2025-26 South Australia Skilled Migration Program

South Australia offers different migration pathways depending on your background—whether you're a graduate, currently working, or living in a regional area. 

These pathways are called streams. Each stream has its own criteria and benefits.

What are the onshore streams you can apply through?

South Australia has three main onshore streams, and each one supports different types of applicants already living in the state. 

Here's how to know which one might fit you:

1. Skilled Employment in South Australia Stream

This stream is for applicants who have:

• Work experience in South Australia in their nominated skilled occupation

• Shown a genuine commitment to living and working in SA

If you’ve finished your studies and are now working in your field, this could be a good fit, especially if your job is in a high-demand occupation.

2. South Australian Graduates Stream

If you studied in SA and now work in your field here, this stream is designed for you.

It helps South Australia retain skilled graduates by giving them a pathway to stay and work permanently. This stream values graduates who contribute to the local economy through skilled work after completing their degree.

3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment Stream

If you’re working in a regional or remote part of South Australia, this stream supports your application.

It’s designed to help fill job shortages in outer regional areas. You'll need to be working in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation in places outside Adelaide, such as Mount Gambier or Port Augusta.

Pro tip: Regional jobs not only boost your eligibility, they can also increase your migration points.

Before you apply, check if your job is on South Australia’s SOL

Before you apply under any of the streams, you need to make sure your occupation is actually eligible. That’s where the South Australia Skilled Occupation List (SOL) comes in.

This list shows which occupations are currently accepted for each stream. It also outlines the criteria you need to meet, such as work experience, licensing, or English test scores.

For 2024–25, there were 464 occupations available across the onshore streams.

You can find the SA’s Skilled Occupation List at the bottom of this article.

Each year, South Australia receives a set number of nomination places from the Australian Government. These places are limited, so meeting the eligibility criteria early can give you an advantage.

For 2024–25, the available places were:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – 3,000 places

• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 491) – 800 places

ROI: What is it and how to submit one

To be considered for state nomination, you must first submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). 

This is not the same as a visa application. It’s more like raising your hand and saying, “I’m ready and interested.”

Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for your stream.

2. Prepare your documents (skills assessment, English results, work experience, etc.).

3. Submit your ROI through the Migration SA website.

4. Wait for the South Australian Government to assess your application.

Good news: Submitting an ROI is free.

What happens after you submit your ROI?

If your application is successful, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for state nomination. This means South Australia wants to back your skilled visa application to the federal government.

From there:

• You formally apply for state nomination

• If nominated, you then apply for the actual skilled visa (190 or 491) through the Department of Home Affairs

Important: Make sure your documents stay up to date, especially your skills assessment and English test results. Delays or missing information can slow things down.

Need to take a new IELTS test? Prepare using our FREE materials, or book your IELTS at a test centre near you now. 

Need help preparing and reviewing all your documents? 

IDP’s migration experts ensure your application documents are up-to-date, complete, and are exactly what’s required, helping you avoid delays and stress.

Preparing to submit your ROI? Make sure your job is on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for 2024–25.

You can search for your job in the list below.

South Australia's SOL 2024–25 (A–Z by Occupation)

Check out SA’s complete SOL on SA Immigration’s website.

What is the process to get a state nomination in South Australia?

Eligibility to apply for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) in South Australia

To apply for this skilled migration visa from the Department of Home Affairs, you must:

• be under the age of 45

• have a valid skills assessment

• have an eligible skilled occupation

• have at least 65 points

• have at least Competent English.

Key highlights for Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) in South Australia:

• Make sure you meet all state nomination requirements

• State nomination from South Australia provides you with 15 additional points to help you

Which occupations are currently in high demand in South Australia?

You can find a list of the occupations in high demand on the Migration South Australia website.