NSW nomination for the 190 and 491 visas

As checked on 9 November 2026 on the NSW Government website:

• 190: NSW holds invitation rounds throughout the financial year, with no published dates. All valid EOIs in occupations within ANZSCO unit groups on the NSW Skills List are eligible to be considered.
• 491: the NSW page says applications are now closed for the current program year, because all available nomination places have been fully allocated.

We could not confirm: NSW's 2026–27 allocation, or how many invitations were issued in recent rounds. Figures quoted on non-government websites are not used here. The 491 closure notice does not say which program year it refers to, so check it again before you plan around NSW 491.

You cannot apply for NSW 190 directly; you must be invited. NSW invites from SkillSelect EOIs. NSW says the date you submitted your EOI does not affect selection.

Residence rules at invitation (as published by NSW):

If invited, you have 14 days to submit your NSW application, and NSW says assessment takes about six weeks.

• If you are in Australia, you must either be working in NSW in your nominated occupation for at least 20 hours a week, or have lived in NSW continuously for at least six months.
• If you are outside Australia, you must have lived outside Australia for at least six months.

NSW lists three 491 pathways:

NSW says Pathways 1 and 3 are currently closed to new applications, and Pathway 2 is by invitation from Investment NSW.

• Pathway 1: you work for a regional NSW employer and have done so continuously for the past six months.
• Pathway 2: you are invited by Investment NSW.
• Pathway 3: you recently graduated from an institution in regional NSW.

Both visas need a SkillSelect EOI, at least 65 points, age under 45 when invited, competent English, a suitable skills assessment and an eligible occupation. The 190 is permanent. The 491 is provisional and regional.

NSW 190 may suit highly ranked candidates whose occupation is on the NSW Skills List, which NSW aligns with its target sectors. Because demand is high, NSW encourages people to consider other pathways too, such as the 189, the 186 or the 494.

• Skills assessment: make sure it is for the occupation you will nominate and is still valid on the day you are invited.
• English test: make sure your result is current and meets the level you are claiming points for.
• Points: every points claim in your EOI must be backed by documents. Claims you cannot prove can lead to refusal.
• Evidence for NSW: collect proof of where you live and work, such as a lease, payslips and an employment contract, if NSW asks for it.
• Visa expiry: know when your current visa ends, so you can plan a bridging visa or another option if the nomination takes longer than expected.

• Relying on one state only, when another state or visa may suit you better.
• Lodging an EOI that does not match your documents, such as different dates of employment.
• Missing the deadline to apply after an invitation. A state invitation and a Home Affairs invitation each have their own time limit.
• Assuming a registration or EOI keeps you lawful in Australia. It does not. Only a valid visa or bridging visa does.