NSW has officially announced its skilled occupation list for 2025, with major changes that potential migrants must understand before they apply. New South Wales currently operates with a smaller list of 65 occupations divided between two visa subclasses. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) has 31 occupations, while the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) has 34 occupations.
These changes to the skilled occupation list NSW matter greatly to future migrants. NSW’s skilled occupation list adapts to COVID-19 recovery protocols, and applications for the 2025 skilled immigration programme are now open. Qualified immigrants with high scores in occupations from the reduced list will likely receive priority in upcoming NSW invitation rounds. The Department of Home Affairs has mandated these reductions, which points to a more competitive environment for applicants next year.
This detailed guide will show you everything about the NSW 190 latest update. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements and discover ways to boost your success chances in this selective environment.
Understanding the NSW Skilled Occupation List 2025
The NSW Skilled Occupation List serves as a detailed guide that helps skilled migrants who want to get permanent residency in New South Wales. This vital tool emphasises occupations needed in industries of all sizes throughout the state. These occupations help determine if someone qualifies for skilled migration visas.
What is the NSW Skilled Occupation List?
NSW Skills Lists specify which skills qualify for NSW nomination under two main visa categories: the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). These lists identify critical skills needed to propel NSW’s economic growth and development. The list uses Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) unit groups to show skills that are highly needed across the state.
NSW has expanded its occupation list for 2025-26 with new additions. Land Economists/Valuers and Veterinarians can now apply for both 190/491 visas. Telecommunications Technicians and Veterinary Nurses have been added just for the 491 visa.
Difference between Subclass 190 and 491
These visas are different in their nature and restrictions. Subclass 190 lets skilled workers live and work permanently in NSW. The 491 visa works differently – it’s valid for five years and requires people to live and work in specific regional areas.
The points advantage between these visas is different by a lot. Subclass 190 gives 5 extra points, while subclass 491 offers 15 points. Both visas need state nomination and have similar age limits (under 45). The 491 visa creates a path to permanent residency after three years of regional work and living.
Why the list changes each year
NSW updates its Skilled Occupation List regularly to match the state’s changing workforce needs. This flexible approach means the list shows current job market demands accurately. Jobs that are highly needed one year might not be on the list the next.
NSW has moved to a sector-focused approach for 2025. The state now targets priority sectors like renewables, construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and digital/cyber sectors. This new direction matches Australia’s economic needs by filling skill gaps in areas vital for economic growth.
Key Occupations in Demand for Subclass 190
The NSW Skilled Occupation List for subclass 190 shows what workers the state needs right now. This list targets industries that lack skilled professionals. Here’s a breakdown of the main sectors and roles for 2025.
Engineering and Construction Roles
NSW needs construction and engineering professionals badly. The subclass 190 list features Construction Managers and Civil Engineering Professionals. Major infrastructure projects across the state have created steady work opportunities. These projects span transport networks and renewable energy developments. The list also welcomes Engineering Managers, Electrical Engineers, and Mining Engineers. They must score between 80-100 points based on their experience. NSW’s infrastructure sector considers these roles essential to its skilled migration goals.
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Healthcare remains vital to NSW’s skilled migration programme. Registered Nurses top the list with yearly salaries between AUD 129,964 and AUD 145,254. Medical Imaging Professionals, Pharmacists, and allied health workers are also needed. Physiotherapists need 85 points while Occupational Therapists require 80 points. The list includes Psychologists and Social Workers too, as mental health becomes more crucial. Healthcare visa grants have jumped 47.2% according to the June 2025 report.
ICT and Software Development
The digital world’s growth has created huge demand for ICT experts. Software Engineers earn between AUD 168,188 and AUD 191,123 yearly. They need 100 points and at least 2 years of experience for visa approval. Other roles in demand are ICT Business and Systems Analysts, Database and Systems Administrators, ICT Security Specialists, and Computer Network Professionals. Software Engineering visas have risen by 1.9%, reaching 1,120 grants in the latest report.
Education and Teaching Positions
Teachers play a big role in NSW’s Skills List. The state welcomes Early Childhood Teachers, Primary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, and University Lecturers and Tutors. Primary School Teachers must get state sponsorship under subclass 190 since they can’t apply for the independent subclass 189 visa. NSW prioritises education sector nominations because schools face staffing challenges and competition for skilled teachers keeps growing.
Regional Opportunities under Subclass 491
Regional NSW provides great opportunities for skilled migrants through the Subclass 491 visa programme. This provisional pathway allows you to stay in Australia for 5 years and apply for permanent residence after just 3 years.
What makes a role ‘regional’?
Most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualify as designated regional areas for migration. The regional definition has two categories. Category 2 includes Cities and Major Regional Centres like Newcastle, Wollongong, and Illawarra. Category 3 covers Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas. Both categories give you priority processing and access to the Regional Occupations List. Category 3 also comes with additional post-study work visa benefits.
Top occupations for regional NSW
NSW’s Regional Skills List shows occupations that are in short supply at the ANZSCO unit group level. Healthcare workers like Registered Nurses are in high demand. Technology professionals such as Software Engineers can earn between AUD 168,188-191,123 yearly. Tradespeople, particularly Electricians working in mining, can make up to AUD 305,798. Education professionals and agricultural specialists play a vital role in regional development.
How regional nomination is different from 190
The 491 visa is provisional, unlike the permanent Subclass 190. You just need to live, work and study in designated regional areas. The 491 gives you 15 points while the 190 offers 5 points. This makes the 491 an attractive choice if you need extra points. The 491 is easier to get and has more occupations available.
Eligibility and Application Process Explained
The NSW skilled visa application process needs careful preparation and attention to detail. Your success depends on how well you understand the system’s connected parts.
Points system and minimum thresholds
Points testing are the foundations of skilled migration to NSW. You need at least 65 points to qualify, though competitive applicants usually score between 80-100 points based on their occupation. The system awards points for your age, English skills, work experience, and educational background. The Core Skills Income Threshold has jumped to AUD76,515 from July 2025. This ensures migrants earn wages comparable to Australian workers.
Skills assessment and ANZSCO codes
NSW nomination requires a valid skills assessment. These assessments show that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards in your chosen occupation. Your assessment stays valid for 3 years without a specified expiry date. You must classify your occupation under the right Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code. This code determines which visa subclasses you can apply for.
NSW invitation round process
The state runs invitation rounds throughout the financial year without set dates. NSW looks at several factors to select candidates. These include your age, English proficiency, education, points score, and work experience. The highest-ranking EOIs in each ANZSCO unit group get invitations.
Common mistakes to avoid
Picking the wrong occupation code often results in rejection. Look at the duties under ANZSCO descriptions instead of just matching job titles. Missing documents cause delays, so make sure your reference letters, bank statements, payslips, and tax statements are complete. Poor English scores can stop you from reaching competitive point thresholds. Submitting EOIs without valid skills assessments wastes your spot in the queue.
Conclusion
The NSW Skilled Occupation List for 2025 brings mixed news for future migrants. A substantially smaller list of 65 occupations makes competition tougher but clearly shows what NSW really needs. Professionals in engineering, healthcare, IT, and education remain in high demand, especially when you have plans to work in regional areas.
Making smart application decisions depends on knowing the key differences between subclass 190 and 491 visas. The 190 visa gives you direct permanent residency plus 5 extra points. The 491 regional pathway offers 15 bonus points and lets you get permanent residency after working three years in a regional area.
Most successful applicants now need way more than the basic 65 points, which makes proper preparation vital. You can maximise your chances of getting an invitation through detailed skills assessments, the right ANZSCO code choice, complete documentation, and excellent English skills.
NSW’s sector-focused approach lines up with the state’s economic goals and growth areas. This focused plan helps fill specific workforce gaps while supporting industries of all sizes across metro and regional areas.
Regional opportunities give you better advantages with less competition for points. These pathways not only advance your career but also help develop communities beyond major cities.
Your success with the NSW Skilled Occupation List depends on smart planning, good research, and careful preparation. The process might look overwhelming, but qualified professionals who know the system can still reach their migration goals. The shorter occupation list may look limiting at first, but it clearly shows which skills NSW values most. This gives focused applicants a clear direction for their migration experience.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key changes to the NSW Skilled Occupation List for 2025? The 2025 NSW Skilled Occupation List has been reduced to 65 occupations, split between two visa subclasses: 31 for Subclass 190 and 34 for Subclass 491. The list now focuses on priority sectors such as renewables, construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and digital/cyber sectors.
Q2. How do the Subclass 190 and 491 visas differ? Subclass 190 is a permanent visa allowing skilled workers to live and work anywhere in NSW, offering 5 extra points. Subclass 491 is a provisional visa valid for five years, requiring recipients to live and work in designated regional areas, and offers 15 extra points. The 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
Q3. What are some of the top occupations in demand for the Subclass 190 visa? Key occupations in demand include Construction Managers, Civil Engineering Professionals, Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, and various education roles such as Early Childhood Teachers and University Lecturers. These align with NSW’s priority sectors and current workforce needs.
Q4. What is considered a ‘regional’ area for the Subclass 491 visa? Most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualify as designated regional areas. This includes Category 2 (Cities and Major Regional Centres) such as Newcastle and Wollongong, and Category 3 (Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas). Both categories offer priority processing and access to the Regional Occupations List.
Q5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for NSW skilled migration? Common mistakes include choosing the wrong occupation code, submitting incomplete documentation, underestimating English language requirements, and applying without a valid skills assessment. It’s crucial to carefully review ANZSCO descriptions, ensure all required documents are complete, meet English proficiency standards, and obtain a valid skills assessment before submitting an expression of interest.