02/12/2025
🌟 IMPORTANT UPDATE: NSW Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 🌟
Thinking about applying for a NSW state-nominated visa? Here’s everything you need to know!
New South Wales has officially released its skilled visa allocations for the 2025–26 program year:
✅ 2,100 places — Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
✅ 1,500 places — Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
⸻
🚀 Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
✔️ 3 invitation rounds completed so far
✔️ Monthly invitations resume January 2026
✔️ ~25% of allocations already nominated as of December 2025
👉 Only occupations on the NSW Skills List are considered.
⸻
🌄 Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
Great news! Two pathways reopen 19 January 2026:
🔹 Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW
Open to all eligible 491 occupations if:
– You’ve worked 6+ months in regional NSW
– You meet the minimum income threshold
🔹 Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate
For applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in a designated regional NSW institution.
👉 Eligible occupations must be on the NSW Regional Skills List.
🔸 Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW
Will be considered after reviewing demand from Pathways 1 & 3. Earliest possible invitation round: April 2026.
⸻
📌 Important Notes for Applicants
🔸 Applications are processed in chronological order
🔸 Only valid applications enter the queue
A valid application = meeting all eligibility requirements + having current and valid supporting documents (skills assessment, English test, etc.) for at least 5 days after submission.
⸻
⚡ Expedited (Priority) Requests
You may request urgent processing if, within 10 working days:
– Your or your partner’s visa is expiring
– Your English test, skills assessment, or passport is expiring
– You’re about to lose age points and fall below minimum requirements
Processing generally takes up to 6 weeks, depending on volume.
⸻
🎄 Christmas Closedown Notice
The NSW Migration office will be closed from 24 Dec 2025 to 9 Jan 2026.
No applications will be processed during this period.
If your important documents may expire during the closure, contact the team before 12 December 2025.
⸻
✨ Whether you’re planning your move to NSW or supporting clients through the process, now is the perfect time to prepare your documents and get ready for the January 2026 opening
