NSW GSM Program 2025-26: Pathways Opening in Jan 2026

New South Wales (NSW) has confirmed its general migration (GSM) visa program allocation for the 2025-26, offering significant opportunities for skilled individuals both within Australia and overseas. The state has been allocated a total of 3,600 nomination places, distributed as follows:

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa: 2,100 places
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa: 1,500 places

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) Update

NSW has already completed three invitation rounds for the current program year. Monthly invitation rounds will recommence from January 2026 and will continue until the annual allocation is exhausted. As of December 2025, approximately 25% of the annual allocation has been utilised.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) Pathways Open in January 2026

NSW has announced that Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate will officially open on 19 January 2026. Applications will be processed in chronological order, with only valid applications being placed in the processing queue.

As for Pathway 2 – Invitation by NSW, it will be determined based on the demand for nominations under Pathways 1 and 3. If required, an invitation round for Pathway 2 will occur no earlier than April 2026.

What Constitutes a Valid Application?

A valid application must satisfy all NSW eligibility requirements as of the date of application, with all required supporting documents (including skills assessment and English language tests) valid at the time of application and remaining so for at least 5 days thereafter.

Can I request an Expedited Assessment?

Applicants may request priority processing if any of the following events will occur within 10 working days:

The applicant’s or their partner’s current visa is expiring.
The applicant’s or their partner’s English language test, skills assessment, or passport is expiring.
The applicant will lose points for age, which would drop their total points below the minimum required for the visa.

Note: Application assessments typically take up to 6 weeks, though this may be longer depending on the volume of application received.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you have any doubts, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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