NSW Issues 2025–26 First Round of 190 Invitations Under Temporary Quota
On 21 October 2025, New South Wales (NSW) officially issued the first round of 190 State Nomination invitations for the 2025–26 financial year.
However, it’s important to note that NSW has only received a temporary allocation of 380 places (combined for subclass 190 and 491) — significantly below the Federal Government’s total state nomination program of 40,000 places this year.
Due to the limited interim quota, this round of invitations shows two key trends:
- Highly targeted occupations – primarily focused on construction and infrastructure roles such as project managers, building drafters, and civil engineers;
- High EOI scores – most invitations went to applicants with 80–95 points, continuing NSW’s score-based selection model (in contrast to Victoria’s holistic assessment system).
Applicants should not be overly concerned — NSW has confirmed that once the full quota is released, the invitation scope will expand to include nursing, digital technology, renewable energy, and other key sectors, with selection criteria expected to return to normal levels.
🔗 Official NSW Government page – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa
2025–26 Policy Overview: Updated Requirements for 190 and 491 Visas
(a) Subclass 190 — Permanent Residence Pathway with New “Work Exemption” Rule
The 190 visa remains one of the most sought-after PR pathways in NSW. For 2025–26, a new “work exemption” clause has been introduced, giving more flexibility to skilled applicants.
Key eligibility criteria:
- Occupation List: Must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List (covering six major sectors including construction, health, and cybersecurity);
- Residence / Work Requirement (meet one of the following):
- Have lived in NSW continuously for at least 6 months;
- Have lived overseas continuously for at least 6 months;
- NEW: Currently working in your nominated occupation in NSW (no minimum residence period required);
- Basic Criteria: Positive skills assessment and minimum EOI score of 65 points (including state nomination points).
(b) Subclass 491 — Three Pathways with a Strong Focus on Employment & Salary Compliance
As the key regional migration stream, the 491 visa retains three main application pathways this financial year, all now including the new work exemption option.
| Pathway | Description | Key Requirements | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway 1 – Regional Employment Stream | Fast-track option for onshore workers | 1. Any occupation eligible (not limited to 491 list); 2. Must have worked in a nominated occupation for at least 6 months with the same employer in a NSW-designated regional area; 3. Must meet TSMIT salary level ($76,515 per year). |
Skilled workers currently employed in regional NSW |
| Pathway 2 – EOI Invitation Stream | Open to both onshore and offshore applicants | 1. Occupation must be on the NSW 491 list; 2. Must have lived in NSW or offshore for at least 3 months, or currently working in NSW in the nominated occupation. |
Skilled applicants based in or outside Australia |
| Pathway 3 – Regional Graduate Stream | For graduates of regional NSW institutions | 1. Occupation must be on the NSW 491 list; 2. Must meet the residence/work exemption condition; 3. Must have completed a related qualification from a regional NSW institution within the past 2 years. |
Recent graduates from regional NSW universities or colleges |
Tips: Holders of the 491 visa can transition to permanent residency through the subclass 191 after living and working in a regional area for 3 years, meeting income requirements. Primary and secondary applicants can also swap roles when applying for PR.
What Applicants Should Watch Out For？
- Quota alert: Although NSW still has a healthy balance (as of late 2024 – 2,332 remaining for 190 and 1,608 for 491), other states such as Victoria have already used up over half their allocations. Apply early to avoid missing out when quotas close.
- Documentation checks: For Pathway 1, ensure your employer is a legitimate business with a regional NSW address and that your income meets the TSMIT threshold (pro-rata allowed for part-time roles).
- Policy trend: The 2025–26 program is increasingly shifting towards employer-sponsored and regional pathways, with the 491 quota now accounting for around 60% of the total skilled migration program. Onshore work experience continues to be a major advantage.
How Riverwood Migration Can Help You Apply Strategically
Navigating the temporary quota period requires precise timing and tailored planning. Our migration lawyers can help you:
- Get a free eligibility check – Find your best-fit pathway (190 or 491);
- Prepare your documents – Including employer verification and TSMIT salary evidence;
- Track quota updates in real time – Be the first to act when NSW releases its full allocation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]), or book a consultation. We are committed to providing transparent and professional migration services to help you secure your visa and achieve your goal of moving to Australia.
