Update – NSW skilled visa nomination program 2025-26

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

Removed

🧭 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

• Must meet one of the following residency options:
  1. Working in NSW in your occupation, or
  2. Living in NSW continuously for 3+ months, or
  3. 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