Important Updates on the NSW Skilled Migration Program

Important Updates on the NSW Skilled Migration Program

State Nominated Visa Allocations

New South Wales has been allocated the following nominations for skilled migration for the 2025-26 program:

· 2,100 Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

· 1,500 Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

Here are the latest updates for the skilled migration program.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

To date, the NSW government team have completed three invitation rounds for this program year. Monthly invitation rounds will recommence from January 2026 until the annual allocation has been met. As of December 2025, they have nominated approximately 25% of the annual allocation.

Please be reminded that only occupations that appear on the NSW Skills List will be considered for an invitation.

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

The NSW government team are pleased to announce Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate will open on 19 January 2026.

Please be advised that applications will be processed in chronological order. However, only valid applications will be placed in the queue for processing.

Valid Applications

A valid application is one that satisfies all NSW eligibility requirements as of the date of application, with valid key supporting documents including the skills assessment and English language test. All supporting documents should not only be valid at the time of application but should remain so for at least five days thereafter.

Expedited Assessment Requests

Application assessments typically take up to six weeks; however this could be longer subject to the volume the NSW government team receive. Applicants may request priority processing if any of the following will occur within ten working days:

• The applicant’s current visa or their partner's current visa will expire.

• The applicant’s English language test, skills assessment, or passport, or their partner's, will expire.

• The applicant will lose points for age, and this will bring the applicant’s total points below the minimum required for the visa.

Subclass 491 visa Pathway 1 - Work in Regional NSW

Provided applicants meet the minimum income threshold and have been employed for at least six months, all occupations that are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) can apply under Pathway 1.

Detailed eligibility criteria for Pathway 1 is available on our website. Please review these before applying.

Subclass 491 visa Pathway 3 - Regional NSW Graduate

To apply under this pathway, you must have completed a bachelor's degree or higher degree from an education institution located in a designated regional area of NSW. Only occupations that appear on the NSW Regional Skills List are eligible to apply.

Please visit their website for a full list of eligibility requirements for Pathway 3.  

Subclass 491 visa Pathway 2 - Invitation by NSW

The need to conduct an invitation round under Pathway 2 will be determined following the demand for nominations under Pathways 1 and 3. At the earliest, if required, an invitation round for Pathway 2 will occur in April 2026. Further updates will be provided prior to conducting an invitation round as required.

Christmas Closedown Notice

The NSW government office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year period from 24 December 2025 to 9 January 2026. Normal operations will resume on Monday, 12 January 2026.

During this time, they will not be processing applications or responding to enquiries.

If your (or your partner’s) visa, English language test, skills assessment, or passport are due to expire during the closure period and you need to request an expedited assessment, please contact their team by Friday, 12 December 2025 to allow sufficient time to address any urgent matters before the closure.

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Getme2oz

Disclaimer: This blog post contains information including data, documents and images prepared by Investment NSW. While the information has been formulated with all due care, Investment NSW does not warrant or represent that the information is complete, accurate or up to date. The information is subject to change without notice.

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