South Australia’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program Details

TL;DR

• Visa Options: South Australia offers Subclass 190 (permanent) and Subclass 491 (provisional) skilled migration visas.
• Eligibility: Applicants need an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, 65+ points, and meet English and experience requirements.
• Nomination Streams: Pathways include South Australian Graduates, Skilled Employment, Outer Regional Employment, and Offshore Applicants.
• Application Process: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, followed by Registration of Interest (ROI) for state nomination.
• Benefits: State nomination adds extra points and opens access to more occupations in South Australia’s growing industries.

Are you eager to make South Australia your new home and contribute your skills to a region full of opportunity? Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program presents exciting pathways to help you settle and thrive in one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

With its diverse industries and a strong demand for skilled workers, South Australia offers not just a career, but a chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and lifestyle. The program is designed to attract individuals ready to play a key role in supporting the state’s growth while enjoying the culture and benefits that South Australia has to offer.

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Also Note:

1. Each visa under the South Australia Skilled Occupation List has specific requirements, such as certain qualifications, relevant skills, and sometimes even location preferences, depending on the role and demand in different regions.
2. Although there is a generic website hosted by the Australian government for SOL that lists out all the occupations that are in available/demand, in reality, there are visa subclasses and each subclass has its own specific occupation list.
3. The South Australia Skilled Occupation List is frequently updated to align with the state’s labour market needs, and navigating these changes can be complex. Consulting with a Registered Migration Agent like Knowbal ensures you choose the most appropriate visa for your occupation and personal circumstances.

Understanding South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

The South Australia Skilled Migration Program plays a critical role in addressing the state’s workforce needs by attracting skilled migrants from across the globe. By offering a variety of visa pathways, the program helps build a diverse, skilled workforce to support key industries and drive economic growth, particularly in regional areas.

Key Policy Settings:

1. International Graduates

South Australia prioritises international graduates who have studied at South Australian educational institutions. These graduates are recognised for their strong potential to fill skill gaps, especially when they achieve solid employment outcomes related to their qualifications.

By offering support to these graduates, the program ensures a smooth transition from study to work, benefiting both the graduates and the local economy.

2. Overseas Skilled Workers

In addition to supporting local graduates, the program also aims to attract overseas skilled workers who can fill labour shortages in high-demand industries. These workers are highly sought after to meet the needs of emerging sectors and large-scale projects, where there is a requirement for specialised skills and experience.

South Australia’s migration program is particularly focused on attracting professionals who can contribute to these growing industries and sectors.

3. Regional Incentives

South Australia offers targeted incentives for skilled migrants who are willing to work and settle in regional areas. This is part of the state’s broader effort to boost the economy outside major urban centres, ensuring that regional communities have access to the skilled workforce they need to succeed.

By encouraging migration to regional areas, South Australia can develop a more balanced and sustainable economy across the entire state.

The South Australia Skilled Migration Program thus not only supports the state’s economy but also ensures that skilled workers have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region, all while enjoying the benefits of a vibrant, high-quality lifestyle.

Understanding State Nomination 

State nomination is a process through which the South Australian Government nominates highly skilled migrants to apply for skilled migration visas. With this nomination, applicants can earn additional points towards their visa application, increasing their chances of success.

Types of Visas Available for State Nomination:

1. Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 190)

This permanent visa allows you to live and work in South Australia indefinitely. You must be nominated by the South Australian Government and meet the eligibility criteria set by both the state and the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This provisional visa lets you live and work in regional South Australia for up to five years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency once the required conditions are met.

Before applying for state nomination, make sure your chosen occupation is listed on the State Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and you meet the Department of Home Affairs’ visa requirements.

Please be aware that receiving a state nomination does not guarantee a visa approval. Your application will still need to be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs based on specific visa requirements. A visa will only be granted if all criteria are successfully met.

Benefits of Applying for State Nomination in South Australia

Apart from the excellent lifestyle and career opportunities available in South Australia, applying for state nomination offers several key advantages, including:

1. Access to a Wide Range of Occupations

South Australia’s skilled migration program provides access to an extensive list of occupations, ensuring that skilled workers from various sectors have opportunities to apply for nomination.

2. Additional Points for Visa Applications

Nomination from South Australia can give you extra points towards the Department of Home Affairs points test for the Subclass 190 visa and the Subclass 491 visa. These extra points can improve your chance of getting an invitation to apply for a visa.

3. Eligibility for Concessions

Skilled migrants applying for state nomination may also be eligible for certain concessions, depending on their specific circumstances. This could make the application process smoother and more accessible.

You can explore the different nomination streams available to see which pathway best suits your situation.

Key Nomination Pathways for Skilled Migrants

South Australia offers several pathways for skilled migrants to apply for state nomination, each tailored to meet the needs of different applicant categories.

Skilled Migrants Pathways Overview:

South Australian Graduates	Skilled Employment in South Australia	Outer Regional Skilled Employment	Offshore Applicants
If you are an international graduate who has studied in South Australia, this stream may enable you to apply for state nomination faster than other candidates.	This pathway is designed for migrants who are already living and working in South Australia in their nominated occupation.	This stream is for skilled migrants living and working in South Australia’s outer regional areas.	Skilled workers currently living outside Australia can also apply through this stream, after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect.

Let’s understand this in detail:

1. South Australian Graduates

This stream is for international graduates who have studied in South Australia. You could be eligible for state nomination earlier than other candidates if you meet the following criteria:

1. Your Expression of Interest (EOI) should be active in the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system, with South Australia as your primary state of preference.
2. Hold a qualification from a South Australian education provider and check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
3. Have been residing in South Australia for at least one year during your studies.
4. Be working full-time for at least 6 months in a job related to your qualification.
5. Ensure you meet the English language requirement, unless your occupation requires registration or licensing.

This stream prioritises graduates who contribute to the state’s skilled labour market needs. Successful candidates can expect invitations to apply for state nomination on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

2. Skilled Employment in South Australia

If you’re already living and working in South Australia in your nominated occupation, this stream is a good option for you. To qualify, you must:

1. Be living and working in South Australia for at least 12 months.
2. Be employed full-time (at least 30 hours per week) in a skilled role related to your nominated occupation.
3. Score at least 65 points in the DHA’s points test.
4. Ensure you meet the English proficiency requirement unless your occupation requires specific registration.

This stream targets skilled workers who have already integrated into South Australia’s workforce and can make an immediate impact in their designated sector.

3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment

Skilled migrants residing in the outer regions of South Australia can apply for nomination through this pathway. To be eligible:

1. You must be living and working in South Australia’s outer regional areas for at least 9 months in a skilled occupation.
2. You must be employed full-time in a job related to your nominated occupation.
3. You must meet the English language requirement and score a minimum of 65 points in the points test.

This stream supports South Australia’s regional areas, helping to fill local skills shortages by encouraging migrants to settle and work outside the major metropolitan areas.

4. Offshore Applicants

If you are currently residing outside Australia and are interested in migrating to South Australia, you can apply through the offshore stream. To apply:

1. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Commonwealth Government’s SkillSelect system, selecting South Australia as your first preferred state.
2. You must meet the required criteria, including having a minimum of three years of skilled work experience in your nominated or related occupation in the past five years.
3. For construction-related occupations, a minimum of one year of skilled work in the last three years is required.

Offshore applicants will be selected based on their merit, including English language proficiency, years of skilled work experience, and points under the EOI.

These nomination streams provide flexible pathways for skilled migrants to contribute to South Australia’s economy and fill critical skills gaps. If you successfully meet the eligibility requirements, applying for state nomination could be your first step toward building a career and life in South Australia.

How to Apply for South Australian Skilled Nomination

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for South Australian skilled nomination:

1. Check Occupation Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List or eligible under the state’s nomination streams.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your EOI through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system, selecting South Australia as your preferred state.
3. Submit Registration of Interest (ROI): If you’re invited, submit your ROI through the Skilled & Business Migration portal.
4. Gather Required Documents: Prepare your supporting documents, such as skills assessments, English language proficiency, and work experience.
5. Await Invitation: If your application meets the requirements, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.

Documents Required:

1. Passport and Visa
2. Skills assessment
3. Proof of employment and qualifications
4. English language proficiency
5. Health and character checks
6. Experience Residing in South Australia
7. ROI Application

It’s important to provide complete and accurate information in your visa application. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delayed application processing.

Looking to apply? Book a consultation with Knowbal today for expert assistance!

Final Thoughts

South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program opens the door to countless opportunities for skilled workers who want to live and work in one of Australia’s most dynamic regions. Whether you’re a graduate, experienced worker, or applying from offshore, the program provides clear pathways to build a rewarding career and contribute to the state’s growth. By meeting the eligibility requirements and securing the right nomination, you can turn your dream of a successful future in South Australia into reality.

Don’t miss your chance to start a new chapter in South Australia. Contact Knowbal today and let us guide you through the application process. Your journey to a brighter future starts here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program?

South Australia’s Skilled Migration Program helps bring skilled workers to the state to fill jobs in areas where there’s a need. It offers visas like the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas to help migrants live and work in South Australia.

2. Am I eligible to apply for skilled migration to South Australia?

Anyone with the right skills, qualifications, and work experience in an occupation listed on the State Skilled Occupation List can apply. If you meet the points test and other visa requirements, you can apply for a skilled migration visa.

3. How to check if I qualify for a Subclass 190 visa in South Australia?

Here’s a checklist to know if you’re eligible for a Subclass 190 visa in South Australia:

1. Have an occupation listed on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
2. Be nominated by South Australia
3. Meet the points test (at least 65 points)
4. Meet other requirements like English proficiency, health, and character checks.

4. Who is eligible for a Subclass 189 visa in South Australia?

The Subclass 189 visa is for skilled employees who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state. You need to have an occupation on the State Skilled Occupation List, meet the points test, and be invited to apply through SkillSelect.

5. Is it possible to apply for a skilled migration visa without a job offer?

Yes, some skilled migration visas, like the Subclass 189 visa, do not require a job offer. However, other visas, like the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491, may need a state nomination or employer sponsorship.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!