NSW 190 Visa Invitation Score March 2026: Points Requirement

To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), applicants must meet the minimum migration points requirement. 

NSW 190 visa eligibility points 

Applicants must have: 

• At least 65 points in the skilled migration points test 

• A positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation 

• An EOI submitted in SkillSelect 

• Nomination from the NSW Government 

Importantly, the 65 points requirement includes the 5 points gained from state nomination. 

However, it is essential to understand that 65 points only makes you eligible to lodge an EOI. It doesn’t guarantee you will be invited for a 190 visa. In practice, most applicants require significantly higher scores to receive an invitation. 

New South Wales conducted a Skilled Migration invitation round on 4 March 2026. 

During this round, invitations were issued to candidates with the highest ranked EOIs in each occupation. 

The NSW Government considers several factors when selecting applicants: 

• Points score 

• Occupation demand in NSW 

• Skill shortages in priority sectors 

• Employment and residency in NSW 

Because invitations are issued within occupation groups, the required points vary significantly between professions. 

NSW 190 Visa Invitation Scores – March 2026 

Below are examples of the lowest invitation scores reported in the March 2026 NSW invitation round. 

These results demonstrate that NSW invitation scores ranged from 65 to over 110 points depending on the occupation. 

Unlike some migration programs, NSW does not use a single universal invitation score. Instead, invitations are issued to the highest ranking applicants within each occupation group. 

Below are several factors that can influence invitation thresholds. 

Labour market demand in NSW 

Occupations facing critical labour shortages may receive invitations with lower points. 

Examples include: 

• Construction trades 

• Skilled technicians 

• Some healthcare roles 

Because Australia currently faces shortages in these industries, state governments may invite candidates with lower scores. 

Competition within each occupation 

Some occupations attract large numbers of migration applicants, which increases competition. Examples include: 

• Software Engineer 

• ICT Business Analyst 

• Developer Programmer 

• Data professionals 

Because many applicants in these fields have very high migration scores, the invitation threshold increases significantly. 

Onshore employment in NSW 

Recent invitation rounds show that applicants already working in NSW often receive priority. This means the candidates who are: 

• Living in NSW 

• Working in their nominated occupation 

• Contributing to the local labour market 

may have a higher likelihood of receiving an invitation. 

Several trends are shaping the NSW skilled migration program. 

Technology occupations remain highly competitive 

The global demand for tech professionals has resulted in large numbers of applicants applying for ICT occupations. 

This trend means higher points thresholds for technology roles. 

Healthcare workers remain in demand 

Australia’s ageing population continues to drive demand for healthcare professionals. 

Occupations such as: 

• Registered nurses 

• Allied health professionals 

• Medical specialists 

are likely to remain migration priorities in future invitation rounds. 

Construction trades shortages 

Australia is experiencing a serious housing shortage, increasing demand for: 

• Carpenters 

• Welders 

• Construction trades workers 

This may continue to influence lower invitation scores for certain trade occupations. 

If your migration score is currently below competitive levels, there are several strategies to improve your points. 

Improve your English proficiency 

English language ability can significantly increase your migration score. 

Points awarded include: 

• Competent English – 0 points 

• Proficient English – 10 points 

• Superior English – 20 points 

Achieving Superior English (IELTS 8 / PTE 79+) can add 20 valuable points. 

Gain additional skilled work experience 

More years of work experience can increase your migration points. 

Applicants can gain points for: 

• Overseas skilled employment 

• Australian skilled employment 

Claim partner skills points 

Applicants may receive additional points if their partner: 

• Has a positive skills assessment 

• Meets English language requirements 

Partner skills can add up to 10 points. 

Consider regional migration pathways 

Some applicants may also explore the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa. 

Regional visas may offer: 

• Additional migration points 

• Lower invitation thresholds 

Despite increasing competition, the NSW 190 visa remains one of the most attractive migration options because it provides permanent residency immediately. 

Benefits include: 

• Permanent settlement in Australia 

• Access to healthcare and education 

• Eligibility for citizenship 

• Career opportunities in one of Australia’s largest economies 

However, applicants should aim to maximise their migration points to remain competitive. 

he NSW 190 invitation round in March 2026 highlights how competitive Australia’s skilled migration system has become. 

Although the minimum eligibility score is 65 points, actual invitation scores ranged from 65 to more than 110 points depending on occupation demand. 

Key takeaways include: 

• ICT occupations required the highest points (95–110) 

• Engineering and healthcare roles required around 80–90 points 

• Trade occupations sometimes received invitations with lower scores 

Because migration policies and invitation scores change regularly, applicants should aim to build the strongest possible migration profile. 

If you wish to have professional advise on 190 visa, contact our experienced Migration Agent today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.