In New South Wales (NSW), one of the pathways to permanent residency is via the Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa. To qualify for state nomination, your occupation needs to appear on the NSW Skills List. This list serves as a filter: it defines which occupations are in demand in NSW, and which skilled professionals the state is willing to support with nomination.

Below is a breakdown of how the list works, what it currently includes, and tips to navigate the system.

What Is the NSW Skills List?

The NSW Skills List is a collection of occupations (by ANZSCO unit group) that NSW considers eligible for nomination under its skilled migration programs, particularly Subclass 190 (permanent) and Subclass 491 (regional) visas.
However, being in the ‘unit group’ does not always guarantee eligibility — only certain occupations within those groups may qualify under NSW’s rules.
The list is reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changing labour demands in NSW.

Key Occupations Currently on the NSW Skills List (Subclass 190)

Here’s a snapshot of some of the key occupation groups listed in NSW for Subclass 190 for 2024–25:

Engineering / Technical / Infrastructure

Civil Engineering Professionals (ANZSCO 2332)
Electrical Engineers (2333)
Electronics Engineers (2334)
Industrial, Mechanical, and Production Engineers (2335)
Mining Engineers (2336)
Chemical and Materials Engineers (2331)
Other Engineering Professionals (2339)
Technical / trade engineering roles: engineering draftspersons, technicians, etc.

ICT / Technology

ICT Business and Systems Analysts (2611)
Software and Applications Programmers (2613)
Database and Systems Administrators / ICT Security Specialists (2621)
Computer Network Professionals (2631)
Related supporting roles

Health / Medical / Allied Health

Registered Nurses (2544)
Nurse Managers (2543)
Midwives (2541)
Generalist Medical Practitioners (2531)
Specialist Physicians, Surgeons (2533, 2535), Psychiatrists (2534)
Pharmacists (2515)
Occupational Therapists (2524), Physiotherapists (2525)
Audiologists, Speech Pathologists, other allied health roles

Education / Teaching / Social Services

Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teachers (2411)
Primary School Teachers (2412)
Secondary School Teachers (2414)
University Lecturers and Tutors (2421)
Psychologists (2723)
Social Workers (2725)
Welfare / health services management roles

Other Fields

Architects and Landscape Architects (2321)
Surveyors and Spatial Scientists (2322)
Urban and Regional Planners (2326)
Environmental Scientists, Geologists, etc. (2343, 2344)
Managers in R&D, Production, Manufacturing, etc. (1325, 1334, 1335)
Technical trades: motor mechanics, electricians, metal workers, etc.

For a full and up-to-date listing, always refer to NSW Government’s official page. NSW Government

How the NSW Skills List Interacts with Visa Application

Here are key points to keep in mind when using the NSW Skills List as part of your Subclass 190 process:

1. Your Occupation Must Be Eligible

If your occupation is not on the NSW Skills List (or is on the broader national list but excluded by NSW), you can’t be nominated by NSW under Subclass 190.

2. Skills Assessment & ANZSCO Alignment

You must have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, aligned with the exact ANZSCO occupation you nominate. Your role, duties, qualifications, and experience must match.

3. Meeting Other Visa Requirements

Even with nomination, you must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs’ criteria for Subclass 190: points test, English language, age, health, character, etc.

4. Stay Current with Updates

Because the NSW Skills List is periodically updated to reflect labour market needs, what is eligible one year might change the next. It’s critical to check the latest version before applying.

5. “In Demand” vs. “Highly Competitive”

Some occupations might be in demand, but competition for nominations in those occupations can still be strong. Meeting the list doesn’t guarantee nomination — you must also score highly on the points test and present a strong case.

Tips for Applicants Targeting Subclass 190 (NSW)

Check NSW’s official site first. Always verify the occupation list from the NSW Government’s visa pages.
Align your job title and tasks carefully. Sometimes two roles in the same industry may map to different ANZSCO codes, only some of which are eligible.
Ensure your skills assessment is solid. If your assessing body rejects or downgrades your assessment, you might lose eligibility.
Improve your points score. Because the list is just one filter, boosting your age, English, experience, education can help you be more competitive.
Keep an eye on changes. NSW may remove or restrict certain occupations, or place caps or quotas.
Have a backup plan. If NSW doesn’t nominate you, other states or visa subclasses (e.g. Subclass 491) might open alternate pathways.

For more information on the NSW Skills list, feel free to contact IME Advisors and one of our migration agents will assist you with your case.