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New South Wales (NSW) is a top choice for skilled migrants, thanks to its big and varied economy. The latest Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report (ending 30 June 2025) from the Department of Home Affairs gives us a great overview. It shows NSW had 25,680 primary skilled visa grants, which is a 30.9% jump from the year before.
This report is packed with useful information for skilled professionals. It helps you see the latest visa trends and which jobs are in demand. Knowing these trends is a key part of putting together a strong visa application.
How Does the NSW Skilled Migration Program Work?
The NSW skilled migration program helps fill important job shortages and boost the state's economy. It's an invitation-only system. This means you generally can't apply directly for a nomination.
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the government's SkillSelect system. The NSW Government reviews these EOIs and sends invitations to candidates whose skills match the state's needs. This careful process makes sure that visa spots go to people who can work in high-demand industries. A free SkillSelect EOI points calculator isn't something the Department of Home Affairs itself publishes, but working through the official points test criteria - age, English, skilled employment, and qualifications; before you submit your EOI is the best way to know where you genuinely stand.
Our registered migration agents can help you prepare a strong EOI. Chat with us today.
What Do You Need to Apply?
The requirements can be confusing. Let our registered migration agents check your eligibility and guide your next steps.
The Points Test and Skills Assessment
The points test is a key part of your skilled visa application. Your score is based on your age, English skills, work history, and qualifications. You can also get extra points for a state nomination or for your partner's skills. The minimum score to submit an EOI remains 65 points, and this pass mark has not changed as part of any 2025 update. The Government has since flagged, as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, an intention to reform the points test to prioritise "better educated, higher-skilled and younger migrants overall" ,but as at the time of writing, no revised points structure has been legislated, so the current 65-point test and existing criteria still apply.
A valid skills assessment proves your skills meet Australian standards. This is done by an official assessing authority. You must provide strong evidence to support all the claims in your EOI.
Tip: If you get an invitation to apply, you usually have a very short time to respond. It's vital to have all your documents and evidence ready before you are invited.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Your Skilled Employment Evidence
Your work history is critical. Many applicants must show at least six months of skilled employment in their nominated job (or a very similar one). This work generally needs to be at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3. You will need to provide strong evidence from a qualifying employer to prove your experience.
NSW's Top Industries for Skilled Visas (June 2025)
The June 2025 report shows which industries are sponsoring the most skilled professionals in NSW.
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 4,000 grants (16.5% increase)
- Other Services: 3,850 grants (50.2% increase)
- Accommodation and Food Services: 3,820 grants (103.2% increase)
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 3,500 grants (47.2% increase)
- Construction: 2,000 grants (22.0% increase)
- Information Media and Telecommunications: 2,000 grants (2.3% increase)
- Manufacturing: 1,480 grants (17.2% increase)
These sectors make up a huge part of all skilled visa grants in NSW. This tells us there is strong demand in health, hospitality, tech, and various trades. The NSW skilled occupation list shows exactly what skills the state is looking for.
Top 15 In-Demand Jobs in NSW (2024-25 Grants)
The report also breaks down the top 15 specific occupations that received grants in the 2024-25 financial year:
- Chef (351311): 1,940 grants (up 128.2%)
- Software Engineer (261313): 1,120 grants (up 1.9%)
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111): 760 grants (up 88.5%)
- ICT Business Analyst (261111): 630 grants (up 16.5%)
- Marketing Specialist (225113): 610 grants (up 23.2%)
- Accountant (General (221111): 570 grants (up 35.8%)
- Cook (351411): 560 grants (up 129.8%)
- Personal Care Assistant (423313): 510 grants (up 75.5%)
- Motor Mechanic (General) (321211): 490 grants (up 16.8%)
- ICT Support Engineer (263212): 490 grants (up 31.6%)
- Sales and Marketing Manager (131112): 420 grants (up 25.7%)
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412): 420 grants (up 72.4%)
- Recruitment Consultant (223112): 370 grants (down -1.6%)
- Developer Programmer (261312): 370 grants (up 11.7%)
- Resident Medical Officer (253112): 370 grants (down -5.7%)
This data confirms the strong need for professionals in ICT, hospitality, and healthcare. Targeting an occupation with high grant numbers can be a smart move, as competition for NSW nomination is high.
Key Visa Pathways in NSW
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) Visa
This is a permanent visa for skilled professionals nominated by the NSW Government. To qualify, your job must be on the state's occupation list, you need a valid skills assessment, and you must meet all requirements from the Department of Home Affairs, including the points test.
It's a great option for people who want to live and work in areas like Sydney. Competition is tough, and invitations go to the highest-ranking EOIs based on points and work experience. The 190 visa is a direct path to permanent residency. Competitive scores are typically well above the 65-point minimum, and NSW's most recently reported 190 nomination round used its full allocation for the 2025–26 program year, with no further invitations issued until a new allocation is confirmed for 2026–27.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa has flexible pathways in NSW. Pathway 1, for example, is for applicants already working for a regional NSW employer. This may allow you to apply for nomination directly without waiting for an invitation.
Another pathway is for skilled people already living and working in a regional area. These options make it easier to become eligible for an NSW nomination and show the state's commitment to growing its regional communities.
How to Stand Out in the NSW Program
The NSW nomination program is very popular. To select candidates, the government ranks EOIs based on your points score, your nominated occupation, and your skilled work history.
We've seen that applicants working in priority sectors like health, education, and the digital economy are often in a strong position. Your English level and qualifications also play a big part. Getting an invitation isn't just about having enough points. You need a detailed, well-documented application that shows how you can contribute to NSW's key industries. The criteria can change, so your application needs to be strategic.
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Get Professional Help for Your NSW Visa
The migration process is complex. Understanding the right eligibility rules, work experience requirements, and ANZSCO codes is essential. With so many grants in health, tech, and hospitality, NSW is a great option.
If you need help checking your eligibility, preparing a competitive EOI, or want to improve your chances of success, professional guidance is a smart move. Contact Australian Migration Agents for friendly support. Our registered migration agents can help you navigate the entire NSW nomination process and prepare the strongest possible application.
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