NSW Skills Lists for Subclass 190 and 491 (2026-27)
Last Updated: 15 October 2026
The NSW Skills Lists outline the occupations that are eligible for NSW nomination under the State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa and the State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa. These lists help identify the critical skills needed to support the growth and development of New South Wales.
What Are the NSW Skills Lists?
The NSW Skills Lists outline the skills that are eligible for NSW nomination under the State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa and the State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa.
The lists operate at the ANZSCO Unit Group level. Not all occupations within an ANZSCO Unit Group are eligible for the respective visa — only occupations listed as eligible for each visa are considered for NSW nomination.
Key facts:
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Your skills assessment must be in an occupation that both falls within an identified ANZSCO Unit Group on the relevant NSW Skills List and is independently eligible for the visa
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For a complete breakdown of eligible occupations, refer to the Australian Government's Home Affairs website
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The lists align with NSW's target sectors and key government priorities as per the NSW State Migration Plan
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The lists are maintained by Investment NSW on behalf of the NSW Government
Search the NSW Skills Lists
Type an occupation name or four-digit ANZSCO code. Filter by category or visa subclass. The subclass 190 results show the 2026-27 list. The subclass 491 results show the most recent Regional Skills List NSW has published.
Download the NSW 190 Skills List comparison (PDF)
Want the full old vs new comparison in one file you can save and share?
Fill in the form below and we will send you the PDF. It shows:
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The previous and updated NSW Skills List for subclass 190
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The 15 unit groups added and the 16 removed
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The 63 unit groups that stayed the same, including name changes
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Which unit groups were previously on the 491 list only
The Two Visas That Use the NSW Skills Lists
State Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190)
The State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa is a points-tested permanent visa for highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the NSW economy.
Basic eligibility for NSW nomination:
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Visa eligibility — ensure you meet all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa
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Skills assessment — have a valid skills assessment for an occupation that is both:
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Listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa; and
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Falls within an ANZSCO Unit Group identified on the NSW Skills List
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Residency — you must meet one of the following:
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Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
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Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of six months; or
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Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of six months
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NSW uses a selection-based invitation process. You cannot directly apply for NSW nomination — you must submit an EOI in SkillSelect and wait to be invited. NSW nomination for this visa is exceptionally competitive.
State Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa is a points-tested provisional visa that allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of NSW for a period of 5 years.
There are three pathways to NSW nomination for this visa:
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Pathway 1 — apply if you are currently employed with a regional NSW employer
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Pathway 2 — be invited to apply by Investment NSW
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Pathway 3 — apply if you recently graduated from a regional NSW institution
Important notice: Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are now closed to new applications for the program year ending 30 June 2026. Due to an overwhelming response, the allocation for these pathways has been reached. Only Pathway 2 remains open. Applications already submitted will be finalised.
Basic eligibility for NSW nomination under Pathway 2:
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Be skilled in an occupation that is:
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Within an ANZSCO Unit Group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List; and
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Eligible for this visa
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Residency — you must meet one of the following:
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Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
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Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
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Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months
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NSW nomination for this visa is exceptionally competitive. NSW strongly encourages anyone considering NSW nomination to consider all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and not wait to be invited.
How NSW Invitation Rounds Work
Invitation rounds are an integral feature of the NSW nomination process for both visas.
Timing
Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year. There are no predetermined or publicly announced dates for NSW invitation rounds.
Selection
NSW considers multiple factors when selecting EOIs, including but not limited to:
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Age
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English language proficiency
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Education
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Points score
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Total years of skilled work experience
The highest-ranking EOIs within an ANZSCO Unit Group are invited to apply.
Discretion
Being invited to apply for NSW nomination is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government. Investment NSW reserves the right to refuse a nomination application if it does not meet the published criteria, if the nomination is not in the best interests of NSW, or if the allocation is fully committed.
Submission Date
The date you submit or amend your SkillSelect EOI does not affect your likelihood of being invited.
After You Are Invited
If invited to apply for NSW nomination, your invitation will be valid for 14 days only. This window will not be extended. You must provide valid (non-expired) documents to substantiate every claim made in your EOI. Applications are typically assessed within six weeks after payment.
Important: Because of the exceptionally high demand for NSW nomination, NSW strongly encourages anyone considering NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and not wait to be invited.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NSW Skills Lists
What are the NSW Skills Lists?
The NSW Skills Lists are official occupation lists published by the NSW Government that identify the skills eligible for NSW nomination under the State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa and the State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa. There are two separate lists — the NSW Skills List for the subclass 190, and the NSW Regional Skills List for the subclass 491. These lists help identify the critical skills needed to support the growth and development of New South Wales.
How do the NSW Skills Lists work?
The NSW Skills Lists operate at the ANZSCO Unit Group level. Not all occupations within a listed unit group are automatically eligible — only occupations listed as eligible for each visa are considered for NSW nomination. To be eligible, your skills assessment must be in an occupation that both falls within an identified ANZSCO Unit Group on the relevant list and is independently eligible for the visa, as confirmed on the Home Affairs website.
What is the difference between the NSW Skills List and the NSW Regional Skills List?
The NSW Skills List applies to the State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa, a permanent visa. The NSW Regional Skills List applies to the State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa, a provisional visa for designated regional areas of NSW. The NSW Skills List identifies occupations in shortage across the state, while the NSW Regional Skills List identifies occupations in shortage specifically across regional NSW. Both lists align with NSW's target sectors and key government priorities as per the NSW State Migration Plan.
Can I apply directly for NSW nomination?
No. You cannot directly apply for NSW nomination. NSW uses a selection-based invitation process — you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait to be invited by Investment NSW. Being invited is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government, and there is no guarantee of receiving an invitation.
How do I use the NSW Skills List search tool on this page?
Type your occupation name or four-digit ANZSCO code into the search field, then use the category and visa subclass filters to narrow results. Each result shows whether the occupation group is eligible for the subclass 190, the subclass 491, or both. If your occupation group shows a green tick for your target visa, confirm your specific occupation is also eligible by checking the Home Affairs website.
What is an ANZSCO Unit Group?
An ANZSCO Unit Group is a four-digit classification under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) that groups closely related occupations together. The NSW Skills Lists operate at this unit group level, not at the individual occupation level. Eligibility for NSW nomination requires your occupation to fall within a listed unit group, and your specific occupation within that group to also be eligible for the visa.
Is the subclass 491 still open for applications?
Pathway 2 of the subclass 491 (invitation by Investment NSW) remains open. Pathway 1 (employed with a regional NSW employer) and Pathway 3 (recent graduate from a regional NSW institution) are closed to new applications for the current program year ending 30 June 2026. Applications already submitted under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 will be finalised.
What happens if my occupation is not on the NSW Skills List?
If your occupation does not fall within an ANZSCO Unit Group on the NSW Skills List, you are not eligible for NSW nomination under the subclass 190 or subclass 491. However, the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) are just two of the visa options available for skilled workers to migrate to New South Wales. The Home Affairs website provides a comprehensive list of visa options, which include visas for those with specific job offers or sponsorships.
How competitive is NSW nomination?
NSW nomination is exceptionally competitive for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491. NSW strongly encourages anyone considering NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and not wait to be invited. Navigating the various visa options can be complex — for specialised guidance, consider consulting a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
Exploring Alternative Migration Pathways
The State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa and State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa are just two visa options available for skilled workers to migrate to New South Wales.
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Further opportunities — the Home Affairs website provides a comprehensive list of visa options, which include visas for those with specific job offers or sponsorships
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Professional guidance — navigating the various visa options can be complex; for specialised guidance, consider consulting a registered migration agent or legal practitioner
We strongly encourage you to explore all pathways and seek professional advice to maximise your chances of successful migration.
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