Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

About NSW Nomination

NSW uses a selection-based invitation process to ensure that NSW nominees are aligned with the skills needs of the state's economy. You cannot directly apply for NSW nomination. 

NSW nomination for this visa is exceptionally competitive. We strongly encourage you to consider all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and not wait to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

See our Common questions about skilled visas page for answers to our most commonly received questions. 

Basic Eligibility

To be considered for NSW nomination, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Visa eligibility: Ensure you meet all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa. 
• Skills assessment: Have a valid skills assessment for an occupation that is both:
  • listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa; and 
  • falls within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List.
• Residency: Ensure you are either currently residing:
  • in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of six months; or
  • offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of six months.

Key Steps for Securing NSW Nomination

The NSW nomination process involves several crucial steps. Note: you cannot apply directly—you must be invited. Because of the high demand for NSW nomination, we strongly advise you to consider all other migration pathways and not rely solely on an invitation.

1. Check Eligibility: Before submitting your EOI in SkillSelect, ensure you meet both the visa and NSW nomination eligibility requirements.
2. Submit Your EOI: If you meet the criteria, submit an EOI in SkillSelect. Should you be invited to apply, you need to support every claim in your EOI with valid (i.e. non-expired) documents.
3. Be Invited: NSW holds invitation rounds throughout the financial year. All valid EOIs in occupations within ANZSCO unit groups identified on the NSW Skills List are eligible for NSW nomination. Important: because of the exceptionally high demand for NSW nomination, we strongly encourage anyone considering NSW nomination to explore all other migration pathways and not wait to be invited. 
4. Respond Promptly if Invited: Your invitation to apply will be valid for 14 days only. When you apply, you need to provide valid documents to substantiate every claim made in your EOI. This 14-day window will not be extended.
5. Wait For Your Nomination Assessment: Your application will typically be assessed within six weeks after payment. To help us stick to this timeline, please refrain from contacting us for updates during this period. 

Understanding Invitation Rounds and the NSW Skills List

Invitation rounds are an integral feature of the NSW nomination process. Here are the essential points:

Invitation Rounds

• Timing: Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year. There are no predetermined or publicly announced dates for NSW invitation rounds.
• Selection: NSW considers multiple factors when selecting EOIs including age, English language proficiency, education, points score, and total years of skilled work experience. The highest ranking EOIs within an ANZSCO unit group are invited to apply.
• Discretion: Being invited to apply for NSW nomination is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government.
• Submission Date: The date you submit or amend your SkillSelect EOI does not affect your likelihood of being invited.

NSW Skills List

The NSW Skills List identifies occupations that are in shortage across the state at the ANZSCO unit group level. These occupations align with NSW's target sectors and key government priorities, helping address workforce needs in critical industries.

To be eligible for NSW nomination, you must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation that both falls within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List and is also eligible for this visa.  

Read our 'Common questions about skilled visas' page for more information about invitation rounds.

Exploring Alternative Migration Pathways

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is just one visa option available for skilled workers to migrate to New South Wales.

Further Opportunities

The Home Affairs website provides a comprehensive list of visa options, which include visas for people with specific job offers or sponsorships.

Professional Guidance

Navigating the various visa options can be complex. For specialised guidance, consider consulting our 'Using a migration agent or legal practitioner' page.

We strongly encourage you to explore all pathways and seek professional advice to maximise your chances of successful migration.