New South Wales Closes Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa Nominations for Current Programme Year

Current rules

New South Wales (NSW) uses a selection-based invitation process for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) to align nominees with the state's economic skills needs. Direct applications for NSW nomination are not accepted; applicants must be invited. To be eligible for NSW nomination, an applicant's occupation must be on the NSW Skills List, which reflects high-demand skills in specific ANZSCO unit groups, and they must meet all Australian Government Department of Home Affairs visa requirements. Applicants must also meet one of the following residency criteria: working in NSW in their nominated occupation for remuneration for at least 20 hours per week; residing in NSW and having continuously resided in NSW for a minimum of six months; or residing offshore and having continuously resided offshore for a minimum of six months. Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year without publicly announced dates. Selection considers factors such as age, English language proficiency, education, points score, and skilled work experience, with highest-ranking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) invited. The invitation is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government, valid for 14 days and will not be extended. The date of EOI submission or amendment does not affect the likelihood of invitation.

Overview

New South Wales has announced the temporary closure of applications for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the current programme year. This decision comes as all allocated nomination places have been exhausted. Submissions already made will proceed through assessment, with updated programme details for the upcoming year to be published on the NSW website at a later date.

What changed in the latest version

This change significantly impacts how skilled individuals can pursue permanent residency in New South Wales through the subclass 190 visa. Previously, applications were entirely closed for the programme year, meaning no new applications could proceed. Now, while the programme is open, applicants cannot directly submit a full application. Instead, they must strategically prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that stands out against other candidates, as selection is competitive and based on multiple factors beyond just meeting minimum requirements. The limited 14-day window for invited applicants to submit a complete application means that all supporting documents must be prepared and ready in advance, making prompt action crucial and allowing no room for delays. Furthermore, the explicit advice to explore alternative migration pathways underscores the competitive nature of NSW nomination, guiding potential applicants not to solely rely on this route.

Explained simply

Imagine NSW is looking for skilled people to move there, like a team picking players. They used to just list general rules about living in NSW or abroad. Now, they've made it super clear: if you're already in NSW, you need to be working or living here for at least six months. If you're not in Australia, you need to have been living outside Australia for at least six months. This update means they're now actively looking for people again, so if you meet these clearer rules, you can put your hand up to be considered.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Date unavailableEffectiveMedium impact
   New South Wales Closes Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa Nominations for Current Programme Year

   New South Wales (NSW) has updated its guidance for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) programme, moving from a previous closure of applications to an open, selection-based invitation process. Applicants can no longer apply directly but must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation. Eligibility continues to require an occupation on the NSW Skills List and meeting Department of Home Affairs visa criteria, with clarified residency requirements for onshore and offshore applicants. Invitation rounds are held throughout the financial year, with selections based on factors including age, English language proficiency, education, points score, and work experience. Invited applicants have 14 days to submit their application, with no extensions.