7 Stars Global Migration | Registered Migration Agent | MARN 2519146
New South Wales is a key destination for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency in Australia. The 2026–27 NSW Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) program and its updated Skills List are important developments for applicants planning their skilled migration pathway.
If you are considering NSW state nomination, understanding the eligible occupation groups, selection process and documentation requirements is essential before making your next move.
1. NSW Subclass 190: Program Update
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa that allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, subject to meeting the relevant visa requirements.
NSW uses a competitive, selection-based invitation process to identify candidates whose skills align with the state’s workforce needs.
Important: The NSW Government’s published information should be checked for the latest program status and invitation-round announcements before relying on any proposed opening date.
2. Updated NSW Skills List for 2026–27
NSW has published an updated Skills List for the subclass 190 nomination program. The list identifies eligible occupation groups at the ANZSCO unit-group level.
The updated list includes occupations across several key industries.
Occupation groups of interest
Engineering and infrastructure
- Civil Engineering Professionals
- Electrical Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Other Engineering Professionals
- Construction Managers
- Surveyors and Spatial Scientists
- Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Software and Applications Programmers
- Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers
- Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists
- Computer Network Professionals
Healthcare and allied health
- Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Medical Imaging Professionals
- General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers
- Psychologists and Social Workers
Education and community services
- Early Childhood Teachers
- Primary School Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Special Education Teachers
- Enrolled and Mothercraft Nurses
- Welfare Support Workers
Construction and skilled trades
- Carpenters and Joiners
- Bricklayers and Stonemasons
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
- Motor Mechanics
- Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
- Cabinet and Furniture Makers
This is a selection of occupations appearing on the published list, not an exhaustive list. Applicants should verify their exact ANZSCO occupation and visa eligibility against the official NSW Skills List and the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements.
3. Occupations Removed from the NSW Subclass 190 Skills List
The updated list also removes a number of occupation groups that appeared in earlier settings.
Examples provided in the update include:
- Engineering Managers
- ICT Managers
- Architects and Landscape Architects
- Chemical and Materials Engineers
- Electronics Engineers
- Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers
- Chemists and Food and Wine Scientists
- Environmental Scientists
- Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists
- University Lecturers and Tutors
- ICT Business and Systems Analysts
- School Principals
- Research and Development Managers
- Manufacturers
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals
If your occupation is no longer included, you should not assume that your previous NSW nomination strategy remains viable. Review alternative state and territory nomination programs and other skilled visa pathways that may suit your circumstances.
4. How Does the NSW Subclass 190 Invitation Process Work?
NSW nomination is not a direct application process available to every eligible applicant.
Generally, candidates should:
- Confirm that their nominated occupation is eligible for the relevant visa and falls within an eligible NSW ANZSCO unit group.
- Obtain a valid skills assessment, where required.
- Meet the applicable visa and NSW nomination criteria, including relevant residency requirements.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Keep their EOI information accurate and ensure that all claimed points can be substantiated.
- Wait for an invitation from NSW, if selected.
- Submit the nomination application and supporting documents within the specified timeframe if invited.
NSW considers factors such as age, English-language proficiency, qualifications, points score and skilled employment experience. Selection remains competitive and is at the discretion of the NSW Government.
An EOI submission or amendment does not guarantee an invitation. Similarly, appearing on the NSW Skills List does not guarantee nomination or a visa grant.
5. What About the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a separate pathway designed for eligible skilled workers intending to live and work in designated regional areas.
The NSW Regional Skills List and nomination pathways operate separately from the NSW subclass 190 program.
Applicants should check the latest official NSW announcements before assuming that a particular subclass 491 pathway is open to new applicants. If NSW nomination is unavailable, it may be worth assessing other eligible state or territory pathways.
6. What Should You Do Now?
If you are planning to pursue NSW skilled migration, consider taking the following steps:
✅ Check your nominated occupation against the latest NSW Skills List.
✅ Confirm that your occupation is eligible for the intended visa subclass.
✅ Review your skills assessment validity and nominated occupation.
✅ Check your English-language test results and points claims.
✅ Update your SkillSelect EOI where necessary and ensure that all information is accurate.
✅ Prepare supporting evidence for qualifications, employment history and other points claimed.
✅ Explore alternative skilled migration pathways if your occupation is not eligible for NSW nomination.
7. Get Professional Guidance Before You Proceed
Skilled migration planning involves more than checking an occupation list or calculating points. Your age, qualifications, employment history, English proficiency, skills assessment, residency circumstances and visa history may all affect your options.
At 7 Stars Global Migration, we assist eligible applicants with skilled migration assessments, SkillSelect EOIs, state nomination strategies and visa application preparation.
If you are unsure whether your occupation is suitable for NSW nomination, obtaining an assessment of your circumstances can help you make a more informed decision.
Ready to Review Your Skilled Migration Options?
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🌐 Website: https://www.7starsgm.com.au
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📧 Email: consult@7starsgm.com.au
📞 Contact: +61 449 090 009
Mian M. Z. Rafi | Registered Migration Agent | MARN 2519146
7 Stars Global Migration
Precision in Every Decision.
Official Sources
- NSW Government — Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- NSW Government — NSW Skills Lists
- NSW Government — Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice for an individual case. Eligibility requirements, nomination settings and program availability may change. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner regarding your circumstances.