NSW – Invitation Rounds

NSW Skilled Migration Update: Key Changes and Upcoming Dates

NSW Business and Skilled Migration has released important updates for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa programs for the 2025–26 program year.

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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Three invitation rounds have been completed so far this program year.
• Monthly invitation rounds will recommence from January 2026 and continue until the annual allocation is filled.
• As at December 2025, approximately 25% of the annual allocation has been nominated.
• Only occupations listed on the NSW Skills List are eligible for invitation.

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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

NSW has confirmed that the following pathways will open on 19 January 2026:

• Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW
• Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate

Applications will be processed in chronological order, however only valid applications will be placed in the processing queue.

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What Is a Valid Application?

A valid application must meet all NSW eligibility requirements at the time of lodgement, including:

• A valid skills assessment
• A valid English language test
• All required supporting documents

All key documents must remain valid for at least five days after submission.

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Processing Times & Expedited Assessment Requests

Standard application processing times are up to six weeks, though delays may occur depending on application volumes.

Applicants may request priority processing if, within the next 10 working days:

• The applicant’s or partner’s visa is due to expire
• The applicant’s or partner’s English test, skills assessment, or passport will expire
• The applicant will lose age points and fall below the minimum points threshold

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Subclass 491 Pathway Details

Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW
Applicants who meet the minimum income threshold and have at least six months of eligible employment may apply. All occupations eligible for the Subclass 491 visa are accepted under this pathway.

Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at an institution located in a designated regional area of NSW. Only occupations on the NSW Regional Skills List are eligible.

Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW
Whether an invitation round is required under Pathway 2 will depend on demand under Pathways 1 and 3. If needed, the earliest possible invitation round will occur in April 2026.

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Christmas and New Year Office Closure

NSW Business and Skilled Migration offices will be closed from:

24 December 2025 to 9 January 2026
Normal operations will resume on Monday, 12 January 2026.

No applications or enquiries will be processed during this period. Applicants with urgent expiry issues should request expedited assessment by Friday, 12 December 2025.

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How VisaEnvoy Can Assist

VisaEnvoy closely monitors state and federal migration program changes and can advise on:

• NSW nomination eligibility

• Timing and strategy for Subclass 190 and 491 applications

• Document readiness and validity requirements

For tailored advice, speak with a VisaEnvoy migration specialist today.