NSW Skilled Migration Update 2025–26: Subclass 190 Invitations Closed, 491 Pathway
NSW has filled its nomination allocation for the Subclass 190 visa for the 2025–26 program year, while Subclass 491 Pathway 2 invitations continue. Learn what this means for skilled migration applicants and alternative PR pathway opportunities in Australia.
By Care Immigration Team
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has released an important update regarding the NSW Skilled Migration Program for the 2025–26 program year.
If you are planning to apply for Australian permanent residency through skilled migration, it is important to understand how these changes may affect your visa pathway.
Subclass 190 Visa – NSW Allocation Reached
NSW has confirmed that it has now invited sufficient Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to fill its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) for the current program year.
This means:
No further NSW subclass 190 invitations will be issued during the 2025–26 program year
Invitations are expected to resume only after the Australian Government provides a new allocation for the 2026–27 program year
Applicants who have already received invitations from NSW can continue with their visa application process
The subclass 190 visa remains one of the most popular permanent residency pathways for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in Australia.
Subclass 491 Visa – Pathway 2 Still Open
While subclass 190 invitations have paused, NSW is continuing invitation rounds for the Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) under Pathway 2.
NSW conducted another invitation round recently and has confirmed that invitations will continue until the available allocation is fully utilised.
The subclass 491 visa offers skilled workers an opportunity to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia and can lead to permanent residency through eligible pathways.
Why Regional NSW May Be a Great Opportunity
Regional NSW continues to provide strong opportunities for skilled migrants across industries including:
Information Technology
Accounting and Finance
Engineering
Healthcare and Nursing
Trades and Construction
Education and Community Services
To support skilled workers relocating to regional areas, NSW also offers “The Welcome Experience” — a free support service for eligible essential workers and their families moving to regional NSW communities.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If your occupation was targeting NSW subclass 190 nomination, this update means you may need to:
Explore subclass 491 regional pathways
Review alternative state nomination options
Improve your points score or profile competitiveness
Prepare early for the next NSW 190 program year
Every applicant’s situation is different, and choosing the right migration strategy is important for long-term success.
Need Guidance with Skilled Migration?
At CARE Immigration & Education Consultants, we assist applicants with:
Skilled migration assessments
State nomination pathways
Subclass 190 and 491 visa applications
EOI preparation and strategy
PR pathway planning for Australia
Our experienced team can help you understand your available options and plan the best pathway based on your profile.
📩 Contact us today for professional migration advice and the latest Australian visa updates.
AUS: +61 413 424 817
IND: +91 99744 60744
www.careimmi.com.au
info@careimmi.com.au
https://linktr.ee/careimmigration
Saloni Shah
Registered Migration Agent | MARN: 2117683
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