ubclass 190 & 491 Visa Guide

If you are planning to work in Australia and explore skilled migration opportunities in New South Wales (NSW), checking the relevant occupation list is an important first step. NSW has specific skills lists for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), designed around workforce needs across the state and regional NSW.

What Are the NSW Skilled Occupation Lists?

The NSW Skills Lists identify occupation groups that may be considered for NSW nomination. Importantly, the NSW Government states that its lists are generally presented at the ANZSCO unit-group level, and not every individual occupation within a unit group is necessarily eligible for the relevant visa. Applicants should therefore verify their exact occupation against the Australian Government’s current skilled occupation requirements before relying on a list.

The lists include opportunities across professional, healthcare, engineering, ICT, education, construction, trades, agriculture and other industries.

Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory. NSW considers occupations that align with its identified workforce requirements.

Occupations appearing across the NSW skills information include areas such as:

• Engineering and technical professions
• ICT and technology
• Healthcare and welfare
• Teaching and education
• Construction and skilled trades
• Veterinary services
• Manufacturing and related industries

For applicants considering NSW nomination, having an eligible occupation is only one part of the process. Factors such as skills assessment, English ability, points, nomination requirements and invitation outcomes can also affect eligibility.

Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled visa for people who want to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. It can provide a pathway towards permanent residence for eligible visa holders.

NSW’s Regional Skills List includes occupations such as ICT Managers, Engineers, Construction Managers, Surveyors, Mining Engineers, Teachers, healthcare professionals and numerous skilled trades.

The Australian Government confirms that applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment, an eligible occupation, an invitation and the required points, along with meeting other visa criteria.

What About Salary Expectations?

Salary ranges can be useful when comparing potential career opportunities in Australia. However, salary should not be treated as a guaranteed outcome. Actual earnings can vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, location, employer, industry and job responsibilities.

The salary figures shown in this carousel are therefore best viewed as indicative ranges, rather than guaranteed salaries or visa requirements.

How Can You Check Your NSW Migration Options?

Before preparing an Expression of Interest (EOI), check whether your occupation is eligible for the intended visa and whether you meet the relevant requirements. SkillSelect is used to submit an EOI for skilled visas including subclasses 190 and 491.

NSW nomination places are also limited. For the 2025–26 program year, NSW had an allocation of 2,100 places for subclass 190 and 1,500 for subclass 491, illustrating why meeting the basic occupation requirement does not automatically guarantee nomination.

Planning to Work in NSW?

Your occupation could be an important starting point for your Australian skilled migration strategy. Helpoverseas Immigration can help you understand your potential pathway, assess your profile and identify the requirements you should consider before proceeding.

Want to know whether your occupation may fit a NSW skilled migration pathway? Contact Helpoverseas Immigration for a personalised eligibility assessment.