New South Wales Skilled Occupation List
2025–2026 | NSW SOL

New South Wales Skilled Migration 2025–2026 — Program Overview

New South Wales is Australia's largest economy and most populated state, home to Sydney — one of the world's most liveable cities. The NSW Skilled Migration Program attracts thousands of applications every year, and for the 2025–26 program year, it has launched with 3,600 total nomination places across its Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa streams.

NSW began its Subclass 190 invitation rounds on 20 October 2025, conducting monthly rounds that will continue until all places are allocated. The state also introduced significant changes to its Subclass 491 program for 2025–26, including three distinct nomination pathways — making it more accessible than in previous years.

What Is the New South Wales Skilled Occupation List (NSW SOL)?

The New South Wales Skilled Occupation List — also referred to as the NSW SOL, NSW Skills List, or New South Wales occupation list — is the official list of occupations that the NSW Government considers when selecting candidates for state nomination under the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 skilled visa programs.

If your occupation appears on the NSW SOL, you are eligible to be considered for a nomination invitation. However, appearing on the list is only the starting point — NSW uses a highly competitive, merit-based invitation-only process. Only applicants with occupations on the NSW Skills List will be considered for an invitation, regardless of how high their points score is.

Key 2025–26 Change: ANZSCO Unit Group Level

One of the most significant updates for 2025–26 is that the NSW Skills List is now published at the 4-digit ANZSCO unit group level. This is a positive change — it means all individual occupations within a listed unit group are considered eligible. For example, the group "2332 Civil Engineering Professionals" covers civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers and more — all under a single unit group entry.

How Often Is the NSW Skills List Updated?

NSW updates its Skilled Occupation List regularly to reflect the state's changing workforce priorities. The list can be revised at any time during the program year if labour market conditions shift. Always verify your occupation's current status on the official NSW Government website or through the Department of Home Affairs before building your migration strategy around NSW nomination.

NSW Visa Pathways — Subclass 190 & Subclass 491

New South Wales nominates skilled migrants under two federal visa categories. Each serves a different applicant profile and has distinct residency requirements.

NSW Subclass 491 — Three Nomination Pathways for 2025–2026

One of the biggest changes to NSW's program for 2025–26 is the introduction of three distinct pathways for Subclass 491 nominations. These pathways target different applicant profiles and opened progressively during the program year.

NSW Priority Industry Sectors 2025–2026

NSW's sector-focused approach for 2025–26 means that applicants in the following high-demand industries have a significantly stronger chance of receiving a nomination invitation — even at lower points scores than non-priority applicants.

Eligibility Requirements for NSW State Nomination

To qualify for NSW nomination under either the Subclass 190 or 491 visa, you must meet the Department of Home Affairs minimum criteria as well as NSW's own specific conditions:

Federal Criteria (All Applicants)

• Age: Be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving your invitation from NSW.
• Occupation on NSW Skills List: Hold a valid, positive skills assessment in an occupation that falls within an ANZSCO unit group listed on the NSW Skills List for your intended visa subclass.
• English Proficiency: At least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band). Higher English scores significantly improve competitiveness.
• Points Score: A minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test. In practice, NSW 190 typically requires 85–95+ and NSW 491 requires 75–85+.
• Valid EOI in SkillSelect: Maintain an active Expression of Interest with NSW selected as your preferred state.

NSW-Specific Criteria

• For Subclass 190: Must be residing in NSW and have continuously lived there for a minimum of 6 months prior to nomination — OR be an offshore applicant meeting specific eligibility conditions set by NSW.
• For Subclass 491 Pathway 1: Must be currently living and working in regional NSW, meet the minimum income threshold, and have at least 6 months of ongoing skilled employment.
• For Subclass 491 Pathway 2 (Offshore): Must have remained offshore for at least 6 continuous months. Occupation must be on the Regional NSW Skills List. Invitation-only process.
• For Subclass 491 Pathway 3 (Graduate): Must have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher from a regional NSW institution within the past 24 months. Qualification must relate to your nominated occupation.

How to Apply for NSW State Nomination — Step by Step

1. 1

   Confirm Your Occupation on the NSW Skills List

   Check whether your ANZSCO unit group appears on the NSW Skills List for your intended visa subclass (190 or 491). The list is now published at the 4-digit unit group level on the NSW Government website and the Department of Home Affairs.

2. 2

   Complete Your Skills Assessment

   Obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation. This typically takes 2–6 months and must be completed before your EOI can be considered competitive.

3. 3

   English Language Test

   Complete a recognised English test — IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Given how competitive NSW is, aiming for Superior English (IELTS 8+ each band) adds 20 points and significantly improves your chances. Use our AU Points Calculator to see your current score.

4. 4

   Submit EOI via SkillSelect

   Log in to your ImmiAccount and submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Select New South Wales as your preferred state and specify your intended visa subclass. Keep your EOI updated — especially before each NSW invitation round cut-off date.

5. 5

   For 491 Pathway 1: Apply Directly to NSW

   If you are already living and working in regional NSW, you can apply directly under Pathway 1. Ensure you meet the minimum income threshold and have at least 6 months of ongoing skilled employment before submitting your application.

6. 6

   Receive NSW Invitation and Submit Nomination Application

   Once NSW issues your invitation (for 190 or 491 Pathway 2), respond within the specified timeframe. Have all documentation ready in advance: skills assessment, English results, employment evidence, identity documents, and financial records if required.

7. 7

   Lodge Visa Application with the Department of Home Affairs

   After receiving your NSW nomination, lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount. Submit all required documents including police clearances from all countries of residence, medical examination results, and complete work history evidence.

NSW Skilled Occupation List — Subclass 190 (Permanent Visa)

NSW Skilled Occupation List — Subclass 491 (Regional Visa)

Frequently Asked Questions — NSW Skilled Occupation List 2025–2026

NSW Skilled Migration for Pakistani Applicants

New South Wales — and Sydney in particular — is one of the most popular destination choices among Pakistani skilled professionals seeking Australia PR. Sydney offers a large, well-established Pakistani community, world-class hospitals and universities, strong career growth, and one of the world's highest average salaries.

Top NSW Occupations for Pakistani Professionals

• Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, and Mining Engineers — all under priority unit groups 2331–2339. NSW's massive infrastructure pipeline creates consistent demand.
• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Specialist Physicians, Surgeons, Allied Health — unit groups 2531–2544 are consistently the highest priority in NSW invitation rounds.
• Information Technology: ICT Business Analysts, Software Programmers, Database Administrators, ICT Security Specialists — NSW's thriving digital economy drives ongoing demand under groups 2611–2631.
• Education: Primary School Teachers, Secondary Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers — unit groups 2411–2421 are in high demand across NSW's growing school network.
• Construction Trades: Electricians, Carpenters and Joiners, Plumbers, Plasterers, Roof Tilers — consistently included in both the 190 and 491 lists with strong demand statewide.
• Accounting & Finance: While not on the 190 list directly, financial professionals should check the 491 list which includes broader occupation groups.

Strategy for Pakistani Applicants Targeting NSW

NSW is highly competitive — especially for Subclass 190. Pakistani applicants should aim for 90+ points to have realistic chances of a 190 invitation. For most applicants, the Subclass 491 pathway offers better immediate prospects, with 491 invitations typically going to applicants with 75–85+ points. After 3 years of working in regional NSW, the pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 is clear and achievable.