2025–26 NSW Skilled Migration Program Update
NSW Business and Skilled Migration
The NSW Government has announced important interim details for the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program. These updates will help skilled migrants, employers, and agents prepare for upcoming invitation rounds and nomination opportunities.
Interim Allocation:
The Department of Home Affairs has provided NSW with an interim allocation for this program year. The allocation includes:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – 200 places
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) – 180 places
This initial allocation allows NSW to begin processing invitations while awaiting the full allocation later in the year.
Upcoming Invitation Round for Subclass 190:
NSW will conduct an invitation round next week for the subclass 190 visa.
To maximise your chances of receiving an invitation, ensure that:
Your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is current
You can provide valid supporting evidence for all claims made in your EOI
Staying up to date with your EOI increases your eligibility and reduces delays if selected.
NSW Priority Sectors:
The NSW State Migration Plan aligns with national priorities to attract skilled workers in key growth areas. These sectors are crucial to the state’s long-term economic and infrastructure goals.
The NSW Priority Sectors are:
Construction (infrastructure and housing)
Net Zero and Energy Transition
Care and Support Economy
Digital and Cyber
Agriculture and Agrifood
Advanced Manufacturing
These focus areas support major state initiatives such as housing development, energy transformation, and expanding essential services.
Published Skills Lists:
NSW has now released the 2025–26 Skills Lists for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 programs.
The lists are organised by ANZSCO unit group level, identifying which occupations are eligible for state nomination.
Key points:
Only occupations listed on the NSW Skills Lists will be considered for nomination
All occupations within an identified unit group are eligible for an invitation under the respective visa stream
Applicants should carefully review these lists before lodging or updating their EOIs.
Subclass 491 Visa Update:
At this stage, applications for the subclass 491 visa (all pathways) remain closed to new applications.
Further announcements will be made once the full program allocation is confirmed.
Supporting Skilled Migration in NSW:
The NSW Government continues to collaborate with the Australian Government to ensure that skilled migration meets the state’s workforce demands, particularly in housing, care, and sustainability sectors.
These interim measures will help NSW maintain momentum in attracting skilled professionals who can contribute to the state’s growth and development.
For further assistance with your Skilled Visa application, contact Visamigo Lawyers.
Our migration team can help you:
Review your eligibility for NSW nomination
Prepare and update your SkillSelect EOI
Navigate the state nomination process confidently
📩 Contact us today!
📧 ask@visamigo.com.au
📞 +61 439184999
🌐 www.visamigo.com.au
Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
