New South Wales has opened its 2026-27 Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) program, with the first invitation round expected in the week commencing 19 October 2026.
The NSW Government has also released an updated Skills List identifying occupations eligible for consideration for state nomination. Meanwhile, nomination applications for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) remain closed across all pathways.
NSW Expects First Subclass 190 Invitations from 19 October 2026
NSW expects to conduct its first subclass 190 invitation round for the 2026-27 program year in the week commencing 19 October 2026.
Prospective applicants should review the nomination eligibility requirements before submitting or updating an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The NSW Government has also advised applicants to keep their EOIs up to date and ensure they can provide valid evidence to support every claim made in their submissions.
Note: An EOI does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants should ensure their information accurately reflects their qualifications, skills and other relevant details.
NSW Updates Subclass 190 Skills List for 2026-27
NSW has released its updated Skills List for the subclass 190 program, aligning eligible occupations with critical skills areas identified in the NSW Government’s State Migration Plan 2024-28.
The list identifies occupations at the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) unit group level. Occupations within an identified group can be considered for an NSW nomination invitation if they are eligible for the subclass 190 visa. Occupations absent from the list will not be considered.
Key Occupations on the NSW Subclass 190 Skills List
The updated list covers a broad range of professions and trades, including:
- Healthcare: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Specialist Physicians, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists
- Engineering: Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mining Engineers and Other Engineering Professionals
- Education: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Special Education Teachers
- Information technology: Software Programmers, Web Developers, ICT Security Specialists and Computer Network Professionals
- Construction and building: Construction Managers, Surveyors, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians and Bricklayers
- Automotive and mechanical trades: Motor Mechanics, Automotive Electricians, Metal Fitters and Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
- Other occupations: Marketing Professionals, Veterinarians, Livestock Farmers, Child Care Centre Managers and Social Workers
Applicants should consult the full NSW Skills List to check their occupation’s ANZSCO unit group and confirm their eligibility.
NSW Subclass 491 Nomination Pathways Remain Closed
While NSW has opened its subclass 190 nomination program, applications for the subclass 491 visa remain closed to new applicants across all pathways.
The NSW Government has not provided a reopening date in its latest update. Prospective applicants interested in regional skilled migration should monitor official NSW announcements for further information.
What Applicants Should Watch Next
With the first NSW subclass 190 invitation round expected in the week commencing 19 October, prospective applicants should review the updated NSW Skills List, check their eligibility and ensure their EOI contains accurate information supported by valid evidence.
SALIA Lawyers & Associates can assist skilled migrants in understanding the NSW nomination requirements, assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria and preparing for the next steps in the skilled migration process. Our team can also help applicants understand how their occupation, qualifications and work experience may affect their nomination prospects.
If you are considering NSW nomination and are unsure how the updated Skills List or your circumstances affect your options, our team can provide advice tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NSW subclass 190 nomination program open for 2026-27?
Yes. NSW has opened its nomination program for the 2026-27 year. Applicants should review the current nomination criteria and updated Skills List before submitting or updating their EOI.
When is the first NSW subclass 190 invitation round?
NSW expects the first invitation round to take place in the week commencing 19 October 2026. Applicants should ensure their EOIs are current and that all claims are supported by valid evidence.
Which occupations are eligible for NSW subclass 190 nomination?
The updated NSW Skills List identifies eligible occupations at the ANZSCO unit group level. Occupations outside the published list will not be considered for an NSW Subclass 190 invitation. Inclusion does not guarantee selection.
Is NSW subclass 491 nomination open?
No. All NSW subclass 491 nomination pathways remain closed to new applicants. NSW has not announced a reopening date.
Does the NSW Health Deployment Program provide a migration pathway?
No. It offers short-term deployment opportunities for eligible healthcare professionals in regional and rural NSW. It is separate from NSW’s skilled migration nomination programs and does not guarantee nomination or a visa outcome.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
