Important Updates on the NSW Skilled Migration Program (2025–26) – What You Need to Know

NSW has officially released key updates for the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, including visa allocations, invitation rounds, pathway openings, and application requirements. These changes may affect your eligibility, visa strategy, and timeline, so staying informed is crucial. Below is a full breakdown of the latest announcements, along with expert guidance on what they mean for skilled migrants and international graduates.

NSW Skilled Migration Allocations for 2025–26

The Australian Government has allocated the following nomination places to New South Wales:

• 2,100 places for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

• 1,500 places for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)

These allocations will shape the volume and timing of invitation rounds throughout the migration year.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Latest Updates

NSW has already completed three invitation rounds this program year. Monthly rounds will resume from January 2026 until the state meets its full annual allocation.

As of December 2025, around 25% of the 190 nominations have been issued.

Key Reminder

Only occupations listed on the NSW Skills List will be considered for invitations under subclass 190. If you are uncertain about your occupation’s eligibility, professional guidance can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: Pathways & Opening Dates

NSW has confirmed important reopening dates for regional visa pathways:

Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW

Opening 19 January 2026

Applicants who live and work in regional NSW may be eligible if they:

• Meet the minimum income threshold

• Have been employed in a qualifying occupation for at least 6 months

• Hold a valid skills assessment and meet all NSW criteria

All occupations eligible for the 491 program may apply under Pathway 1, provided requirements are met.

Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate

Opening 19 January 2026

To qualify, applicants must:

• Graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution located in a designated regional area of NSW

• Have an occupation listed on the NSW Regional Skills List

This pathway is ideal for international students planning to establish long-term careers in regional NSW.

Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW

NSW will determine if this pathway is needed after assessing demand in Pathways 1 and 3.

If required, the earliest possible invitation round for Pathway 2 would occur in April 2026.

Valid Applications: What NSW Requires

To be considered valid, your application must:

• Meet all NSW eligibility criteria at the time of submission

• Include valid supporting documents, such as:

  • Skills assessment

  • English language test

  • Passport

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

Submitting an incomplete or invalid application will result in delays or even rejection.

Expedited Assessment Requests

Processing times are typically up to six weeks, but may be longer during high-volume periods.

You may request priority processing if any of the following will occur within 10 working days:

• Your visa (or partner’s visa) is expiring

• Your skills assessment, passport, or English test is expiring

• You are about to lose age points, causing your points score to fall below the visa requirement

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Christmas Holiday Office Closedown (Important!)

NSW Migration will be closed from: 24 December 2025 – 9 January 2026. Normal operations resume 12 January 2026. No applications will be processed during this period.

If critical documents (visa, passport, English test, skills assessment) expire during the holiday closure, you must submit any expedited assessment requests by 12 December 2025.

Take the Stress Out of Your NSW Visa Application

The NSW Skilled Migration Program is becoming increasingly competitive and even minor errors can cost you an invitation.

Synergy Migration Services can help you:

✔ Assess your eligibility for Subclass 190 or 491

✔ Determine your best pathway under the 2025–26 program

✔ Prepare a fully compliant, valid application

✔ Monitor deadlines and document expiry dates

✔ Make expedited assessment requests on your behalf when applicable

Get expert support from registered migration agent today.

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