NSW Skilled Migration Report (June 2025): Top Jobs & Visa Trends

New South Wales (NSW) continues to be Australia's leading destination for skilled migrants, offering a strong and diverse economy with a wide range of opportunities. The information below is based on the Department of Home Affairs’ Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report for the period ending 30 June 2025, which shows NSW received 25,680 primary skilled visa grants, a 30.9% increase from the previous year. This report provides valuable insights for skilled professionals seeking to understand visa trends and occupation demand in the state. From our experience, understanding these trends is the key to a successful visa application.

A Snapshot of the New South Wales Skilled Migration Programme

The NSW Government’s skilled migration programme aims to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the state's economic growth and fill critical labour market shortages.

The NSW Skilled Migration Programme operates on a selection-based invitation process. This means you do not apply directly for NSW nomination unless you meet the criteria for a specific pathway. Instead, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. The NSW Government then reviews these EOIs and conducts invitation rounds for candidates whose skills align with the state's needs. This process ensures that the limited allocation of skilled nominated visas is used to benefit the key industry sectors that are in high demand.

Top Industries for Skilled Employment in NSW

The visa grant data from the June 2025 report highlights the key industry sectors driving skilled migration in New South Wales:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 4,000 grants (up 16.5%).
• Health Care and Social Assistance: 3,500 grants (up 47.2%).
• Other Services: 3,850 grants (up 50.2%).
• Accommodation and Food Services: 3,820 grants (up 103.2%).
• Construction: 2,000 grants (up 22.0%).
• Information Media and Telecommunications: 2,000 grants (up 2.3%).
• Manufacturing: 1,480 grants (up 17.2%).

These industries collectively account for a significant portion of all skilled visa grants in NSW, indicating strong demand in health, hospitality, ICT, and various technical and trade sectors. The NSW Skilled Occupation List provides a clear picture of the types of skills the state is seeking. It is worth noting that while some occupations are constantly in demand, others may fluctuate. For this reason, it is always a good idea for a prospective skilled migrant to review the latest NSW skilled occupation list for the most accurate information. The NSW program is consistently updated to reflect changes in the labour market.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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In-Demand Occupations in NSW

The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report also lists the top occupations with the highest nomination counts in NSW for the 2024-25 financial year to date:

• 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%).

These figures confirm the high demand for skilled professionals in ICT, hospitality, and health care. They can also provide a valuable reference for anyone considering a skilled employment pathway in NSW. Given the high competition for skilled migration, focusing on an occupation with strong nomination counts can be a strategic move.

Skilled Visa Pathways in New South Wales

The New South Wales skilled migration programme offers several clear pathways to permanent residency for skilled professionals.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This is a permanent visa pathway for skilled workers who are nominated by the NSW Government. To be eligible, applicants must have a skilled occupation on the state's occupation list, a valid skills assessment, and meet all other visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Government's points test. This visa subclass is particularly appealing for those planning to live and work in metropolitan areas like Sydney. The NSW nomination process for this visa is highly competitive, and invitation rounds are issued to the highest-ranking EOIs based on factors such as points test score and skilled work experience. The Subclass 190 visa offers a direct route to permanent residency for those with the right skills and experience.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The NSW Government has provided greater flexibility through various pathways for the Subclass 491 visa. Pathway 1, for instance, is for applicants who have established a work history with a regional NSW-based employer. This allows you to apply directly for NSW nomination without an invitation. Another key pathway targets skilled workers with in-demand skills who are already living and working in a designated regional area. These streamlined options are designed to make it easier to become eligible for NSW nomination. If you believe you fall into one of these categories, it is the perfect time to explore your options. This program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to growing regional areas and attracting a diverse range of skilled professionals to work in regional NSW.

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Navigating New South Wales's Highly Competitive Skilled Visa Nomination Programme

The NSW skilled visa nomination program is highly competitive, and securing a spot requires careful preparation. The NSW Government considers various ranking factors when selecting candidates for a visa invitation. These include your nominated occupation, your skilled employment experience, and your points score.

From our experience, we have seen that applicants with employment in health, social services, education, and the new energy digital economy are often prioritised. The Department of Home Affairs also considers your English language level and your education level. The entire nomination process is a strategic one, and you must submit a strong application for a NSW visa.

A successful nomination for a skilled visa is about more than just points. It requires a detailed, well-documented application that highlights your specific contributions to NSW’s key sectors. The NSW skilled visa nomination process is dynamic, with the criteria and in-demand occupations changing based on the economic needs of the state.

Key Requirements for Your Visa Application

Understanding the Points Test and Skills Assessment

The Australian Government's points test is a crucial part of the skilled visa application process. Your total score depends on factors like your age, English language ability, work experience, and educational qualifications. You might be able to claim additional points for a state or territory nomination or if your partner has certain skills.

A valid skills assessment is a core requirement for subclasses 190 and 491, as it proves that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. This assessment is conducted by a relevant assessing authority, which is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers can help you navigate this complex process and assist with all aspects of your skilled visa nomination application.

The Importance of a Skills Assessment

A valid skills assessment is a mandatory requirement for both the Subclass 190 and 491 visas. This assessment, conducted by an approved assessing authority, verifies that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. You will need to provide evidence supporting your claims in your EOI and visa application. You should be prepared to respond promptly if an invitation to apply is issued, as the timeframe is typically very short.

The Role of Skilled Employment in Your Application

Your skilled employment is a critical component of your nomination application. For many applicants, they must meet a six months' work experience requirement in their nominated occupation or a closely related field to be deemed skilled. This work experience should be at a skill level of 1, 2, or 3, according to the ANZSCO unit group classification. A qualifying employer is one who can support your claims, and you will need to provide evidence to support your application.

Expert Guidance for Your NSW Migration Journey

The migration program and nomination process can be complex. Understanding the specific eligibility criteria, including work experience and the correct ANZSCO unit group and occupation code, is crucial for success. With thousands of skilled visa grants in health, hospitality, ICT, and construction, NSW remains an excellent choice for skilled professionals.

While the NSW skilled migration programme offers a clear path, it is always a good idea to consider all available migration programs. The key changes and key updates to these programmes can sometimes be confusing. If you would like to check eligibility, prepare a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI), or increase your chances of a successful outcome, professional guidance is highly recommended. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored support on your NSW skilled migration journey. Our experts can help you apply for NSW nomination and navigate the entire nomination process. From submitting an EOI to preparing a strong visa application, we are here to help you meet the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, including those for a permanent visa, and we can help you prepare the strongest possible case.