NSW Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements for Subclass 190 Visa 

Important Update: NSW will focus on priority sectors rather than skilled occupation lists.  

To better address the evolving skills shortages across the state, NSW is shifting from publishing a list of eligible ANZSCO unit groups to a new sector-focused approach.  

What’s Changing  

Previously, we published a skills list comprised of specific ANZSCO unit groups. Effective immediately, we’re now focusing on priority sectors that need skilled talent.  

NSW Target Sectors  

The sectors we’ve identified align closely with the skills shortages in NSW and include:  

• Health  
• Education  

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)  
• Infrastructure   
• Agriculture  

Although our focus this program year is on key sectors, high-ranking EOIs submitted in non-priority sectors may also be considered; however, due to the exceptionally high demand and limited places, we strongly recommend anyone considering NSW nomination to also explore all other migration options available to them.  

Skilled Invitation Rounds    

Invitation rounds are an important part of the NSW nomination process. Here is what you need to know:  

• Timing: Invitation rounds will continue to occur throughout the financial year. There are no predetermined or publicly announced dates for invitation rounds.  
• Selection: NSW considers multiple factors when selecting EOIs. These include your points score, English language proficiency, and your skilled work experience. We will prioritise EOIs submitted in NSW Priority Sectors identified above.  
• Invitation: Invitation for NSW nomination is at the sole discretion of the NSW Government.  
• Submission Date: The date you submit or amend your SkillSelect EOI has no impact on your likelihood of being invited.  

We intend to commence invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) next week.   

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Basic Eligibility 

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

• Visa eligibility: You must meet all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa  
• Skills assessment: You must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list launch for this visa 
• Residency: You must be 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 

Supporting Regional Development  

Regional development remains a priority for NSW. Our regional skilled migration program is designed to help businesses in regional NSW attract qualified talent. Information about the program’s reopening will be made available after we have finalised all applications from the previous financial year.  

Common questions about skilled visas 

How does NSW nomination work for the subclass 190 visa? 

NSW runs a selection-based invitation process. NSW selects and invites the highest-ranking candidates at the time of an invitation round to apply for nomination. Invitation rounds occur ongoing during the financial year. 

NSW does not accept direct applications; you must be invited to apply for NSW nomination. 

Unlike selection rounds conducted by Home Affairs, there are no set dates for NSW invitation rounds, and they are not announced beforehand. 

During an invitation round, eligible EOIs are ranked by: 

1. Point score, then 

1. English proficiency, followed by 

1. Years of skilled employment 

The highest ranking EOIs up to the number of places available for a given occupation are issued an invitation to apply. When an EOI was submitted, or amended, does not affect its ranking. 

NSW will not issue invitations based on your visa expiring, losing points or eligibility, or living and working in NSW. 

When is the next invitation round? 

Invitation rounds occur frequently throughout the financial year with no set date. We cannot advise the date of upcoming invitation rounds.  

I am an ICT Professional, how does NSW assess my skilled employment? 

NSW only grants points for skilled employment that: 

• is after the date the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has determined you have met the required skill level in your occupation, and; 

• is considered by ACS to equate to work at an appropriately skilled level and relevant to your occupation. 

If you have claimed points for skilled employment in your SkillSelect expression of interest (EOI), you must be able to provide an ACS skills assessment that identifies the date your employment is considered to equate to an appropriately skilled level. 

If your ACS skills assessment does not identify this date, or has not been assessed as suitable, you are not able to claim points for skilled employment for the purposes of NSW nomination. 

You should only claim points for skilled employment that is after this date in your EOI. This will ensure that if you are invited to apply for NSW nomination, your application will not be declined on the basis of having over-claimed points. 

How do I show evidence for skilled employment after I obtained my skills assessment? 

If you have a valid skills assessment, which has assessed your skilled employment, you do not need to obtain a new assessment to demonstrate your employment occurring after you received your assessment. 

You can demonstrate your further skilled employment with evidence such as; your letter of offer, employment contract, payslips and employment reference letter detailing the duration of your employment, the hours worked per week and duties performed. 

I’ve submitted my EOI, when can I expect to be invited by NSW? 

NSW cannot forecast the likelihood of candidates receiving an invitation to apply for NSW nomination. If your EOI is valid, you will be considered in future selection rounds; however, being invited is not guaranteed. 

The NSW Government cannot preference or fast track applicants outside of normal policy and procedures due to the competitive nature of the program. 

What if I am invited to apply for NSW nomination, but I do not see the invitation email? 

NSW sends invitations by email to the address you have provided in your EOI. It is your responsibility to regularly check this email account. 

NSW issues only one invitation per each EOI. If you are invited but do not take up your invitation, you will need to submit a new EOI in SkillSelect to be considered again in a later invitation round. Because this selection process is highly competitive, there is no guarantee that you will receive another invitation at a later date. 

How do I provide evidence of my employment? 

If your employment is wholly included in your skills or employment assessment document, we do not require any further evidence. 

If your employment is not included in your skills or employment assessment, or you have skilled employment after your assessment was completed, please provide at least two of the following with your application: 

• A signed and dated reference letter(s) from your employer on the organisation’s letterhead. Reference letters must outline the length of employment, your duties performed, and the hours worked per week. 
• Your letter of offer and/or employment contract. 
• Notice of assessment received from the Australian Taxation Office. 
• Your most recent six months of payslips from your employer. If the employment is less than six months, include the entire length of the employment. 

Please note the following important information relating to employment claims: 

• For the purposes of NSW nomination, you are only eligible to claim skilled employment after the date you have been deemed skilled on your skills assessment. Claiming employment before this date may result in your application being declined by NSW. 
• NSW requires all ICT professionals claiming points for skilled employment to provide an Australian Computer Society (ACS) skills assessment that clearly identifies your ‘Skill Level Requirement Met Date’. Under ACS’s framework, your skilled date is the date after which you can claim skilled employment. 

It’s important to note that immigration regulations can change over time, so it’s always best to consult with an Immigration Lawyer or a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and exemptions. 

Please call our office on 02 9286 8700 or email: ppmail@ppilaw.com.au 

Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers is here to assist if you wish to move to Australia as a skilled worker and require professional advice. 

Book a Consultation for Expert Advice on Skilled Visa