New South Wales: 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program Update

New South Wales has received its full allocation for the 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program.

The state’s nomination program launches with 3,600 places, and here’s how they will be allocated to each visa subclass:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa  – 2,100 places

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa  – 1,500 places

New South Wales (NSW) started its invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa on October 20, 2025.

At this stage, NSW’s invitation rounds for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa have not yet started. 

We’ll keep this page updated as new information becomes available. Check back regularly so you don’t miss any updates on upcoming invitation rounds.

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 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)

• 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.

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.

For NSW nomination, you need at least Competent English. This is the minimum English requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs.

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: 

• 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 all Australian visa types.

Book your IELTS test now

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:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

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.

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.

• Gather and organise supporting documents, in case you get invited.

• Seek professional advice from registered migration experts to help strengthen your application strategy.

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.

The SkillSelect points system and visa application process 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. 

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 are typically available in one day!

• Feel confident on test day with official IELTS preparation materials. Access our wide range of resources which include 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.

  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for all visa subclasses.

  • 100% of Australian and New Zealand universities accept IELTS One Skill Retake.

Ready to get started? Book your IELTS today and take the first step on your journey to living, working or studying in Australia!

Sources:
DHA - Skilled Occupation List
NSW - Skilled List
English language visa requirements
NSW eligibility 
Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)