NSW · selection-based nomination
NSW does not publish a simple pass mark. It selects competitive EOIs within eligible ANZSCO unit groups, while subclass 491 also provides two limited direct-application pathways.
NSW states that all available places for the current subclass 190 and 491 programs have been allocated. Submitted applications remain under assessment when new places are allocated.
The next program year's settings and eligibility criteria are under review. The rules below are the current published framework for preparation—not confirmation that 2026–27 has opened.
Official NSW skilled visa status →Two visas, different selection routes
You cannot apply directly. NSW selects EOIs in eligible ANZSCO unit groups. The applicant must be working in NSW in the nominated occupation for at least 20 hours a week, have lived in NSW for six continuous months, or have lived offshore for six continuous months.
Official 190 criteria →491 supports living, working and studying in designated regional NSW. Pathway 1 is regional employment, Pathway 2 is invitation by Investment NSW, and Pathway 3 is recent regional NSW study.
Official 491 criteria →SkillSelect EOI strategy
Invitation rounds have no predetermined public dates. NSW states that submitting or amending an EOI earlier does not itself improve the likelihood of invitation. Every claimed point must remain valid and provable when invited.
The nominated occupation must sit within a listed unit group and also be eligible for the relevant visa. A unit group appearing on the list does not guarantee invitation.
The current NSW guidance should be followed for visa subclass and state selection. Employment and residency facts used for the chosen pathway must appear correctly in SkillSelect.
NSW nomination is exceptionally competitive and discretionary. Eligibility means the EOI may be considered; it does not create a right to an invitation.
From EOI to Home Affairs
Confirm the visa subclass, occupation eligibility, skills assessment, English, points and the applicable NSW residency or pathway rules.
Target NSW and the intended visa subclass. Every points claim, employment period and residency fact must be accurate and supportable.
For 190 and 491 Pathway 2, wait for NSW selection. When open, 491 Pathways 1 and 3 permit a direct nomination application after meeting their criteria.
An NSW invitation is valid for 14 days and is not extended. Recheck that all evidence remains valid before lodging.
Submit the nomination application, supporting documents and the fee stated in the invitation portal. NSW usually targets assessment within six weeks after payment.
If NSW approves the nomination, SkillSelect issues the Home Affairs visa invitation. Home Affairs separately decides the visa application.
14 daysNSW nomination invitation
6 weeksPublished usual assessment target
No fixed datesInvitation rounds
Cost and evidence
The current closed NSW skilled-visa pages state that payment is required but do not display a reliable current dollar amount. The page therefore avoids carrying forward an old fee; the amount should be confirmed in the live invitation and payment portal.
