South Australian Nomination Streams: Your Complete Guide to Eligibility Requirements 2025-26
South Australia continues to be one of Australia's most attractive destinations for skilled migrants, offering excellent lifestyle opportunities, growing job markets, and clear pathways to permanent residency. For the 2025-26 program year, South Australia has received an interim allocation from the Commonwealth Government while awaiting its full allocation.
If you're considering making South Australia your new home, understanding the different nomination streams and their eligibility requirements is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about South Australia's skilled migration program for 2025-26.
Important Update for 2025-26 Program Year
The Commonwealth Government have provided South Australia with a small interim allocation for the 2025-26 program year. Given the small number of interim allocations, Skilled and Business Migration (SBM) will not open for new Registration of Interest (ROI) applications and instead focus on inviting strong applicants contributing to the state's workforce requirements, including from the ROI's submitted in the 24-25 program year.
Once the Commonwealth Government provides South Australia with its full allocation, SBM will release its full policy settings for the upcoming program year. This means that while the fundamental streams and requirements remain similar to the previous year, specific details and availability may change once the full allocation is announced.
Understanding South Australia's Skilled Migration Program
The General Skilled Migration program helps South Australia build a diverse, skilled workforce and South Australian businesses meet their skilled workforce needs. This supports the development of the State's priority sectors and powers the economic growth of regional communities.
The program offers state nomination for two key visa categories:
· Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Permanent Visa): A permanent visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in South Australia
· Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa): A five-year provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency
The Four Main Nomination Streams
There are a range of nomination streams for skilled migrants seeking to live and work in South Australia. Each stream targets different candidate profiles and has specific eligibility requirements:
1. South Australian Graduates Stream
This stream is designed for international students who have completed their studies in South Australia and wish to remain in the state.
Priority Occupations and Work Experience Requirements
For the 2025-26 program year, applicants in priority occupations may be eligible for either the subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa. For most occupations, a minimum of three years of skilled employment in the nominated or related occupation is required within the last five years. Certain construction trades only require one year of relevant work experience, reflecting South Australia's specific industry needs.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
· Must have completed a higher education qualification from a South Australian institution
· Must be working full-time in South Australia in employment closely related to their nominated occupation
· Must be working in a skilled occupation that is in demand
· Occupation must be listed on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List
· Meet standard Department of Home Affairs requirements including skills assessment and English proficiency
Why This Stream Exists: This pathway recognizes the value of retaining graduates who have already demonstrated their commitment to South Australia through their studies and have gained local qualifications that meet Australian standards.
2. Skilled Employment in South Australia Stream
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.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
· Currently residing and working in South Australia
· Working in your nominated occupation (the same occupation you're seeking nomination for)
· Have at least Competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia
· Occupation must be available under this stream on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List
· Demonstrate commitment to South Australia through work experience
· Meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements
Who Can Apply:
· Temporary visa holders (including 482, 485, 417, 462 visa holders)
· International graduates already working
· Self-employed individuals
· Contractors and consultants
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment Stream
This specialized stream targets skilled migrants willing to live and work in South Australia's outer regional areas, supporting the development of regional communities.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
· Currently living in an outer regional area of South Australia
· Working in your nominated occupation in the outer regional area
· Candidates may include temporary visa holders, international graduates, self-employed applicants, and sub-contractors
· Occupation must be eligible under this stream
· Demonstrate ongoing commitment to regional South Australia
· Meet standard visa requirements including skills assessment and English proficiency
Regional Benefits: This stream often has more favourable processing and may include occupations not available in metropolitan streams, reflecting the specific skills needs of regional areas.
4. Offshore Stream
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.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
· Currently residing outside Australia
· Must have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
· Occupation must be available for offshore candidates on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List
· Meet high English language requirements (usually Superior English)
· Demonstrate strong work experience and qualifications in your nominated occupation
· Show genuine commitment to living and working in South Australia
Selection Process: This is typically the most competitive stream, with South Australia actively selecting candidates based on their skills, experience, and potential contribution to the state's economy.
Essential Prerequisites for All Streams
Regardless of which stream you're applying under, all candidates must meet these fundamental requirements:
1. Skills Assessment
You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment must be valid at the time of your state nomination application.
2. English Language Proficiency
Minimum English requirements vary by stream and occupation:
· Competent English: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent
· Proficient English: IELTS 7.0 overall (no band less than 7.0) or equivalent
· Superior English: IELTS 8.0 overall (no band less than 7.0) or equivalent
3. Occupation Listing
For 2024–25, there were 464 occupations available across the onshore streams. Your nominated occupation must be listed on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List and be available for your chosen stream.
4. Age Requirements
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply for the visa (not at the time of state nomination application).
5. Points Test
You must score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test, though competitive scores are typically much higher.
Understanding the Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet all requirements for your chosen stream and that your occupation is listed with availability for that stream.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather all required documents including:
· Skills assessment
· English test results
· Educational qualifications
· Work experience evidence
· Financial capacity evidence (where required)
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system, indicating your interest in South Australia nomination.
Step 4: Register Interest for State Nomination
Submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) through the South Australia migration portal with all supporting documentation.
Step 5: Await Invitation
ROIs will be reviewed throughout the program year, with successful candidates invited to apply for state nomination.
Tips for a Successful Application
Research Your Occupation
Understanding the specific requirements, licensing needs, and job market conditions for your occupation in South Australia will strengthen your application and preparation.
Demonstrate Genuine Commitment
South Australia values candidates who show genuine intention to live and work long-term in the state. This can be demonstrated through:
· Family connections
· Previous visits or study
· Job research and applications
· Understanding of the local market
· Community involvement plans
· Prepare Comprehensive Documentation
· Ensure all documents are certified, translated where necessary, and clearly demonstrate your eligibility for your chosen stream.
Consider Professional Assistance
The nomination process involves complex requirements and significant documentation. Professional migration advice can help optimize your application and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Choose South Australia?
South Australia offers compelling advantages for skilled migrants:
· Lifestyle Benefits
· Affordable housing compared to Sydney and Melbourne
· Excellent work-life balance
· World-class wine regions and cultural attractions
· Access to beautiful beaches and natural landscapes
· Career Opportunities
· Growing industries including defence, technology, and renewable energy
· Strong job market in healthcare, education, and professional services
· Supportive business environment for entrepreneurs
· Pathway to Permanent Residency
· Both the 190 and 491 visa options provide clear pathways to Australian permanent residency, with the 491-visa offering a route to the 191 permanent visa after three years.
Current Status of Applications for 2025-26
Important Note: New Registration of Interest (ROI) applications are currently not being accepted for the 2025-26 program year due to the limited interim allocation. South Australia is focusing on processing strong applications from the previous program year that contribute to the state's workforce requirements.
Prospective applicants should monitor the South Australian government's official migration website for announcements regarding when new applications will reopen once the full allocation is received from the Commonwealth Government.
Strategic Planning for 2025-26
While new applications are temporarily closed, this period provides an excellent opportunity to prepare your application for when the program fully reopens. Consider taking these preparatory steps:
· Complete Skills Assessment: Ensure you have a current positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
· Improve English Scores: Achieve the highest possible English test scores to strengthen your application
· Gather Documentation: Prepare all required documents including employment evidence, qualifications, and financial capacity proof
· Research Your Occupation: Understand the current demand and requirements for your occupation in South Australia
· Professional Consultation: Engage with migration experts to develop the strongest possible application strategy
How We Can Help
As a Melbourne-based education and migration consultancy with extensive experience in South Australian nominations, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process. Our services include:
· Detailed eligibility assessments across all streams
· Strategic advice on the best pathway for your circumstances
· Complete application preparation and submission
· Ongoing support through the nomination and visa process
· Settlement assistance once you arrive in South Australia
Our local presence in Australia, combined with our deep understanding of South Australian requirements, ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.
The South Australian nomination program offers excellent opportunities for skilled migrants across various career stages and circumstances. With proper preparation and expert guidance, you can position yourself for success in one of Australia's most liveable and opportunity-rich states.
For personalized advice on your South Australian nomination prospects, contact our experienced migration team today. We're here to help you navigate the pathway to your Australian migration goals.