The NSW Skilled Migration Program has opened its Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) nomination program for 2026–27.
If you're planning to apply for NSW state nomination, here are the latest updates:
Subclass 190 nominations are now open for the 2026–27 program year.
The first invitation round is expected in the week starting 19 October 2026.
The NSW Skills List has been updated to reflect the state's current skills needs.
Subclass 491 nominations remain closed to new applicants across all NSW pathways.
First NSW subclass 190 invitation round expected in October 2026
NSW expects to hold its first subclass 190 invitation round for the 2026–27 program year in the week starting 19 October 2026.
If you've already submitted an EOI through SkillSelect, make sure your information is correct and up to date.
You should also have valid documents to support your claims, including your English proficiency, qualifications and skilled work experience.
Remember, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation for NSW nomination.
NSW subclass 491 nominations remain closed
If you're considering the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), NSW has confirmed that all nomination pathways remain closed to new applicants.
NSW has not announced when applications will reopen.
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.
Updated NSW Skills List for 2026–27
NSW has released its updated Skills List for the 2026–27 subclass 190 nomination program.
The list identifies occupations that help meet the state's workforce needs.
Some of the occupation groups included are:
Healthcare: Registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and medical practitioners.
Education: Early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers.
Engineering: Civil, electrical and mechanical engineering professionals.
Information technology: Software programmers, ICT business analysts and ICT security specialists.
Construction and trades: Construction managers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters.Skills List for 2026–27
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 an ANZSCO 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.
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 all Australian visa types.
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.
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.
Get expert help on your EOI or nomination application
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.
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 13,500 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.
Need faster results? With 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.