NSW Skilled Migration Program 2025-26: Interim Allocation Announced

The NSW Government has received an interim allocation for the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program from the Department of Home Affairs. This update marks the beginning of the new migration program year, providing skilled professionals with new opportunities to secure nomination for a permanent or provisional visa to live and work in New South Wales.

NSW Interim Skilled Visa Allocations 2025–26

The interim allocations for NSW are as follows:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – 200 places

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) – 180 places

While these numbers are part of an interim allocation, a full quota is expected to be confirmed later in the program year.

Upcoming Invitation Rounds

NSW will conduct an invitation round next week for the subclass 190 visa as part of this interim phase. If you are seeking nomination, it is crucial to ensure that your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is:

• Fully updated with your latest details

• Accurate and supported by valid evidence for every claim made

Only EOIs that meet eligibility requirements and can be verified with appropriate documentation will be considered for an invitation.

NSW Priority Sectors for 2025–26

The NSW Government continues to align its skilled migration priorities with the national goals of supporting critical industries and addressing workforce shortages.

The NSW Priority Sectors include:

• Construction (infrastructure and housing)

• Net Zero and Energy Transition

• Care and Support Economy

• Digital and Cyber

• Agriculture and Agrifood

• Advanced Manufacturing

These priority sectors are designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to long-term economic growth and sustainability across regional and metropolitan NSW.

Published NSW Skills Lists

NSW has officially released the Skills Lists for the 2025–26 program year. The lists are published at the ANZSCO unit group level, with separate categories for:

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa

If your occupation appears within an eligible unit group, you may be considered for NSW nomination. However, occupations not included on the NSW Skills Lists will not be eligible for nomination under this program.

You can view the published lists on the Investment NSW website.

Update on Subclass 491 Visa Nominations

At this stage, applications for the subclass 491 visa (all pathways) are temporarily closed to new applications. This pause allows the NSW Government to finalise processes and prepare for the next stage of nominations once the full program allocation is received.

What This Means for You

If you are planning to apply for NSW state nomination, now is the right time to:

• Review your EOI and update your information

• Gather and organise supporting documentation

• Seek professional advice to strengthen your application strategy

At Professional Visa and Education Services (ProVisa), we specialise in guiding skilled migrants through every stage of the NSW nomination process. Our team can help you assess your eligibility, prepare decision-ready applications, and plan your migration pathway with confidence.

Get Expert Guidance from ProVisa

Whether you are aiming for the 190 or 491 visa, understanding the latest program updates and meeting eligibility criteria is essential. Our registered migration agents are here to help you navigate the process effectively and increase your chances of success.

Book a consultation today: provisa.setmore.com
Call us: 1300 193 173

Stay informed and take the next step toward your skilled migration journey with ProVisa — your trusted partner in Australian migration success.