Australia Migration Update: October 2026
The New South Wales (NSW) government has updated its skilled migration program to include openings in the NSW 2026-2027 Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) program. The NSW government has also released an updated NSW Skills List for the 2026-2027 program year.
In the next section we will cover what has changed, who can benefit, what the key implications of the update will be, and how to proceed for those wishing to migrate to Australia.
The NSW government has also announced that it expects the first invitation round for NSW nomination for subclass 190 visas will happen in the week commencing 19 October 2026. The NSW government has also confirmed that the pathways for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) remain closed.
1. New South Wales (NSW) Subclass 190 Nomination Program
The NSW government has confirmed that its 2026-27 Skilled Nomination Program for the subclass 190 visa is now open.
This is a positive update for skilled workers who wish to gain NSW state nomination to migrate to Australia permanently.
As mentioned above, the subclass 190 visa is a permanent skilled migration visa which allows eligible persons to be nominated by NSW and subsequently be invited to apply for the permanent visa.
While opening the nomination program allows people to apply, not all applicants will receive an invitation. Eligible candidates are assessed by NSW against their program priorities.
Before submitting or modifying your EOI in SkillSelect, be sure to examine the current NSW nomination requirements carefully.
Applicants should be aware that state nomination and a visa grant are distinct processes. Even if NSW nominates you, it does not mean that Home Affairs will also grant you the visa.
What should applicants do now?
- Review the current NSW subclass 190 nomination requirements.
- Check if your occupation is on the current NSW Skills List.
- Ensure your SkillSelect EOI is complete and correct.
- Have the supporting documents for your EOI claims ready.
- Check the announcements regularly for any updates on the invitation rounds.
Check your details for your claimed points, qualifications, employment history, English-language test results and any relevant documents you may have provided. You will need to verify all information you have provided.
Inaccurate or unsubstantiated information may cause issues in the assessment process. It is generally better to review your documents before an invitation is issued, rather than attempt to do so at the last minute.
Also understand that the announced invitation window is an anticipated schedule, not a guarantee that every eligible candidate will be invited in that window.
2. Updated Skilled Occupation Lists for the 2026-27 Migration Program
The Skilled Occupation Lists for the 2026-27 Migration Program have been published.
The lists have been developed to reflect critical skills and high demand in the NSW Government’s State Migration Plan 2024-28.
This information is vital for subclass 190 applicants to plan their applications.
The NSW Skills Lists identifies eligible occupations at the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Unit Group level.
This means applicants have to look up how their occupation is classified at the Unit Group Level rather than checking their occupation at the general level.
NSW program updates state that certain unit groups listed on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) occupation lists are eligible for NSW state nomination for subclass 190 visas.
Occupations on the NSW Skills List that are not aligned with any of the unit groups on the DHA lists will not be eligible for NSW state nomination.
It is recommended to carefully consider the updated lists before making any decisions related to your skill migration plans.
How can you check whether your occupation is eligible?
Start by checking the correct occupation with the correct ANZSCO classification, and consult the NSW Skills List to see whether the unit group is included.
It is also important to ensure your occupation meets the requirements of the federal visa. Simply being on the NSW Skills List does not guarantee you have all the requirements for a skilled migration visa.
If your occupation is not included in the Skills List, do not make assumptions based on a different person’s case or a previous occupation list. Different requirements may be specified for different migration years.
NSW Subclass 190 Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | What applicants should verify |
|---|---|
| Occupation | The nominated occupation is eligible for the visa and matches the applicable NSW Skills List requirements |
| ANZSCO classification | The correct occupation and Unit Group are identified |
| Skills assessment | A suitable skills assessment is available |
| Age | The applicant is under 45 when invited to apply |
| English | The applicable English-language requirement is met |
| Points | The minimum points threshold is met |
| Expression of Interest | The SkillSelect EOI is complete and accurate |
| Supporting evidence | Qualifications, employment and other claims can be substantiated |
| State nomination | NSW nomination requirements and invitation conditions are met |
This means that people wanting to migrate to NSW through skilled regional pathways cannot make nomination applications at this stage.
The subclass 491 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. It is a provisional visa, and permanent residence is granted at a later time if certain conditions and requirements are met.
Depending on circumstances, it may be part of a long-term PR pathway for some applicants.
However, applicants interested in NSW’s subclass 491 program are required to wait for more information before planning new applications because of the current closure.
NSW will publish more information when it becomes available.
What should subclass 491 applicants do in the meantime?
- Look for official NSW announcements to find out when applications will be taken again.
- Do not believe unofficial sources about when applications will be taken.
- Check the requirements for other visa pathways you may wish to take.
- Get professional help to find other migration pathways.
It is recommended that you do not assume there will be a future opening until NSW confirms this officially.
This depends on your job, education, employment history, eligibility, goals, etc.
When thinking about a pathway to PR, understand the differences between the options rather than choosing a visa because it is trending.
Currently, the subclass 190 NSW nomination program is open, while subclass 491 NSW nomination pathways remain closed.
3. What Should Skilled Migration Applicants Do Next?
The latest NSW skilled migration update is a reminder that preparation is key when considering options and timing your application.
If you are interested in the 2026-2027 program, here’s what you need to do:
Review the updated NSW Skills List and determine your ANZSCO unit group.
Consider the subclass 190 nomination and relevant Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Review your EOI and SkillSelect to ensure supporting evidence is up to date and accurate.
Keep an eye out for invitation announcements. The first NSW subclass 190 invitation round is expected to happen during the week of 19 October 2026.
Remain informed about the subclass 491 program. NSW has not updated further information on pathways.
NSW Skilled Migration Application Preparation Timeline
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Occupation check | Confirm the nominated occupation and ANZSCO Unit Group |
| Stage 2: Eligibility review | Check visa requirements, age, English and points |
| Stage 3: Skills assessment | Obtain or verify the required skills assessment |
| Stage 4: EOI preparation | Review Skill Select information and evidence |
| Stage 5: Invitation monitoring | Follow official NSW announcements |
| Stage 6: Nomination application | Respond within the deadline if invited by NSW |
| Stage 7: Visa application | If invited by Home Affairs, submit the visa application with supporting documents |
Final Thoughts
The NSW Skilled Migration Program for 2026/27 has been launched with an update on skilled migration to New South Wales.
The program commenced with the opening of the Subclass 190 nomination program, the new NSW Skills List has been published, and the first invitation round is anticipated to be held in the week commencing 19th October 2026.
The Subclass 491 nomination pathways have not been updated and are not accepting new applications at this stage with further details expected from NSW.
