NSW State Nomination — 190 & 491

Skilled Migration NSW operates New South Wales's nomination program for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated — permanent) and the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional). A NSW nomination adds 5 points to a 190 application or 15 points to a 491, and unlocks the visa subclass for invitation.

MARN 1576536

WIDEN does not issue NSW nominations. Skilled Migration NSW does, on its own published criteria. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed (s 15, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). WIDEN's role is the migration pathway: confirming visa subclass, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and how a NSW nomination interacts with the broader visa application.

Streams (high level)

NSW historically operates streams covering applicants already in NSW (working in their nominated occupation), NSW graduates, and — when open — offshore applicants. The 491 includes a regional NSW pathway and a Family Sponsored pathway (eligible relative in regional NSW). Stream openings, eligible occupations, and minimum points change frequently — verify the current published streams directly with Skilled Migration NSW.

Typical criteria framework

EOI lodged in SkillSelect, ticking NSW as the nominating state
Positive skills assessment in an occupation that NSW is currently nominating
For most streams: demonstrated current employment in NSW in your nominated or closely related occupation, or NSW study completion (graduate streams)
Minimum points (varies by stream and invitation round)
English at the level required by the stream and visa subclass
For 491 Family Sponsored: eligible relative resident in regional NSW providing the sponsorship
Genuine intention to live and work in NSW (or regional NSW for the 491)

Application sequence

Confirm your occupation is on the current NSW nominating list for the stream you're targeting
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (see skills assessment guide)
Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect — tick NSW as nominating state, accurate occupation and points
NSW reviews EOIs against current invitation criteria and may issue an invitation to apply for nomination
Apply for NSW nomination (separate application + fee) within the deadline given in the invitation
Receive nomination outcome; if positive, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation to apply for the visa
Lodge the visa application within the visa invitation deadline

Frequently asked questions

Who runs the NSW state nomination program?

Skilled Migration NSW (part of the NSW Government) is the state body that operates NSW's skilled migration nomination program for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional). NSW publishes the current streams, criteria, target occupations, and invitation rounds on its official skilled migration website.

What streams does NSW have?

NSW historically operates streams for: applicants already working and living in NSW (in their nominated or closely related occupation), graduates of NSW institutions, and (when open) offshore applicants. The 491 includes a NSW regional stream and a Family Sponsored stream where an eligible relative resides in regional NSW. NSW periodically opens, closes, or revises streams — verify current openings directly with NSW before lodging.

Do I need to live in NSW to get nominated?

Most NSW streams favour or require demonstrable connection to NSW — typically through current employment in NSW in your nominated occupation, study at an NSW institution, or (less commonly) an offshore stream when open. The 491 NSW Family Sponsored stream requires an eligible relative residing in regional NSW. Confirm the specific connection requirement for the stream you're targeting with NSW directly.

What does NSW nomination cost?

NSW publishes its current nomination fee. The fee historically sits in the low hundreds AUD (subject to change). This is separate from the Department of Home Affairs visa application charge (which is materially higher). Verify the current NSW fee on the Skilled Migration NSW website before paying.

How does the EOI and invitation process work?

Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect and tick NSW as the nominating state. NSW reviews EOIs against its current criteria and invitation thresholds, then issues invitations to apply for nomination (separate from the Department's visa invitation). After applying for NSW nomination and receiving a positive outcome, the Department invites you to apply for the visa subclass. NSW's published invitation rounds are the authoritative source for current cut-offs and timeframes.

How long does NSW nomination take?

Timelines vary significantly with invitation cycles, stream openings, and queue volume. NSW publishes current processing time guidance on its skilled migration website. Plan for several weeks to several months between EOI and nomination outcome, then additional Department processing for the visa application itself.

Discuss your NSW pathway

Discuss NSW nomination with WIDEN

Fields marked * are required. WIDEN does not issue state nominations — New South Wales's skilled migration program does. WIDEN's role is migration advice: confirming your visa pathway, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and how a NSW nomination fits the picture.

Full name *

Email *

Phone (with country code)

Country of citizenship

Your nominated occupation

Target visa subclass

Current situation

Your situation / question

I consent to WIDEN — Migration Experts storing my information to respond to this enquiry. I understand that submission of this form does not create a client-agent relationship, that state nomination is decided independently by New South Wales, and that no outcome can be guaranteed. Privacy Policy. *

General information only. New South Wales's skilled migration program — including occupation lists, points cut-offs, fees, criteria, and processing times — changes regularly. Verify current rules directly at www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas before relying on this page.

This page does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). WIDEN does not issue state nominations — New South Wales does, on its own published criteria, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). The OMARA Consumer Guide is provided to all clients before the consultation begins. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.