South Australia State Nomination (190 & 491): 2026 Program Status

Securing state nomination is an established pathway to Australian Permanent Residency. South Australia (SA) frequently manages a comprehensive skilled migration program. With historically broad occupation lists, distinct pathways for international graduates, and full-state regional classification, SA is a highly sought-after destination for skilled migrants aiming for the Subclass 190 or the Subclass 491 visas.

In this 2026 guide, we explore the current status of the South Australian state nomination program, standard eligibility criteria across various streams, and the distinct characteristics of choosing SA as your nominating state. If you are comparing your options across Australia, review our guide to comparing all states for nomination to identify the jurisdiction that aligns best with your profile.

Current Status: South Australia 2026–27 Program

Historically, South Australia initiates its new program year by refreshing its skilled occupation list and publishing specific requirements for various streams. The 2026 status reflects a persistent focus on retaining skilled individuals already residing and working in the state, with strong preference afforded to onshore applicants in priority sectors like health, education, and defense.

For those pursuing the permanent Subclass 190 visa, South Australia generally enforces higher benchmarks, prioritizing applicants with extended periods of SA work experience, Superior English, and high point scores. The provisional 491 visa serves as a viable alternative for applicants who may not meet the competitive threshold for the 190 visa.

Why Choose South Australia for State Nomination?

South Australia features several strategic administrative advantages for prospective migrants. When evaluating state options, SA's approach is designed to accommodate a diverse range of professions.

• Comprehensive Occupation List: South Australia historically maintains a broad State Nominated Occupation List. Certain niche or specialized professions that are excluded in other states may find eligibility under SA’s criteria.
• Adelaide is Classified as Regional: Unlike states such as New South Wales (where Sydney is excluded) or Victoria (where Melbourne is excluded), the entire state of South Australia, including its capital city Adelaide, is classified as a designated regional area. This allows applicants to claim the 15 bonus points for the 491 visa while living in a major metropolitan center.
• Outer Regional Concessions: For applicants willing to live and work outside Greater Adelaide in "Outer Regional" areas, the state has historically provided concessions on the duration of required work experience.

Subclass 190 and 491 Visa Requirements in SA

To be considered for state nomination in South Australia, you must first satisfy the Department of Home Affairs baseline criteria. This includes being under 45 years of age, holding a valid skills assessment, demonstrating at least Competent English, and achieving a minimum score of 65 points on the points test.

In addition to federal requirements, South Australia sets its own criteria organized into distinct nomination streams. Note that processing times currently range between 2 to 8 weeks, subject to variation.

A defining feature of South Australia's program is its highly specific work experience mandates. Unlike jurisdictions that apply uniform rules, SA outlines explicit work experience durations for individual ANZSCO codes. You must verify the precise requirements for your occupation on the Migration SA website prior to lodging an EOI or ROI.

Pathways for International Graduates of South Australia

South Australia provides structured pathways for international students who complete their studies within the state. The "South Australian Graduates" stream often features concessions on work experience requirements that are unavailable to interstate or offshore applicants.

Graduates who complete a Bachelor degree, Masters, or PhD in SA, or an eligible VET qualification, generally face lower thresholds for skilled employment duration. High-performing graduates-such as PhD researchers-may occasionally receive exemptions from work experience requirements, though this remains strictly at the discretion of the state and varies by program year.

Alternatives to South Australia

Given the fluctuating nature of state quotas and occupation lists, maintaining a flexible migration strategy is advisable. If your occupation is currently excluded from the SA list, or if you are unable to meet the specific work experience durations, consider investigating alternative state and territory programs.

• NSW nominations: Prioritizes high points, superior English, and extended skilled employment, particularly in health, education, and ICT sectors.
• Victoria nominations: Emphasizes onshore employment and high earnings in targeted sectors, managed through a structured Registration of Interest (ROI) system.
• Queensland nominations: Requires stringent onshore employment conditions for most streams and demonstrates strong preference for candidates committed to the state long-term.
• : Offers a robust program with scheduled invitation rounds, strongly favoring WA graduates and onshore workers in priority industries.

Frequently Asked Questions