NSW Skilled Migration Program Opening for 491 Regional Visa

The NSW Skilled Migration Program has released new updates for the 2025–26 program year, covering nomination allocations, invitation schedules, and detailed settings for both the 190 State Sponsored and 491 State Sponsored Regional visas. These changes impact skilled migrants planning to apply through NSW, particularly those seeking nomination in high-demand occupations.

State Nominated Visa Allocations for NSW

For the 2025–26 program year, NSW has received the following skilled visa nomination allocations:

• 2,100 Skilled Nominated visas (subclass 190)

• 1,500 Skilled Work Regional visas (subclass 491)

These allocations determine how many applicants NSW can nominate across the full migration year.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Three invitation rounds have already been completed for the current program year. Monthly rounds will resume in January 2026 and continue until NSW reaches its full allocation.

Key points:

• Approximately 25% of the annual quota has been used as of December 2025.

• Only occupations included on the NSW Skills List will be considered.

• Selection is competitive and based on NSW’s state priorities.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 open on 19 January 2026, with applications assessed in chronological order. Only valid applications will enter the processing queue.

What Counts as a Valid Application

To be valid, an application must:

• Meet all NSW eligibility requirements on the date of lodgement.

• Include a valid skills assessment and English test.

• Ensure all supporting documents remain valid for at least five days after submission.

Expedited Assessment Requests

While standard processing takes up to six weeks, applicants may request priority assessment if any of the following will occur within ten working days:

• Expiry of the applicant’s or their partner’s visa.

• Expiry of the applicant’s or partner’s English test, skills assessment, or passport.

• Imminent loss of points due to age that would reduce eligibility.

Priority requests must be justified and supported with evidence.

Subclass 491 Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW

Pathway 1 is suited to applicants who are already employed in regional NSW.

Eligibility overview:

• Must meet the minimum income threshold.

• Must have at least six months of employment in regional NSW.

• All occupations eligible for subclass 491 are permitted.

• Full criteria are available on the NSW government website.

Subclass 491 Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate

This pathway supports graduates who studied in regional NSW.

Eligibility overview:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a designated regional NSW institution.

• Occupation must be listed on the NSW Regional Skills List.

• Applicants must meet all NSW nomination criteria before applying.

Subclass 491 Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW

NSW will only conduct Pathway 2 invitation rounds if nomination demand under Pathways 1 and 3 exceeds expectations.

Important notes:

• Earliest possible invitation round would be April 2026.

• NSW will announce further updates before initiating any round.

This pathway will remain discretionary depending on program needs.

NSW Skilled Migration Program: Book a Consultation

If you would like us to apply, review, or finalise your application, please email migration6@racc.net.au and CC allison@racc.net.au, and we will send you the application form and quotation.

If you have already submitted EOI and received an invitation - Use discount code RACCNSW2025 for a 40% discount off service fees*

Alternatively, you can book a FREE migration consultation and we’ll guide you through your PR options!

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