 visa

NSW started its invitation round for the subclass 190 visa on October 20, 2025.

491 visa NSW latest update

The invitation round for the 491 visa is still temporarily closed. Keep an eye out on this page for the latest updates.

NSW priority sectors for 2025-26

NSW’s migration plan this year aligns with the Australian government’s national goals, including boosting the care economy and building more houses.

The priority sectors for NSW this year include:

• Construction (infrastructure and housing)

• Net Zero and Energy Transition

• Care and Support Economy

• Digital and Cyber

• Agriculture and Agrifood

• Advanced Manufacturing

NSW skilled occupation list

NSW has released its Skills Lists for the 2025–26 program year. These lists show which jobs are in demand for skilled migration.

There are two separate lists: one for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and another for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

If your job appears under a listed ANZSCO unit group, you may be eligible for an invitation to apply for NSW nomination. However, occupations not included on the NSW skilled occupation list won’t be considered for nomination this year.

What should you do now?

If you’ve already submitted your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, review and update it if needed. Make sure your skills assessment, English test results, and other details are valid and current.. You must also double-check that your documents are ready to support your claims once you receive an invitation.  

IELTS score requirements for the 190 and 491 visa

Your English test results play an important role in your points and eligibility for both the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa.

If you’re planning to lodge your EOI soon, or if you ever need an updated English test result,  you need to have at least Competent English to be eligible for both visa subclasses.

However, to claim higher points in your EOI, you’ll need at least Proficient or Superior English. 

Below are the IELTS scores you’ll need for each level of English proficiency, and their equivalent points in your EOI. 

Points table for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

Need to prepare for IELTS? Access our FREE practice tests and other preparation materials.

Book IELTS now

What these updates mean for you

If you have already submitted your EOI, make sure to: 

• Review and update your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

• Make sure your documents and work experience support your claims

If you are planning to submit your EOI for this migration program: 

• Check if your occupation is listed on the new NSW Skills List

• Learn what makes a strong EOI and how you can boost your points before applying

Now you can submit a strong EOI for NSW nomination

If you’re unsure whether your EOI meets the requirements or need help reviewing it, talk to our migration experts today. Our team can guide you through updating your IELTS results, checking your eligibility, and making sure you’re ready before the next invitation round begins.