South Australia Skilled Occupation List

What Changed in the 2026–27 SA Skilled Occupation List?

The 2026–27 list is shorter than the 2025–26 list. It went from 395 occupations to 353. Here is a summary of the changes.

​

44 occupations removed

• Specialist Managers: Advertising Manager (131113), Arts Administrator or Manager (139911), Sports Administrator (139915)

• Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers: Post Office Manager (142115), Fitness Centre Manager (149112)

• Arts & Media Professionals: Copywriter (212411), Newspaper or Periodical Editor (212412), Print Journalist (212413), Technical Writer (212415), Television Journalist (212416), Journalists and Other Writers nec (212499)

• Business, Human Resource & Marketing Professionals: Commodities Trader (222111), ICT Trainer (223211), Librarian (224611), Advertising Specialist (225111), Technical Sales Representatives nec (225499)

• Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals: Aeroplane Pilot (231111), Flying Instructor (231113), Helicopter Pilot (231114), Cartographer (232213), Fashion Designer (232311), Zoologist (234518), Conservator (234911), Meteorologist (234913)

• Health Professionals: Occupational Health and Safety Advisor (251312), Acupuncturist (252211)

• Legal, Social & Welfare Professionals: Barrister (271111), Intellectual Property Lawyer (271214), Interpreter (272412), Translator (272413)

• Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians: Mine Deputy (312913), Web Administrator (313113), ICT Support Technicians nec (313199)

• Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers: Motorcycle Mechanic (321213), Small Engine Mechanic (321214), Panelbeater (324111)

• Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers: Business Machine Mechanic (342311)

• Food Trades Workers: Pastry Cook (351112), Butcher or Smallgoods Maker (351211)

• Skilled Animal & Horticultural Workers: Arborist (362212)

• Other Technicians & Trades Workers: Print Finisher (392111)

• Protective Services Workers: Emergency Service Worker (441211)

• Sports & Personal Service Workers: Other Sports Coach or Instructor (452317), Sports Development Officer (452321)

​

Two categories are no longer on the list at all: Arts & Media Professionals and Protective Services Workers.

​

2 occupations added

• Lift Mechanic (341113) — Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers

• Upholsterer (393311) — Other Technicians & Trades Workers

​

4 occupations now also eligible for subclass 190

These were subclass 491 only in 2025–26. Subclass 190 now applies under the Skilled Employment in South Australia and Outer Regional Skilled Employment streams.

• Automotive Electrician (321111)

• Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212)

• Painting Trades Worker (332211)

• Massage Therapist (411611)

​

49 occupations no longer available to offshore applicants

Managers

• Corporate Services Manager (132111)

• Finance Manager (132211)

• Human Resource Manager (132311)

• Policy and Planning Manager (132411)

• Research and Development Manager (132511)

• Child Care Centre Manager (134111)

• School Principal (134311)

• Education Managers nec (134499)

• ICT Project Manager (135112)

• ICT Managers nec (135199)

• Environmental Manager (139912)

• Laboratory Manager (139913)

• Quality Assurance Manager (139914)

• Specialist Managers nec (139999)

• Conference and Event Organiser (149311)

• Transport Company Manager (149413)

• Facilities Manager (149913)

​

Business professionals

• Economist (224311)

• Policy Analyst (224412)

• Management Consultant (224711)

• Organisation and Methods Analyst (224712)

• Information and Organisation Professionals nec (224999)

• Marketing Specialist (225113)

• ICT Account Manager (225211)

• ICT Business Development Manager (225212)

​

Design and science professionals

• Graphic Designer (232411)

• Web Designer (232414)

• Urban and Regional Planner (232611)

• Agricultural Consultant (234111)

• Agricultural Scientist (234112)

​

ICT professionals

• ICT Business Analyst (261111)

• Systems Analyst (261112)

• Multimedia Specialist (261211)

• Web Developer (261212)

• Analyst Programmer (261311)

• Developer Programmer (261312)

• Software Engineer (261313)

• Software Tester (261314)

• Software and Applications Programmers nec (261399)

• Database Administrator (262111)

• ICT Security Specialist (262112)

• Systems Administrator (262113)

• Computer Network and Systems Engineer (263111)

• Network Administrator (263112)

• Network Analyst (263113)

• ICT Quality Assurance Engineer (263211)

• ICT Support Engineer (263212)

• ICT Systems Test Engineer (263213)

• ICT Support and Test Engineers nec (263299)

These occupations are still on the list. Applicants in these occupations now need to qualify through one of the onshore streams.

​

19 occupations now open to offshore applicants

• Actuary (224111), Mathematician (224112), Statistician (224113)

• Social Worker (272511), Welfare Worker (272613)

• Safety Inspector (312611)

• Radiocommunications Technician (313211), Telecommunications Field Engineer (313212), Telecommunications Network Planner (313213), Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist (313214)

• Painting Trades Worker (332211)

• Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) (342315)

• Cabinetmaker (394111)

• Dental Hygienist (411211), Dental Technician (411213), Dental Therapist (411214)

• Contract Administrator (511111), Program or Project Administrator (511112)

• Clinical Coder (599915)

​

Changes to the South Australian Graduates stream

The South Australian Graduates stream is no longer available for these 9 occupations. They remain on the list under the other streams:

• Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec (141999)

• Automotive Electrician (321111)

• Motor Mechanic (General) (321211)

• Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212)

• Floor Finisher (332111)

• Painting Trades Worker (332211)

• Glazier (333111)

• Diversional Therapist (411311)

• Massage Therapist (411611)

​

Enrolled Nurse (411411) is now available under the South Australian Graduates stream (subclass 491).

Finance Broker (222112) is now eligible for subclass 190 as well as subclass 491 under the Skilled Employment in South Australia stream.

​

The minimum points score has not changed. It is still 65 points for every occupation and stream.

​

Visa Subclasses on the SA Skilled Occupation List

State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa

The subclass 491 visa is available for all 353 occupations on the South Australia skilled occupation list, although not every nomination stream is open for every occupation. It is a points-tested visa requiring a minimum of 65 points.

​

State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa

The subclass 190 visa is available for select occupations on the list. Of the 353 occupations, 291 are eligible under both subclass 190 and subclass 491. The remaining 62 occupations are eligible under subclass 491 only.

Both subclasses require a minimum points score of 65 points.

​

Nomination Streams

The South Australia skilled occupation list covers four nomination streams. Each stream has different eligibility criteria based on your location and circumstances.

​

South Australian Graduates

This stream is for eligible graduates who have completed a minimum Bachelor qualification in South Australia that meets the South Australian study requirements. To be eligible, you must be:

• Working full-time in South Australia

• Employed in a role closely related to your nominated occupation

Eligible SA graduates can register their interest for SA nomination. Read more about the South Australia Graduate stream.

​

Skilled Employment in South Australia

This stream is for eligible temporary visa holders who are:

• Working full-time in South Australia

• Employed in a role closely related to their nominated occupation

Eligible temporary visa holders can register their interest for SA nomination. Read more about the South Australia work stream.

​

Outer Regional Skilled Employment

This stream is for eligible temporary visa holders who are:

• Working full-time in outer regional South Australia

• Employed in a role closely related to their nominated occupation

Eligible temporary visa holders in outer regional South Australia can register their interest for SA nomination.

​

Offshore

In 2026–27, 244 of the 353 occupations are open to offshore applicants. The other 109 are not available to offshore clients. This includes most ICT professional occupations, such as Software Engineer, Developer Programmer and ICT Business Analyst, which were open offshore in 2025–26. Check the list for your specific occupation, and see how to apply for SA nomination from overseas.

​

Occupation Categories

The South Australia skilled occupation list covers the following industry categories:

• Health Professionals — 76 occupations

• Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals — 58 occupations

• Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians — 33 occupations

• Specialist Managers — 31 occupations

• Business, Human Resource & Marketing Professionals — 30 occupations

• ICT Professionals — 21 occupations

• Legal, Social & Welfare Professionals — 17 occupations

• Construction Trades Workers — 17 occupations

• Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers — 15 occupations

• Education Professionals — 13 occupations

• Health & Welfare Support Workers — 13 occupations

• Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers — 11 occupations

• Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers — 7 occupations

• Food Trades Workers — 3 occupations

• Skilled Animal & Horticultural Workers — 2 occupations

• Other Technicians & Trades Workers — 2 occupations

• Office Managers & Program Administrators — 2 occupations

• Sports & Personal Service Workers — 1 occupation

• Other Clerical and Administrative Workers — 1 occupation

​

Skill levels on the list range from Skill Level 1 (professional and managerial) through to Skill Level 3 (trades and technical). There are no Skill Level 4 occupations on the 2026–27 list.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the South Australia skilled occupation list?

The South Australia skilled occupation list is the official list of occupations eligible for South Australian state nomination. Published by the South Australian government, it identifies which occupations can access the subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa through SA nomination, and sets out which nomination stream and requirements apply to each occupation.

​

How many occupations are on the SA skilled occupation list?

The 2026–27 SA skilled occupation list includes 353 unique occupations across 19 industry categories. Occupations range from Skill Level 1 through to Skill Level 3, covering professional, managerial, technical, and trades roles.

​

What changed on the SA skilled occupation list for 2026–27?

The list dropped from 395 to 353 occupations. 44 occupations were removed and 2 were added (Lift Mechanic and Upholsterer). 49 occupations, including most ICT professional roles, are no longer open to offshore applicants, while 19 occupations were opened to offshore applicants. Four trades and health roles (Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Painting Trades Worker and Massage Therapist) are now eligible for subclass 190 as well as subclass 491.

​​

What is the minimum points score for South Australian nomination?

The minimum points score for South Australian nomination is 65 points. You can check your score with our skilled migration points calculator. This applies across all occupations and all nomination streams on the South Australia skilled occupation list, for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visa.

​

What is the difference between subclass 190 and subclass 491 on the SA list?

Both visas are points-tested and require South Australian nomination. The subclass 190 is available for 291 of the 353 occupations on the list, alongside subclass 491. The remaining 62 occupations are eligible under subclass 491 only. Check the list for your specific occupation to confirm which subclass applies.

​

Can I apply from offshore using the SA skilled occupation list?

Some occupations on the SA skilled occupation list are available to offshore applicants. In 2026–27, 244 of the 353 occupations are open offshore. Top-ranking offshore candidates who have submitted an Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect may be invited to apply for SA nomination. However, not all occupations are available offshore, and most ICT professional occupations are now onshore only — check the list for your occupation.

​

What nomination streams are available on the SA skilled occupation list?

The SA skilled occupation list covers four nomination streams: South Australian Graduates, Skilled Employment in South Australia, Outer Regional Skilled Employment, and Offshore. Each stream has different eligibility criteria based on your location, work status, and study history.

​

What does "closely related to their nominated occupation" mean?

To be eligible under the Skilled Employment in South Australia, South Australian Graduates, or Outer Regional Skilled Employment streams, you must be working full-time in employment closely related to your nominated occupation. This requirement applies to all three onshore streams on the SA skilled occupation list.

​

Related Migration Pathways

• SA DAMA Occupation List — for employers sponsoring overseas workers under the Designated Area Migration Agreement, including through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

• State Sponsored Regional (subclass 491) Visa — available for all 353 occupations on the SA skilled occupation list

• State Sponsored (subclass 190) Visa — available for 291 of the 353 occupations on the SA skilled occupation list

• South Australian Graduates stream — for eligible graduates who have completed a minimum Bachelor qualification in South Australia and are working full-time in a closely related role

• Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream — for temporary visa holders working full-time in outer regional South Australia

​

Sources

• SA Skilled Occupation List — migration.sa.gov.au

• Occupation Lists overview — migration.sa.gov.au

​

Book Consultation with Our Registered Migration Agent!

Book Consultation via this link with our Registered Migration Agent:​​