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New South Wales (NSW) State Nomination 2025–2026: High Points and Targeted Pathways

By December 16, 2025No Comments

Introduction

The New South Wales (NSW) Skilled Migration Program for 2025–2026 is one of Australia’s most highly sought-after but also most competitive pathways. NSW uses a highly selective, invitation-only process based on a stringent assessment of an applicant’s Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Success depends not only on meeting the minimum points test but on scoring exceptionally high points and having an occupation that aligns precisely with the state’s economic priorities and published NSW Skills List.

NSW nominates skilled workers for:

1. NSW Nomination Allocation and Invitation Rounds

The final allocation for the 2025–2026 program year positions NSW with a strong total quota, though competition remains intense.

Visa Subclass Allocation (2025–2026)
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) 2,100 places
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) 1,500 places
Total 3,600 places

 

Invitation Rounds (Subclass 190)

  • NSW completed three invitation rounds during the interim phase of the program year.

  • Monthly invitation rounds will recommence from January 2026 and continue until the allocation is met.

  • As of December 2025, approximately 25% of the annual 190 allocation has been used.

2. NSW Nomination Eligibility and Priority

NSW does not accept direct applications for the 190 visa; selection is strictly invitation-based using a set of non-negotiable criteria.

General Minimum Requirements

To have an EOI considered, candidates must meet the federal visa criteria and the following basic NSW requirements:

  • Occupation: Must be on the relevant NSW Skills List for the 190 or 491 subclass.

  • Points Test: Minimum 65 points on the SkillSelect EOI (before state nomination points).

  • English: At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

Residency Requirement (Subclass 190)

To be eligible for a 190 invitation, an applicant must satisfy one of the following residency requirements:

  • Be residing in NSW and have continuously resided there for a minimum period of six months.

  • Be residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of six months.

Priority Sectors (Targeted Invitation)

NSW selects the highest-ranking EOIs within specific ANZSCO unit groups (the NSW Skills List) that align with the following priority sectors:

  • Care and Support Economy: Health, Aged Care, Disability, and Education.

  • Construction: Infrastructure, Housing, and related Trades.

  • Digital and Cyber: ICT professionals and specialists.

  • Net Zero and Energy Transition.

  • Agriculture and Agrifood.

  • Advanced Manufacturing.

Selection Note: Because the program is highly competitive, invitations are strictly targeted at EOIs with the highest points score and those with occupations in the Priority Sectors.

3. Subclass 491: Regional NSW Pathways

The Subclass 491 program in NSW is managed through Regional Development Australia (RDA) offices and focuses on applicants with a clear commitment to working and living in regional NSW. The program offers three distinct pathways:

Pathway 1: Work in Regional NSW (Opens 19 January 2026)

  • This is the primary work-based pathway for onshore applicants.

  • Employment: Applicants must have been employed in a regional NSW location for at least six months.

  • Income: Must meet the minimum income threshold (currently specified as $\$76,515$).

  • Occupation: All occupations eligible for the 491 visa can apply under this pathway, provided the work and income criteria are met.

Pathway 3: Regional NSW Graduate (Opens 19 January 2026)

  • This pathway targets international students who studied in regional NSW.

  • Study: Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at an education institution located in a designated regional area of NSW.

  • Occupation: The occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List.

Pathway 2: Invitation by NSW

  • This pathway is reserved and will only be assessed and opened if required based on the demand for nominations under Pathways 1 and 3.

  • The earliest possible invitation round for Pathway 2 is April 2026.

4. Application Process and Key Notes

  • Submit EOI in SkillSelect: Lodge or ensure your EOI is current, selecting NSW as a nominating state and accurately claiming all points with supporting evidence ready. The submission/amendment date of the EOI does not affect the likelihood of invitation.

  • Receive Invitation: NSW issues invitations to the highest-ranking candidates in periodic rounds.

  • Lodge NSW Application: If invited, you have 14 days to submit your full application for NSW nomination. This deadline is not extended.

  • Expedited Assessment: Priority processing can be requested under specific urgent circumstances, such as a critical expiry (visa, skills assessment, English test) or an imminent loss of points due to age, provided the expiry is within ten working days.

  • Processing Time: Application assessment typically takes up to six weeks.

If you tell us more about your situation (onshore/offshore, occupation, work history), we can help you map your profile against migration streams and draft a clearer strategy. Contact us today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.  

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