South Australia Skilled Migration Updates:
07/05/2026 – Nomination Allocations Announced
The South Australian Government has issued nomination invitations for Sc 190 and Sc 491 in May 2026. This includes:
- 295 nomination invitations for a Sc 190 visa
- 214 nomination invitations for a Sc 491 visa
The total number of nomination invitations issued in the 2025-26 program year are the following:
- 1606 nomination invitations for Sc 190 visa
- 1009 invitations for Sc 491 visa
The South Australian Government will continue to issue invitations with the next invitation round to occur in mid to late May 2026.
2025-26 State and territory nomination allocations – South Australia
The Australian Government has determined South Australia’s allocation for the 2025-26 General Skilled Migration program.
In total, including interim allocations, this comprises:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 1,350 places (+150)
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 900 places (+250)
Application fees:
- ROI: Free
- State Nomination: $381
Applications are now open for a Registration of Interest (ROI) from people living and working in South Australia. Offshore applicants are not required to submit an ROI, as they will be invited directly from their Expression of Interest (EOI) lodged in Skill Select.
South Australia’s Skilled Migration Stream
There are a range of nomination streams for skilled migrants seeking to live and work in South Australia.
1. South Australian Graduates
If you are an international graduate, who has studied in South Australia, you may be eligible for state nomination as a skilled migrant faster than other candidates.
2. Skilled Employment in South Australia
If you are a skilled migrant, currently living in South Australia and working in your nominated occupation, you may be eligible for state nomination through this pathway. Candidates may include temporary visa holders, international graduates, self-employed applicants, and sub-contractors.
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment
If you are a skilled migrant currently living in an outer regional area of South Australia and working in your nominated occupation, you may be eligible for state nomination through this pathway. Candidates may include temporary visa holders, international graduates, self-employed applicants, and sub-contractors.
4. Offshore
If you are a skilled migrant currently living offshore, who has submitted an Expression of Interest using the Commonwealth Government’s SkillSelect system, you may be selected by South Australia and invited to apply for state nomination.
South Australia Skilled Migration invitation round
The South Australian Government has issued nomination invitations for Sc 190 and Sc 491 on 21 May 2026. This includes:
- 161 x nomination invitations for a Sc 190 visa
- 77 x nomination invitations for a Sc 491 visa
The total number of nomination invitations issued in the 2025-26 program year are the following:
- 1767 x nomination invitations for Sc 190 visa
- 1086 x invitations for Sc 491 visa
This is the final scheduled invitation round for the current program year. Additional invitation activity may occur to optimise the use of the remaining nomination places.
2024-25 Eligibility requirements
◾️South Australian Graduates
Basic requirements:
◽️Hold an active EOI on SkillSelect with South Australia(SA) as your top preference.
◽️Confirm your occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
◽️Currently reside and work in South Australia.
◽️Be under 45 at the time of nomination approval.
◽️Have a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
◽️Demonstrate Competent English, or meet specific registration/licensing English requirements.
◽️Score 65+ EOI points (including state nomination points).
◽️Meet South Australian study requirements.
– Your course in SA must be CRICOS registered with at least 46 weeks.
– Your study must meet the minimum qualification level for your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
– At least 75% of your qualification should be completed in SA.
– You need to have lived in South Australia for at least one year during your studies.
◽️Reside in SA for at least 6 months.
◽️Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week) aligned with your nominated occupation at the same skill level, typically within the same ANZSCO Sub Major Group.
◽️Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion
◾️Offshore
Basic requirements:
◽️Active EOI on SkillSelect with South Australia as your first preference.
◽️Minimum 3 years skilled employment in nominated/related occupation within the last 5 years for most occupations.
🔸South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors:
- English language ability
- Years and field of skilled employment
- EOI points
🔸For occupations in the construction trades (as listed below) applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years.
Applicants in the construction trades will be assessed on merit by the following factors:
- Years and field of skilled employment
- English language ability
- EOI points
ANZSCO Code Occupation
133111 Construction Project Manager
312114 Construction Estimator
322313 Welder (First Class)
331111 Bricklayer
331211 Carpenter and Joiner
331212 Carpenter
331213 Joiner
333211 Fibrous Plasterer
333212 Solid Plasterer
333311 Roof Tiler
333411 Wall and Floor Tiler
334111 Plumber (General)
334115 Roof Plumber
341111 Electrician (General)
341112 Electrician (Special Class)
◾️Outer Regional Skilled Employment
Basic requirements:
◽️EOI in SkillSelect with SA as preferred state.
◽️Occupation eligibility under Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream on SA’s Skilled Occupation List.
◽️Currently live and work in Outer Regional SA.
◽️Age under 45 at time of nomination approval.
◽️Valid skills assessment for nominated occupation and Competent English (or meet licensing requirements).
◽️Score 65+ points (including nomination points).
◽️9 months living and working in Outer Regional SA, currently full-time (30+ hours/week), and work aligned with ANZSCO code.
◽️Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.
◾️Skilled Employment in South Australia stream
Basic requirements:
◽️Active EOI on SkillSelect with South Australia as your first preference.
◽️Check if your occupation is eligible under the SA Skilled Employment stream.
◽️Live and work in SA.
◽️Be under 45 at the time of nomination approval.
◽️Positive skills assessment and Competent English (or meet licensing requirements).
◽️Score 65+ points (including nomination points).
◽️Reside in SA for 12+ months.
◽️Full-time employment (30+ hours/week) related to your occupation, aligned with ANZSCO code.
◽️Post-course skilled work experience.
Who can provide immigration assistance
You can make your own application for state nomination, however if you are unsure about the application process you can seek immigration assistance.
Immigration assistance is when a person uses knowledge of, or experience in, migration procedure to assist with visa applications or other visa matters by:
- preparing, or helping to prepare a visa application or other document
- advising about a visa application or visa matter
- representing in, or preparing for, proceedings before a court or review authority in relation to a visa matter.
We commit that if you appoint VisaEnvoy to provide immigration assistance, the person assisting you must be a MARA Registered Migration Agent.
Talk to us
Applying for a General Skilled Migration Visa can be confusing as there are small intricacies in migration law. To alleviate your stress and worry about how to apply for the visa, you can book a time with us to help you understand the processes to make sure that you are on the right track.
Other States and territory nomination requirements:
Each state and territory has its own list of occupations, requirements and processes you must follow. Select a state below to see it’s state nomination requirements for 190 and 491 visa:
Australia
Australian Visa Changes from 1 July 2026: Higher Fees, New Income Thresholds and Working Holiday Updates
Federal Budget 2026–27: Key Migration and Visa Changes for Australia
Skilled Partner Points and Changes in Marital Status for Subclass 190 Visa Applicants
Partner Visa Processing Update (April 2026): What Applicants Must Know
Iranian visa holders temporarily barred from travelling to Australia from 26 March