Key Updates to the NSW Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26

New South Wales has released important updates on the Skilled Migration Program for the 2025–26 program year. These changes affect applicants preparing for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), including updates to nomination allocations, invitation rounds, and processing arrangements.

Here’s what you need to know:

NSW Visa Allocations for 2025–26

For the upcoming program year, NSW has been allocated:

• 2,100 nominations for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• 1,500 nominations for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

These allocations will guide how NSW manages invitations and processing throughout the year.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

NSW has already completed three invitation rounds for the current program year. Regular monthly invitation rounds will resume in January 2026, continuing until the annual allocation is reached. As of December 2025, approximately 25% of the annual allocation has been used.

Only candidates with occupations listed on the NSW Skills List will be considered for selection. Applicants are encouraged to review the list carefully before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Two key pathways under the 491 visa are reopening soon:

• Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW

• Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate

Both pathways will open on 19 January 2026 and applications will be processed chronologically, but only valid applications will enter the queue.

A valid application must meet all NSW eligibility requirements at the time of lodgement, including:

• A valid skills assessment,

• A valid English language test and

• All documents remaining valid for at least five days after the application date.

Submitting an incomplete or invalid application will result in delays or exclusion from processing. Standard assessment times are up to six weeks, but may be longer during peak periods.

NSW will consider priority processing only if, within the next 10 working days, any of the following applies:

• Your current visa, or your partner’s, is about to expire,

• Your English test, skills assessment, or passport (or your partner’s) is about to expire, or

• You are about to lose points due to an age birthday that would bring you below the minimum points threshold.

Applicants should provide evidence when requesting expedited assessment.

Pathway - Specific Details

• Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW

  Applicants must:

  • Meet the minimum income threshold (currently, $76,515), and

  • Have been employed for at least six months in a regional NSW location.

  All occupations eligible for the 491 visa may apply, provided the above criteria and general eligibility requirements are satisfied.

• Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW

  Whether NSW conducts Pathway 2 invitation rounds will depend on demand under Pathways 1 and 3.

  If required, the earliest possible invitation round for Pathway 2 would be April 2026.

• Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate

  This pathway is for graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at an education provider located in a designated regional NSW area.

  Only occupations listed on the NSW Regional Skills List are eligible.

Final Thoughts

These updates are significant for anyone planning to apply for NSW nomination under subclass 190 or 491 in 2026. Understanding pathway requirements, maintaining valid documents, and preparing early, especially around holiday closures, will be essential for a smooth application process.

If you need personalised advice or assistance preparing your application, feel free to reach out to our office at info@ruppertlegal.com.au or make an appointment at a time convenient to you via the Ruppert Legal Booking Page. We are here to help you navigate every step of the skilled migration process.

Article written by Ruppert Legal Principal, Ndi Ruppert.

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Please note that this publication is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances.

If you have found the  publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact us at info@ruppertlegal.com.au or make an appointment at a time convenient to you via the Ruppert Legal Booking Page.