South Australia Skilled Migration 2025-26: Key Updates and Visa Pathways
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The South Australia Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 has officially opened with updated nomination requirements, priority sectors, and new allocations for skilled migrants, graduates, and workers. This article explains the South Australia Skilled Migration Program 2025–26, who is eligible, and how to apply under each stream.
2025–26 Nomination Allocations
South Australia has confirmed its allocations for the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration program.
1,350 nomination places for the State Sponsored 190 visa
900 nomination places for the State Sponsored Regional 491 visa
Registrations of Interest (ROI) are now open for applicants living and working in South Australia. Offshore applicants do not need to lodge an ROI and will be invited directly from SkillSelect based on their EOI.
Priority Sectors for 2025–26
South Australia will prioritise applicants with skills and experience in the following sectors:
Building and construction
Defence
Education
Engineering
Health
Manufacturing
High-ranking applicants in non-priority sectors may also be considered.
Applicants with occupations eligible for the 190 may receive an invitation for state nomination. Those in non-priority sectors or with occupations not eligible for the 190 may be considered for the 491.
South Australia Skilled Migration Program 2025–26: Streams and Eligibility
South Australian Graduates
To qualify under the South Australian Graduate stream, applicants must:
Core Requirements
Have an active EOI in SkillSelect nominating SA as the first preference
Be under 45 years of age
Hold a valid skills assessment
Have at least Competent English (or higher with valid test evidence)
Meet the 65-point minimum including state nomination points
Live and work in South Australia
Have completed a CRICOS-registered qualification of at least 46 weeks
Have studied at least 75% of the course in South Australia
Have resided in SA for at least one year during studies
Have lived in SA for at least the last 6 months
Have worked full-time (30+ hours per week) for the last 6 months
Employment must be related to the nominated occupation and within the same ANZSCO Sub Major Group
Skilled work experience must be post-qualification
Skilled Employment in South Australia
For applicants currently employed in SA in their nominated occupation:
Eligibility Requirements
Active EOI with SA listed first
Occupation must be eligible under the Skilled Employment stream
Be under 45 years of age
Competent English
Minimum of 65 points
Living in SA for at least 12 months
Working full-time (30+ hours per week) for the past 12 months
Employment must align with the nominated occupation at the same ANZSCO skill level
Skilled experience must be post-qualification
Outer Regional Skilled Employment
For applicants living and working in outer regional South Australia:
Eligibility Requirements
Active EOI with SA as first preference
Occupation eligible under Outer Regional stream
Under 45 years of age
Competent English
Minimum 65 points
Living and working in outer regional SA for the last 9 months
Employed full-time (30+ hours per week)
Employment must match the nominated occupation (same ANZSCO Sub Major Group)
Skilled experience must be post-qualification
Offshore Stream
Offshore applicants are assessed directly from their SkillSelect EOI.
Assessment Factors (General Offshore)
English language proficiency
Years and field of skilled employment
Skills and qualification level
EOI points
Priority Construction Trades Assessment
For construction trades, merit ranking is based on:
Years and field of skilled employment
English proficiency
Skills and qualification level
EOI points
If invited, offshore applicants have 14 days to submit a complete nomination application. They must meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements and ensure their EOI information is accurate at the time of invitation.
South Australia Skilled Migration Program 2025–26: Book a Consultation
The South Australia Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 provides strong pathways for skilled workers, graduates, regional workers and offshore applicants seeking permanent residency through the 190 and 491 visas. To apply, review, or finalise your application, contact our migration team at migration6@racc.net.au and cc allison@racc.net.au.
Applicants who have already submitted an EOI and received an invitation can use the discount code RACCSA2025 to receive 40% off service fees — reducing the original $2,500 + GST fee to $1,500 + GST. Our migration specialists will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth and compliant application process
