Unlock Your Future: NSW Opens Skilled Visa Invitations for 2025–26
Great news if you’re hoping to live and work in New South Wales (NSW)! The NSW Government has officially started sending invitations for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) as part of the 2025–26 migration program. This visa allows skilled workers who meet certain conditions to live and work permanently in NSW. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what this means, how the process works, and what you need to do if you want to apply.
What Is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
This is a permanent visa for people who have skills and qualifications in occupations that NSW needs. If you get nominated by NSW for this visa and then be granted the visa by the Australian Government, you can live, work, and study anywhere in NSW, and eventually apply for citizenship if you choose.
What’s New for 2025–26?
NSW has received an initial (interim) allocation of:
200 places for the Subclass 190 visa, and
180 places for the regional Subclass 491 visa.
With limited spots available, competition is strong. NSW is focusing invitations on occupations that are critical to the state’s economy, especially in:
Construction and Infrastructure: Civil engineers, project managers, tradespeople (carpenters, plumbers, electricians).
Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
Technology and Cybersecurity: Software developers, ICT managers, and network specialists.
Renewable Energy and Environment: Clean energy engineers and sustainability specialists.
Other Priority Sectors: Agriculture and advanced manufacturing.
How Does NSW Choose Who to Invite?
You don’t apply directly to NSW. Instead, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
Think of your EOI as your profile — you list your skills, qualifications, and claim points based on age, English level, education, and experience. NSW then reviews EOIs and invites the highest-ranking candidates.
Because of limited spots, successful applicants often have 80–95 points, strong English skills, and solid work experience.
What do Points Mean?
Points are a way the government ranks candidates based on factors like:
Your age (you're awarded more points if you're younger)
How well you speak English
Your work experience in your skilled occupation
Your education qualifications
Your partner’s skills and English ability
If you studied in Australia or did a professional year program
More points improve your chance of receiving an invitation.
Steps to Apply for NSW Nomination
Check if your job is eligible.
Make sure your occupation is on NSW’s Skills List and that you have a valid skills assessment from the right assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia).Submit your EOI in SkillSelect.
Be accurate and honest. Update it if your details or points change.Wait for an invitation from NSW.
Invitations are competitive and released in rounds throughout the year.Prepare your documents early.
Once invited, you’ll have only 14 days to submit your full application to NSW.Apply for the visa.
After nomination, you lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including health checks and police clearances.
What If You Don’t Get Invited Right Away?
Don’t lose hope — the program is ongoing and NSW is expected to receive more nomination places later in the year.
Here’s what you can do in the meantime:
Boost your points by improving your English test scores or gaining more work experience.
Explore other visa options, such as the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa.
Stay updated — NSW regularly reviews its Skills List and may expand eligible occupations as demand changes.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
NSW is waiting to receive the full allocation of nomination places for 2025–26, which will likely mean more invitations and possibly broader occupation coverage later in the year. That’s good news for applicants who might not qualify or get invited under current interim limits.
The state regularly updates its priority sectors to best match workforce needs, so keep an eye on official NSW announcements and updates. Getting your application right and acting early could improve your chances.
We’re Here to Help You!
Understanding Australian migration can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced migration consultants can help you:
Check if your occupation qualifies for NSW nomination
Maximize your points score
Prepare and lodge a strong EOI
Navigate the invitation and application process smoothly
Contact us today to see if you could take advantage of this exciting opportunity to live and work in New South Wales!
