2025–26 NSW Skilled Migration Program

NSW has already used 25% of its 190 allocation

NSW has completed three invitation rounds this program year. The next rounds will run every month starting in January 2026. These rounds will continue until all 2,100 places are used.

As of December 2025, NSW has already used about 25% of its 190 allocation.

Your occupation must be on the NSW Skills List. If it’s not on the list, you cannot receive an invitation this year.

The 491 visa has the biggest changes this year. Two major pathways will open soon. Both start on 19 January 2026.

These pathways are important for students who studied in regional NSW or now work there.

Pathway 1 — Work in Regional NSW

This is for applicants who are already working in regional NSW. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum income threshold. You must also have at least six months of ongoing employment.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a subclass 491 nomination through this pathway. All 491-eligible occupations are allowed under Pathway 1.

Pathway 2 — Invitation by NSW

Pathway 2 is NSW’s invitation-only stream. NSW will only open this if demand for Pathway 1 and 3 is too high. If an invitation round is needed for this pathway, the earliest date will of the invitation will open on April 2026. NSW will announce updates before that happens.

Pathway 3 — Regional NSW Graduate

This pathway is for students who have finished a bachelor’s degree or higher at a regional NSW institution.

Only occupations on the SW Regional Skills List are eligible. If you studied in regional NSW and your occupation is listed, this pathway is made for you.

This part is important. NSW will only process valid applications.

A valid application means:

• You meet all NSW eligibility requirements on the day you apply.

• Your skills assessment is valid.

• Your English test results are valid.

• All your documents stay valid for at least five more days after you apply.

If your application does not meet these conditions, it will not enter the processing queue.

This is where expert support matters. IDP’s migration agents can review your documents and make sure your application meets NSW requirements before you submit, so you don’t lose your chance in the current rounds.

Talk to a migration expert

NSW usually takes up to six weeks to assess a 491 application. Sometimes longer if there is a high volume.

You can request priority processing if something urgent will happen within 10 working days, such as:

• Your visa or your partner’s visa will expire

• Your English test, skills assessment, or passport will expire

• You will lose points for age and fall below the minimum for the visa

NSW will consider these requests, but you must show clear evidence.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for priority processing, IDP can review your timeline, check your English test validity, and help you prepare the documents you need. This can help you avoid losing points or missing your window to apply.

Talk to a migration expert

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 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)

• one 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.

Read more visa success stories

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

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 submit a strong application for NSW nomination.

Latest visa news:

• Latest Australian Visa News

• Australia’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration full allocations

Articles that can help you when lodging your EOI: 

• Skilled Occupation List 2025: A Guide for International Students in Australia

• How to Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Visas

• New English Requirements for Australian Visas - August 2025

Want to check the SOL and migration program guides for other states and territories? 

• New South Wales Skilled Occupation List 

• Victoria Skilled Occupation List 

• Queensland Skilled Occupation List 

• South Australia Skilled Occupation List 

• Western Australia Skilled Occupation List 

• Tasmania Skilled Occupation List 

• Australian Capital Territory Skilled Occupation List