New South Wales State Nomination Criteria

NSW identifies occupations based on the current labour market needs, ensuring that skilled workers fill essential roles across various industries. The following occupations have been prioritised for the 2024-2025 migration program:

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  • The subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa which allows holders to: stay in Australia indefinitely. work and study in Australia. enrol in Medicare, Australia's scheme for health-related care and expenses.

  • The subclass 491 visa is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia

  • The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) to attract the world’s brightest minds, those who can deliver exceptional outcomes that align with the state’s long-term vision for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190 Visa Nomination

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must satisfy the following key requirements:

  • Visa eligibility: You must meet all visa criteria set by Home Affairs for this visa.

  • Skills assessment: You need a valid skills assessment for an occupation that:

  • Residency: You must currently be residing either:

    • In NSW, with continuous residence for at least six months, or

    • Offshore, with continuous residence offshore for at least six months.

  • For onshore candidates

    be currently residing in NSW and  either:

    • have genuinely and continuously resided in NSW for the past three months, or

    • be gainfully employed in a long-term capacity in NSW in your nominated (or closely related) occupation for a minimum of 20 hours per week

  • For offshore candidates

    • have continuously resided offshore for the past three months, and

    • have a valid skills assessment for an occupation within an ANZSCO unit group that accepts offshore candidates

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 Visa Nomination

There are three pathways to NSW nomination for the subclass 491 visa:

  • Pathway 1 – Apply if you’re currently employed with a regional NSW employer.

    • Ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements before applying.

    • Your qualifying skilled employment in the six months immediately before applying must be:

      • In your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and

      • With the same regional NSW-based employer; and

      • Paid a minimum of the TSMIT salary rate from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation at the time of application

      • our nominated occupation must be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

  • Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW.

    • Ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements before applying.

    • Be skilled in an occupation that is within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List

    • Be currently residing:

      • in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or

      • offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.

  • Pathway 3 – Apply if you recently graduated from a Regional NSW institution.

    • Be related to your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and

    • Have been completed within the 2 years immediately before applying for NSW nomination; and

    • Qualify you to claim points for Study in Regional Australia

      • You must have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia

    • Be skilled in an occupation that is within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List

    • Currently residing:

      • in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or

      • offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

New South Wales Subclass 858 Visa Criteria

Key Highlights

  • State nomination does not equal visa approval: NSW can nominate candidates, but final decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs.

  • Highly competitive and merit-based: Targeted at professionals with proven achievements and innovation.

  • No state quota: Unlike previous programs (like the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) 188 visa), there are no fixed allocations.

  • Pathways are guided but flexible for outstanding candidates exceeding baseline eligibility.

  • Not open to early-career professionals: Intended for leaders, not recent graduates.

  • Third-party validation of credentials is conducted.

  • No need for third-party nominators: State endorsement replaces former Global Talent visa nomination requirements.

Five Target Pathways

Academic and Researcher

Solving real-world challenges through advanced knowledge

Entrepreneur

Founders creating scalable, high-impact businesses

Sports Professional

Elite achievers driving NSW’s sporting prestige

Innovative Investor

Strategic investment in future-focused industries

Creative Professional

 Artists, designers, and cultural leaders

New South Wales Priorities

NSW focuses on action over aspiration. Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate clear past achievements

  • Align with NSW’s strategic sectors

  • Show immediate or underway impact

  • Present credible plans for future contribution

New South Wales Nomination Process

EOI Submission: Through an online portal, outlining achievements and contributions.

  1. Expert Review: Judgement-based selection by sector experts.

  2. Invitation to Apply: Only shortlisted applicants proceed.

  3. Comprehensive Application: Supported by documents and expert endorsements.

  4. Nomination Decision: Assessed holistically under an "on balance" test.

  5. Form 1000 + Support Letter: NSW lodges official nomination to Home Affairs.

  6. Follow-Up: NSW maintains communication post-nomination.