NSW: 2025-26 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program
Update on the NSW: 2025-26 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program
New South Wales has received interim allocations from the Australian government, on October 17, 2025. Here’s how they allocated it to each visa subclass:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa – 200 places
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa – 180 places
We’ll keep this page updated on NSW's Skilled Migration Program. Check back regularly so you don’t miss any updates on upcoming invitation rounds.
NSW 190 latest invitation round
New South Wales (NSW) has opened invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa, starting 20 October 2025.
The state is still waiting for its full allocation from the Department of Home Affairs, but invitations are now being issued for both eligible applications from the previous program year and new applications submitted for 2025–26.
Update on the subclass 491 visa nominations
At this stage, applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa remain temporarily closed.
NSW priority sectors for 2025-26
For the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, NSW aims to strengthen industries that support housing, healthcare, sustainability, and advanced technology.
The priority sectors include:
Construction (infrastructure and housing)
Net Zero and Energy Transition
Care and Support Economy
Digital and Cyber
Agriculture and Agrifood
Advanced Manufacturing
These priority sectors guide which occupations are included in the NSW Skills Lists, which we will discuss more below.
NSW skilled occupation list
NSW has also released an updated Skills Lists at the ANZSCO unit group level for the 2025–26 program year. These lists show which jobs are eligible for NSW nomination under the
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
Please note that the roles under the NSW’s skilled occupation list were listed at the ANZSCO unit group level, but not all occupations within a unit group are automatically eligible for NSW nomination.
For example, the state lists 2332 - Civil Engineering Professionals in its subclass 190 skills list. Under this unit group (2332), there are the following specific roles:
Civil Engineer (233211)
Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
Structural Engineer (233214)
But this doesn't mean that all these roles are automatically eligible for NSW nomination. You still have to check within the Australian Government's Home Affairs website which visa subclasses your occupation is eligible for.
If this is confusing for you, or if you need help verifying your eligibility or planning your PR pathway, don’t hesitate to contact a migration expert at IDP.
Eligibility
To be considered for NSW nomination, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Have a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with NSW selected as your preferred state.
Be under 45 years old.
Have at least Competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each component).
Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that is listed
on DHA's skilled occupation list for your visa subclass; and
within a unit group on the NSW Skills List
Meet the specific NSW nomination requirements for your visa subclass.
What IELTS score do you need to achieve?
For NSW nomination, you need at least Competent English. This is the minimum English requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs.
However, it’s important to know that:
Some occupations (especially in healthcare or education) may require higher English levels for skills assessment or registration purposes.
You should aim for a higher IELTS score because this increases your total points in SkillSelect.
Below are the IELTS scores you’ll need for each level of English proficiency, and their equivalent points in your EOI.
English | IELTS Academic and General Training | Points |
Competent English | 6 (listening) 6 (reading) 6 (writing) 6 (speaking) | 0 |
Proficient English | 7 (listening) 7 (reading) 7 (writing) 7 (speaking) | 10 |
Superior English | 8 (listening) 8 (reading) 8 (writing) 8 (speaking) | 20 |
Your scores need to be provided by time of invitation and your test results cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of invitation.
The Department of Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training, including One Skill Retake for Australian visas.
How can you apply for the NSW skilled visa nomination?
1. Check your eligibility
Make sure your occupation is on the NSW Skilled Occupation List, you meet NSW's requirements, and that you also meet the eligibility criteria for either of these visa subclasses:
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI in SkillSelect and select New South Wales as your preferred state.
3. Wait for an invitation
NSW regularly reviews EOIs and selects candidates who best meet its current skill and employment needs. Your chances of getting invited depend on factors like your occupation, total points, work experience, and NSW's priority sectors. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email invitation to apply for NSW nomination.
4. Apply for NSW nomination
If you are invited to apply, you must submit your application through the NSW Government website within 14 days. During your application, you should provide all valid documents that support every claim in your Expression of Interest.
5. Wait for the outcome
If your nomination is approved, you’ll receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your visa.
What should you do now?
If you’re applying for NSW state nomination, now is the right time to:
Review your EOI and update your information. If you’ve gained more work experience, improved your English score, or achieved anything that increases your points, make sure your EOI reflects these updates.
Need a higher IELTS score to boost your EOI points? We have a wide range of FREE practice tests and other preparation materials to help you.
Gather and organise supporting documents that verify your claims, in case you get invited.
Seek professional advice from registered migration experts to help strengthen your application strategy
Get expert help on your EOI or nomination application
The SkillSelect points system can be complex to navigate on your own. If you need help confirming whether you can claim points for your studies or work experience, or if you want expert guidance in preparing your documents when you’re invited to apply, contact our migration experts at IDP.
Why choose IELTS?
IELTS is the world's most popular English test for a reason. Why choose IELTS?
IELTS is accepted by more universities, colleges and academic institutions than any other English test. The test is accepted globally by more than 12,500 organisations.
IELTS is the only English language test that offers a General Training option. IELTS General Training is accepted and trusted by the Australian Government for visa applications.
Are you more comfortable with paper or computer? IELTS lets you choose how you want to take your test.
Need faster results? Take IELTS on computer: results typically available within one day!
Feel confident on test day with official IELTS preparation materials. They are free and you'll get access to premium materials including webinars, videos and practice tests.
IELTS is the only major test to offer One Skill Retake. You can now retake any component of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. It's perfect if you want to improve on one area instead of redoing a full test. With other tests, you need to book, pay, and sit a full test again.
