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Home Affairs1904914824941 September 2026

NSW shifts to priority sector focus for skilled migration

NSW has stopped using occupation lists and now focuses on five priority sectors for skilled migration nominations. Applicants in other fields may still be considered if they rank highly.

Official source ↗

NSW has changed how it selects skilled migrants. Instead of publishing specific job occupation lists, the state is now focusing on five priority sectors: Health, Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Infrastructure, and Agriculture. This change aims to better match skilled workers to where NSW needs them most. The new approach started immediately from 27 September 2023. Applicants working in the priority sectors will have better chances of being nominated by NSW. However, NSW has stated that high-ranking applications from non-priority sectors may still be considered, though this is not guaranteed due to high demand and limited places. Invitation rounds will continue throughout the financial year, but specific dates are not publicly announced in advance. According to Home Affairs, applicants should explore all available migration options and not rely solely on NSW nomination.

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