The state government of New South Wales (NSW) has published its updated Skills Lists for the 2025-26 program year, covering nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). These lists identify the occupations and ANZSCO unit groups the state is focusing on to support its workforce and economic priorities.
Key highlights
Occupations eligible for state nomination must fall within the ANZSCO unit groups listed for NSW, and for each visa subclass (190 or 491) there is a distinct list.
Among the in-demand areas cited are: engineers, ICT professionals, teachers, medical practitioners, and a wide range of trades. For example, unit groups such as Secondary School Teachers (2414), Electrical Engineers (2333), Software Programmers (2613), Electricians (3411) are included.
The Skills Lists are described as aligning with NSW’s broader priority sectors for 2025-26, including construction and infrastructure, net-zero and energy transition, the care economy, digital & cyber, agriculture & agrifood, and advanced manufacturing.
What it means for you
If your nominated occupation (via skills assessment) falls within one of the listed ANZSCO unit groups for NSW, you may be eligible to seek state nomination under either Subclass 190 (permanent) or Subclass 491 (regional) depending on pathway rules.
- For onshore applicants, you must be working in NSW in your nominated occupation or residing in NSW for a minimum of six months for Subclass 190 and three months for Subclass 491. Meanwhile for offshore applicants, you must be residing offshore for the past six months for Subclass 190 and three months for Subclass 491.
- Occupations listed unit group does not automatically guarantee nomination – your specific occupation, skill level, visa subclass eligibility and other state and federal criteria must also align. For occupations not listed on NSW’s Skills Lists for the 2025-26 program year, candidates should be aware that they may not be eligible for NSW nomination under these pathways for this cycle.
Strategic advice for applicants
Check your occupation unit group — Confirm the ANZSCO unit group your occupation falls under, then check if that unit group is listed for NSW nomination for the relevant visa subclass.
Validate your skills assessment — Make sure your skills assessment covers the correct occupation and that it remains valid, and that your occupation is eligible under the federal Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the NSW list.
Prepare your EOI (Expression of Interest) carefully — Include NSW as your preferred state, ensure you claim all points you are eligible for (age, English, work experience, qualifications, etc.), and maintain your documents ready.
Be aware of state criteria beyond occupation — NSW may consider other factors such as priority sectors, regional vs metropolitan criteria, your current location, salary, English level and employment history.
Monitor invitation rounds and program quotas — Even if your occupation is listed, actual invitations and nominations depend on NSW’s allocation of nomination places, timing of invitation rounds and how competitive your profile is.
Final summary
The release of the 2025-26 Skills Lists by NSW is a significant milestone for skilled migration planning. It provides clarity for prospective applicants about which occupations are being targeted by the state and helps align your planning (skills assessment, EOI submission, documentation) accordingly. If your occupation is on the list, this is a positive signal—but it’s essential to ensure full eligibility and prepare thoroughly.
Source: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/nsw-skills-lists