NSW State Nomination Full Guide 2025–26
NSW Skilled Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491) — Updated Policies, Pathway Comparison & Practical Insights
NSW State Nomination Overview
The NSW State Nomination program helps skilled professionals live and work in New South Wales by supporting their visa applications through Subclass 190 and 491 visas. These programs are designed for skilled workers who can contribute to the state’s economy and workforce.
Subclass 190 is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by NSW.
Subclass 491 is a temporary visa (valid for 5 years) that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of NSW. It can later lead to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
To receive nomination, your occupation must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List, and you must meet the federal and state eligibility criteria including English level, work experience, and skills assessment.
NSW 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
About this visa
Subclass 190 is for skilled workers nominated by NSW who plan to live and work anywhere in the state. Successful applicants receive permanent residency directly.
Key points:
You can live anywhere in NSW.
You must have a valid Skills Assessment in an eligible occupation.
NSW may prioritise applicants based on points, experience, or industry demand.
Eligibility
| Description | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List. |
| Age | Under 45. |
| English | At least Competent English. |
| Points | Minimum 65 points (higher points = stronger chance). Please refer to Skilled Migration Points Test Calculator. |
| Location | Residing, studying or working in NSW, or residing and working outside Australia. |
| Skills Assessment | Required in your nominated occupation. |
| Character/Health | Must meet PIC 4005/4007 requirements. |
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List. |
| Age | Under 45. |
| English | At least Competent English. |
| Points | Minimum 65 points (higher points = stronger chance). Please refer to Skilled Migration Points Test Calculator . |
| Location | Residing, studying or working in NSW, or residing and working outside Australia. |
| Skills Assessment | Required in your nominated occupation. |
| Character/Health | Must meet PIC 4005/4007 requirements. |
Invitation Process
NSW conducts multiple invitation rounds each year.
During these rounds, the state government selects candidates from the SkillSelect system based on current industry demand and NSW’s economic priorities.
Key assessment factors include:
Whether the applicant’s occupation is listed on the NSW Skilled Occupation List;
Competitiveness of the applicant’s points score;
Whether the applicant currently resides in NSW;
The applicant’s employment, study, or economic ties to NSW.
Official statement: “Invitations are not issued on a first-come, first-served basis. They are based on merit and alignment with NSW’s skill priorities.”
NSW 190 Skills List
| ANZSCO Code | Unit Group Name |
|---|---|
| 1325 | Research and Development Managers |
| 1331 | Construction Managers |
| 1332 | Engineering Managers |
| 1334 | Manufacturers |
| 1335 | Production Managers |
| 1341 | Child Care Centre Managers |
| 1342 | Health and Welfare Services Managers |
| 1343 | School Principals |
| 1351 | ICT Managers |
| 2245 | Land Economists and Valuers |
| 2321 | Architects and Landscape Architects |
| 2322 | Surveyors and Spatial Scientists |
| 2326 | Urban and Regional Planners |
| 2331 | Chemical and Materials Engineers |
| 2332 | Civil Engineering Professionals |
| 2333 | Electrical Engineers |
| 2334 | Electronics Engineers |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers |
| 2336 | Mining Engineers |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals |
| 2341 | Agricultural and Forestry Scientists |
| 2342 | Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists |
| 2343 | Environmental Scientists |
| 2344 | Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists |
| 2347 | Veterinarians |
| 2411 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers |
| 2412 | Primary School Teachers |
| 2414 | Secondary School Teachers |
| 2421 | University Lecturers and Tutors |
| 2512 | Medical Imaging Professionals |
| 2513 | Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals |
| 2515 | Pharmacists |
| 2521 | Chiropractors and Osteopaths |
| 2524 | Occupational Therapists |
| 2525 | Physiotherapist |
| 2527 | Audiologist and Speech Pathologists/Therapist |
| 2531 | Generalist Medical Practitioners |
| 2533 | Specialist Physicians |
| 2534 | Psychiatrists |
| 2535 | Surgeons |
| 2539 | Other Medical Practitioners |
| 2541 | Midwives |
| 2543 | Nurse Managers |
| 2544 | Registered Nurses |
| 2611 | ICT Business and Systems Analysts |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers |
| 2621 | Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists |
| 2631 | Computer Network Professionals |
| 2723 | Psychologists |
| 2725 | Social Workers |
| 3112 | Medical Technicians |
| 3121 | Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians |
| 3122 | Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3123 | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3125 | Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3129 | Other Building and Engineering Technicians |
| 3211 | Automotive Electricians |
| 3212 | Motor Mechanics |
| 3222 | Sheetmetal Trades Workers |
| 3223 | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers |
| 3231 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers |
| 3232 | Metal Fitters and Machinists |
| 3234 | Toolmakers and Engineering Patternmakers |
| 3311 | Bricklayers and Stonemasons |
| 3312 | Carpenters and Joiners |
| 3322 | Painting Trades Workers |
| 3331 | Glaziers |
| 3332 | Plasterers |
| 3333 | Roof Tilers |
| 3334 | Wall and Floor Tilers |
| 3341 | Plumbers |
| 3411 | Electricians |
| 3421 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics |
| 3422 | Electrical Distribution Trades Workers |
| 3423 | Electronics Trades Workers |
| 3424 | Telecommunications Trades Workers |
| 3613 | Veterinary Nurses |
| 3941 | Cabinetmakers |
| 4117 | Welfare Support Workers |
Practical Suggestions
Enhance Competitiveness: The higher your points, the more in-demand your occupation, and the stronger your regional ties, the greater your chances of receiving an invitation.
Keep Your EOI Updated: Regularly update your residence, occupation, and points details in SkillSelect to ensure accurate and current information.
Monitor Industry Trends: IT, engineering, healthcare, and construction remain key focus areas for the 2025–26 financial year.
NSW 491
Skilled Work Regional Visa
About this visa
Subclass 491 is a 5-year temporary visa for skilled workers who live and work in regional NSW. It offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years through the 191 visa.
Nomination Pathways
The NSW Government currently offers three pathways for Subclass 491 nominations:
-
Pathway 1 – Regional Employment
Ideal for: Applicants who are already working in an occupation related to their nominated occupation in regional NSW. This is currently one of the most stable and successful pathways, as it is based on genuine employment and demonstrates a long-term contribution to the regional economy.
Eligibility requirements:
-
Must have been continuously employed for at least six months in a designated regional area;
-
Employment must be in the nominated occupation (or a closely related one);
-
The employer must be registered and legally operating in Regional NSW;
-
The salary must meet or be close to the TSMIT / CSIT income threshold (see details below);
-
The nominated occupation must appear on the NSW Regional Skills List.
-
This pathway is currently one of the most stable and successful options, as it is based on genuine employment and better reflects an applicant’s long-term contribution to the regional economy.
-
Pathway 2 – Direct Invitation
Ideal for: Highly skilled applicants with high points or those with employment or residential ties to NSW. This pathway is extremely competitive — only a small number of high-scoring candidates or those in key industries (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare) receive invitations. The government recommends that applicants also consider other visa pathways (such as 189 or 190) instead of waiting solely for an invitation.
Eligibility requirements:
-
The nominated occupation must appear on the NSW Regional Skills List;
-
Applicants generally need scores significantly higher than 65 (usually 80 or above to be competitive);
-
Residency requirements (choose one):
-
Currently working in a related occupation in NSW;
-
Living in NSW for at least three months; or
-
Living overseas for at least three months.
-
-
This pathway is highly competitive, with only a limited number of invitations issued to high-scoring applicants or those in key industries (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare). The government advises applicants to consider other visa options (such as 189 or 190) instead of relying solely on this invitation stream.
-
Pathway 3 – Study in Regional NSW
Ideal for: Recent graduates who have completed higher education courses in regional NSW.
Eligibility requirements:
-
The qualification must be related to the nominated occupation;
-
The qualification must have been completed within the past two years;
-
The qualification must meet the “Study in regional Australia” points requirements and be included in the EOI;
-
The nominated occupation must appear on the NSW Regional Skills List;
-
Applicants must have lived or studied in regional NSW for at least three months.
This pathway provides a continuous transition from study to settlement for graduates of regional institutions but requires genuine study and occupational relevance to qualify.
-
Eligibility
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Must be on the NSW Regional Skilled Occupation List. |
| Age | Under 45. |
| English | At least Competent English. |
| Points | Minimum 65 points (higher points = stronger chance). Skilled Migration Points Test Calculator |
| Location | Must be living and/or working in regional NSW. |
| Work | At least 6 months full time work in Regional NSW (Pathway 1). |
| Study | Graduated from Regional NSW (Pathway 3). |
| Skills Assessment | Required in your nominated occupation. |
| Character/Health | Must meet PIC 4005/4007 requirements. |
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Must be on the NSW Regional Skilled Occupation List. |
| Age | Under 45. |
| English | At least Competent English. |
| Points | Minimum 65 points (higher points = stronger chance). Skilled Migration Points Test Calculator |
| Location | Must be living and/or working in regional NSW. |
| Work | At least 6 months full time work in Regional NSW (Pathway 1). |
| Study | Graduated from Regional NSW (Pathway 3). |
| Skills Assessment | Required in your nominated occupation. |
| Character/Health | Must meet PIC 4005/4007 requirements. |
Invitation System and Trends
NSW 491 invitations are issued several times throughout the year, without a fixed schedule. They may be released by region or targeted to specific occupations.
Key regional areas include:
Hunter
Illawarra
Central West
Riverina
Northern Inland
The regional governments work in collaboration with Investment NSW to identify and nominate skilled professionals.
2025–26 Financial Year Trends:
Healthcare, nursing, and education occupations are seeing a noticeable increase in invitation rates.
IT and engineering roles continue to maintain steady demand.
More cooperation between regional areas is being introduced to streamline the nomination process.
Regional Areas Include
2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758 and 2773 to 2898
NSW 491 Regional Skills List
| ANZSCO Code | Unit Group Name |
|---|---|
| 1212 | Crop Farmer |
| 1214 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers |
| 1324 | Policy and Planning Managers |
| 1325 | Research and Development Managers |
| 1331 | Construction Managers |
| 1332 | Engineering Managers |
| 1334 | Manufacturers |
| 1335 | Production Managers |
| 1341 | Child Care Centre Managers |
| 1342 | Health and Welfare Services Managers |
| 1351 | ICT Managers |
| 2245 | Land Economists and Valuers |
| 2312 | Marine Transport Professionals |
| 2321 | Architects and Landscape Architects |
| 2322 | Surveyors and Spatial Scientists |
| 2326 | Urban and Regional Planners |
| 2331 | Chemical and Materials Engineers |
| 2332 | Civil Engineering Professionals |
| 2333 | Electrical Engineers |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers |
| 2336 | Mining Engineers |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals |
| 2342 | Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists |
| 2343 | Environmental Scientists |
| 2344 | Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists |
| 2347 | Veterinarians |
| 2411 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers |
| 2412 | Primary School Teachers |
| 2414 | Secondary School Teachers |
| 2421 | University Lecturers and Tutors |
| 2512 | Medical Imaging Professionals |
| 2513 | Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals |
| 2515 | Pharmacists |
| 2523 | Dental Practitioners |
| 2524 | Occupational Therapists |
| 2525 | Physiotherapists |
| 2527 | Audiologists and Speech Pathologists / Therapists |
| 2531 | Generalist Medical Practitioners |
| 2533 | Specialist Physicians |
| 2539 | Other Medical Practitioners |
| 2544 | Registered Nurses |
| 2611 | ICT Business and Systems Analysts |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers |
| 2621 | Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists |
| 2631 | Computer Network Professionals |
| 2723 | Psychologists |
| 2725 | Social Workers |
| 3111 | Agricultural Technicians |
| 3112 | Medical Technicians |
| 3121 | Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians |
| 3122 | Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3123 | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3125 | Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3129 | Other Building and Engineering Technicians |
| 3211 | Automotive Electricians |
| 3212 | Motor Mechanics |
| 3222 | Sheetmetal Trades Workers |
| 3223 | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers |
| 3231 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers |
| 3232 | Metal Fitters and Machinists |
| 3311 | Bricklayers and Stonemasons |
| 3312 | Carpenters and Joiners |
| 3322 | Painting Trades Workers |
| 3331 | Glaziers |
| 3332 | Plasterers |
| 3333 | Roof Tilers |
| 3334 | Wall and Floor Tilers |
| 3341 | Plumbers |
| 3411 | Electricians |
| 3421 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics |
| 3422 | Electrical Distribution Trades Workers |
| 3423 | Electronics Trades Workers |
| 3424 | Telecommunications Trades Workers |
| 3613 | Veterinary Nurses |
| 3941 | Cabinetmakers |
| 3942 | Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers |
| 3992 | Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators |
| 4117 | Welfare Support Workers |
TSMIT / CSIT Income Threshold and Concessions
TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold): The minimum salary requirement for temporary skilled migration, set at AUD 73,150 per year from July 2024.
CSIT (Core Skills Income Threshold): A new benchmark introduced from 2025, designed to unify the income baseline across Australia’s skilled migration programs. It is adjusted in line with TSMIT each year.
Under Pathway 1, applicants must meet one of the following concession categories:
Type 1 Concession
-
The annual salary must be at least 90% of the TSMIT/CSIT threshold;
-
The total remuneration package must comply with the relevant Award standards and the Average Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Type 2 Concession
-
The cash component of the salary must be at least 90% of the TSMIT/CSIT threshold;
-
Non-cash benefits (such as accommodation or meals) may be included in the salary package, but must not exceed 10%, and the total remuneration must still meet the required threshold.
TSMIT / CSIT Exempt Occupations
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 141111 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist |
| 311111 | Agricultural Technician |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 324111 | Panel Beater |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter |
| 331112 | Stonemason |
| 351112 | Pastry Cook |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker |
| 351411 | Cook |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse |
| 411715 | Residential Care Officer |
190 VS 491
| Category | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency | Temporary Visa (5 years) |
| Residence Requirement | Can live anywhere in NSW | Must live in Regional NSW |
| Pathway to PR | Direct PR | Eligible for Subclass 191 after meeting conditions |
| Competition Level | High – limited quotas | Moderate – regional priority |
| Advantages | Stable and no location restrictions | Lower threshold, more openings, regional support |
| Ideal Applicants | High-scoring skilled professionals | Regional workers, graduates, and families |
| Category | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency | Temporary Visa (5 years) |
| Residence Requirement | Can live anywhere in NSW | Must live in Regional NSW |
| Pathway to PR | Direct PR | Eligible for Subclass 191 after meeting conditions |
| Competition Level | High – limited quotas | Moderate – regional priority |
| Advantages | Stable and no location restrictions | Lower threshold, more openings, regional support |
| Ideal Applicants | High-scoring skilled professionals | Regional workers, graduates, and families |
Your Next Move
Whether you are considering applying for a Subclass 190 Permanent Residency visa or a Subclass 491 Regional Skilled visa, strategic planning and assessment are the first crucial steps.
Accurate Assessment
Understand whether you meet the NSW nomination criteria, including the occupation list, points, and residency requirements.
Strategic Planning
Align your pathway with TSMIT/CSIT requirements to identify the most suitable nomination option for your profile.
Consultation Booking
We offer 1-on-1 professional consultations to help you map out the next steps and ensure a smoother application process.
The HECT Migration & Appeal Experts team has extensive experience handling NSW nomination applications, TSMIT/CSIT concessions, and complex cases.
Our goal is not only compliance, it’s helping you achieve success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I meet all the requirements but still haven’t received an invitation?
NSW nominations are not first-come, first-served. Invitations are based on merit, occupation demand, and state priorities — not just meeting minimum criteria. Even if you meet every rule, thousands of others might rank higher in the same occupation.
Does having a job in NSW guarantee I’ll get nominated?
No. Employment helps but doesn’t guarantee nomination. Your job must be closely related to your nominated occupation, meet TSMIT/CSIT salary levels, and be in a regional area (for 491).
Can I apply under Pathway 1 with a part-time or casual job?
No. NSW requires continuous full-time employment (at least 38 hours per week) for the past 6 months. Part-time or casual work is not considered eligible.
What if my salary is slightly below the TSMIT/CSIT threshold?
Only if your employer qualifies for a Type 1 or Type 2 Concession. Otherwise, the Department will treat it as non-compliant and your nomination may be rejected.
Can I switch my Pathway after submitting my EOI?
Technically yes, but your new circumstances (job, study, or location) must already meet the updated pathway criteria before nomination. The system does not automatically reclassify you.
How long does NSW take to issue invitations?
There is no fixed schedule. Invitations are issued randomly throughout the year based on industry demand. Some applicants wait weeks; others may wait over 12 months.
Can I apply for NSW nomination if I’m offshore?
Yes, but only under Pathway 2 or 3. You must have either lived overseas continuously for 3+ months, or graduated from a regional NSW institution within the past two years.
Is NSW nomination easier than other states like SA or TAS?
Not at all. NSW has the highest competition because of population, job market, and demand volume. Smaller states often have lower thresholds and more predictable rules.
Can I apply for both 190 and 491 at the same time?
Yes, you can submit EOIs for both, but you can only accept one nomination if both are granted. Be strategic — NSW usually prioritises the higher pathway (190) but competition is far stronger.
Does NSW really prioritise applicants already living in the state?
In practice, yes. Although the criteria allow offshore applicants, most invitations go to onshore candidates already working or studying in NSW. Residence shows commitment and lowers settlement risk.
Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.
