NSW Releases Key Skilled Migration Program Updates for 2025-26
Updated On
-
Copy link
NSW has released key updates for the 2025-26 skilled migration program, including details on the next invitation rounds for the program year, validity rules, pathways openings, holiday closure dates, and more.
New South Wales, Australia, has shared an important update concerning its NSW Skilled Migration Program 2025-26. As part of this update, the state has specified details for its invitation rounds and eligible occupations.
Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
NSW has completed three invitation rounds so far this program year, and further monthly invitation rounds will resume in January 2026 and continue till the annual allocation is filled. As of December 2025, around 25% of the available nominations (i.e., 2,100 places) have been issued.
Only occupations listed on the NSW Skills List are eligible to receive an invitation
Explore Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491
NSW announces that Pathway 1 Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 Regional NSW Graduate will open on 19 January 2026, and applications will be processed strictly in chronological order, and only valid applications will enter the processing queue.
What is considered a valid application for subclass 491?
An application is valid when it meets all NSW eligibility criteria at the time of submission, and includes all up-to-date supporting documents, such as skill assessment, English language tests, etc. All the documents must be valid on the day of submission and remain valid for at least five additional days.
Explore Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491
Expedited Assessment Requests
The standard processing time for assessment is up to six months, but this may vary based on application volumes. Applicants may request priority processing if any of them are due to occur within 10 working days.
- Applicants' or partners' current visa would expire
- English test results, skill assessments, or passports will expire
- The applicant is approaching an age threshold that would reduce their points below the minimum requirement
Subclass 491 Pathway Details
Pathway 1 - Work in Regional NSW: Applicants who meet the minimum income threshold and have been employed in regional NSW for at least six months can apply under pathway 1. All occupations eligible for the subclass 491 visa can apply through this pathway.
Pathway 2 - Invitation by NSW: NSW will assess the need for an invitation round under pathway 2 based on the demand for pathways 1 and 3 if required. The earliest possible invitation round will be in April 2026
Pathway 3 - Regional NSW Graduate: To qualify, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or higher at an educational institution located in designated regional areas of New South Wales. Only occupations included on the NSW regional skills list are eligible.
Also Read: Australia Launches Online Confidential Tool to Support Immigrants with Expired Visas
Notice of Christmas Closedown
The NSW offers will be closed for the holiday period from December 24, 2025 to January 9, 2026, and will further resume operations on Monday, January 12, 2026.
No applications or enquiries will be processed during this time. In case your visa, English test, skill assessment, or passport will expire during this closure, and you need to expedite the assessment, the applicant needs to contact the NSW office by Friday, 12 December 2025, to ensure sufficient processing time.
Explore NSW Immigration Pathways With GetGIS
If you are planning to migrate to NSW or need guidance on Australia's skilled visa pathways, consider reaching out to GetGIS. Our immigration assistance team offers end-to-end assistance in visa documentation, eligibility assessment, PR guidance, and more, ensuring your smooth immigration journey to Australia.
