Update – NSW skilled visa nomination program 2025-26
NSW has quietly updated the criteria for the 491 and 190 visa pathways.
Note: Nsw nominations are still closed for 491 pathway 1 and 3.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas
🧠NSW 190 Visa – Key Pathways Summary
Eligibility
- Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation listed on the NSW Skills List.
- Working in NSW in your nominated occupation OR Reside in NSW for at least six months, OR be offshore with six months of continuous offshore residence.
Skill list changes
Added
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation / Unit Group |
|---|---|
| 2245 | Land Economists and Valuers |
| 2347 | Veterinarians |
| 3424 | Telecommunications Trades Workers |
| 3613 | Veterinary Nurses |
Removed
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation / Unit Group |
|---|---|
| 1212 | Crop Farmers |
🧠NSW 491 Visa – Key Pathways Summary
Pathway 1 – Currently Employed in Regional NSW
Eligibility
- Must be working in a designated regional area of NSW for at least 6 months continuously.
- Employment must be in your nominated (or closely related) occupation with the same employer.
- Must be paid at least the TSMIT / CSIT salary threshold (or meet the concession criteria below).
- Occupation(not restricted to NSW Regional Skills List) must be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
Pathway 3 – Recent Graduate from Regional NSW
Eligibility
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regional NSW institution.
- Study must be relevant to your nominated or closely related occupation.
- Study must have been completed within 2 years before applying.
- Occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group listed on the NSW Regional Skills List.
- Regional skill list new additions
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation Name |
|---|---|
| 2245 | Land Economists and Valuers |
| 2331 | Chemical and Materials Engineers |
| 2347 | Veterinarians |
| 3613 | Veterinary Nurses |
- Must meet one of the following residency options:
- Working in NSW in your occupation, or
- Living in NSW continuously for 3+ months, or
- Living offshore continuously for 3+ months.
Pathway 1 Concession – TSMIT / CSIT Concession
Type 1 Concession
- Must earn at least 90% of TSMIT/CSIT in monetary salary.
- Pay must still comply with award conditions and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Type 2 Concession
- Must earn ≥ 90% of TSMIT/CSIT in monetary salary.
- Non-monetary benefits (e.g. food, accommodation) can count for up to 10% of TSMIT/CSIT.
- Total package (cash + benefits) must meet or exceed the TSMIT/CSIT amount.
Extra notes
- Only the employer can apply for the concession.
- Concession must be approved before nomination if salary < TSMIT/CSIT.
Eligible occupation for Concession
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 141111 | Café or Restaurant Manager |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist |
| 311111 | Agricultural Technician |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 324111 | Panel Beater |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter |
| 331112 | Stonemason |
| 351112 | Pastry Cook |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker |
| 351411 | Cook |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse |
| 411715 | Residential Care Officer |