NSW Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491

NSW Subclass 190: Permanent Skilled Visa Pathway 

The state-nominated permanent visa, subclass 190, helps New South Wales address specific skill shortages within Australia’s labor market. Through this visa, NSW can select qualified professionals whose skills and experience align with the state’s economic and workforce priorities. It serves as a key mechanism for supporting regional development and strengthening the state’s skilled workforce capacity.

Eligibility for NSW Nomination

To be considered for nomination under the subclass 190, applicants must satisfy specific eligibility requirements established by both the Department of Home Affairs and the NSW Government.

Applicants are required to:

• Comply with all visa conditions and general requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation listed on the federal Skilled Occupation List for the subclass 190 visa and within an ANZSCO unit group included on the NSW Skilled Occupation List.
• Meet one of the following residency criteria:
  • Currently be employed in New South Wales in their nominated occupation; or
  • Have resided in New South Wales for a minimum of six months; or
  • Have been residing offshore for at least six months.

NSW Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 190

The NSW 190 program targets skilled professionals across key sectors that support the state’s economic priorities. These include Health and Aged Care, Education and Training, Information and Communication Technology, Infrastructure and Engineering, and Agriculture and Primary Industries.

To be eligible for NSW nomination, your occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group listed below as being in high demand across the state.

NSW Subclass 491: Regional Skilled Pathways

The Skilled Work Regional visa is a points-tested provisional visa that allows qualified professionals in designated regional areas of NSW for up to five years. Holders may later apply for permanent residency. NSW nomination is managed by Investment NSW and operates through three main pathways. 

Pathway 1 is for skilled workers employed in regional NSW, Pathway 2 is for those invited by Investment NSW, and Pathway 3 is for recent graduates from regional NSW institutions. Pathways 1 and 3 open and close based on place availability; Pathway 2 relies on invitations.

Pathway 1 – Currently Employed in Regional NSW

• You must be working in a designated regional NSW area and have done so continuously for at least six months.
• Employment must be:
  • In your nominated or closely related occupation.
  • With the same regional NSW employer.
  • Paid at or above the TSMIT/CSIT rate at the time of application.
• Your occupation must be eligible for the 491 visa.
• Assessment time: around 6 weeks after payment.

TSMIT/CSIT Concession (For Pathway 1 only)

Applicants may qualify if their employer meets specific wage conditions.

• Type 1 Concession: Earnings ≥ 90% of TSMIT/CSIT and meet award and market salary rates.
• Type 2 Concession: Earnings ≥ 90% monetary, with non-monetary benefits (food/board) ≤ 10% of TSMIT/CSIT; total package ≥ 100%.
• The employer must apply for the concession before the nomination application.
• Assessment time: ~ 2 weeks.

Eligible occupations include: Café or Restaurant Manager, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Motor Mechanic, Cook, Veterinary Nurse, Residential Care Officer, and others.

Pathway 2 – Invitation by Investment NSW

• Occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group on the NSW Regional Skills List.
• Residency requirement – you must be:
  • Working in NSW in your nominated occupation, or
  • Living in NSW for at least three continuous months, or
  • Living offshore for at least three continuous months.
• Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year – dates are not announced in advance.
• Selection is based on points, experience, English proficiency, and other factors.
• You have 14 days to apply once invited.
• Assessment time: around 6 weeks.

Pathway 3 – Recent Graduate from Regional NSW

• You must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regional NSW institution within the last two years.
• The qualification must:
  • Relate to your nominated occupation.
  • Allow you to claim points for “Study in regional Australia” in SkillSelect.
• Residency requirement – same as Pathway 2.
• Assessment time: around 6 weeks.

NSW Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 491

To be eligible for NSW nomination under pathways 2 and 3, applicant’s occupation must fall within the ANZSCO unit groups mentioned below.

Distinct Occupational Priorities Between NSW 190 and 491 Visas

While most occupations on the NSW 190 and 491 skilled lists are the same, a few key differences reflect the state’s distinct economic priorities. Updated regularly, the NSW Skilled Occupation List reflects the state’s workforce priorities and economic development goals. The 190 visa focuses more on specialized professional roles such as medical experts, educators, and senior engineers, supporting NSW’s urban and service-based sectors. In contrast, the 491 visa includes additional occupations tied to regional and industry-based growth, such as agriculture, marine transport, and technical trades.

The Nomination Steps | NSW Skilled Migration 

Both the NSW 190 and 491 visa programs follow the same nomination process, requiring applicants to submit an Expression of Interest and meet state eligibility criteria before being invited to apply.