Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
NSW employs a selection-based invitation process to ensure alignment between NSW nominees and the state’s economic skill requirements. Direct applications for NSW nomination are not accepted.
To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Visa Eligibility: You must fulfill all visa requirements specified by Home Affairs for this visa category.
- Skills Assessment: You must possess a valid skills assessment in an occupation listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for the 491 visa.
- Residency: You must currently reside and work in a designated regional area of NSW, and have continuously done so for the past 6 months.
During the invitation rounds, NSW gives priority to Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in occupations within key industry sectors, including health, education, ICT, and infrastructure.
Given the high level of competition for NSW nomination for the subclass 190 visa, an alternative pathway is the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
NSW nomination for the subclass 491 visa provides skilled migrants with the opportunity to reside, work, and pursue studies in designated regional areas of NSW for a duration of 5 years.
There are two pathways to secure NSW nomination for this visa:
- Pathway 1: Directly apply to Investment NSW if you possess an established work history with a regional NSW-based employer.
- Pathway 2: Receive an invitation to apply from Investment NSW.
It is important to note that NSW nomination under ‘Pathway 2’ is highly competitive. It is advisable that individuals considering NSW nomination through ‘Pathway 2’ should explore alternative migration pathways.
To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Visa Eligibility: You must fulfill all visa requirements specified by Home Affairs for this visa category.
- Skills Assessment: You must possess a valid skills assessment in an occupation listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for the 491 visa.
- Residency: You must currently reside and work in a designated regional area of NSW, and have continuously done so for the past 6 months.
Additionally, your qualifying skilled employment in the twelve months immediately preceding your application must meet the following conditions:
- Employed with a single regional NSW-based employer operating from an established business premises in regional NSW.
- Employed in your nominated (or closely related) occupation.
- Deemed skilled by NSW.
- Received a minimum salary of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) level of $70,000 (prorated if working fewer than 38 hours per week) from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in the 6 months immediately preceding your application.
