South Australia’s 2025–26 Nomination Program: Will You Claim One of the 2,250 Places?

Written By Mayvis Goh

South Australia has just announced its final skilled migration allocations for 2025–26, opening significant opportunities for both onshore and offshore skilled workers. The state government has confirmed a total of 2,250 skilled nomination places, making this an excellent time for eligible applicants to plan their migration pathway

Final Allocation for 2025–26: What SA Has Been Given

South Australia will nominate skilled migrants across two main visa categories:

  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): 1,350 places

  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): 900 places

Total nomination places: 2,250

These figures are final, confirmed by the Australian Government — meaning this is the maximum number of nominations SA will issue for the entire migration year.

SA’s Priority Sectors for 2025–26

South Australia has aligned its migration program with industry shortages, prioritising skilled applicants in six key areas:

  • Building & Construction

  • Defence

  • Education

  • Engineering

  • Health

  • Manufacturing

Applicants outside these areas are not excluded. Strong EOIs, competitive points, and experience can still lead to an invitation — but priority occupations will naturally be selected faster.

Four Pathways You Can Apply Through

South Australia’s skilled migration program offers four different nomination pathways, and understanding each one can help you see where you best fit.

1. Graduate Pathway (For those who studied in South Australia)

This pathway aims to retain talented students who completed their studies in the state. To be eligible, you must:

  • Study at a South Australian provider for at least 46 CRICOS weeks

  • Complete 75% of your course within the state

  • Live in the state for at least one year during your studies

  • Work in a skilled role full-time for at least six months after graduation

  • Have work experience aligned with your nominated occupation

This is an excellent route for graduates in fields such as construction, healthcare, engineering, and education.

2. Skilled Employment Pathway (For those already working in South Australia)

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are employed full-time (30+ hours/week) in your nominated occupation

  • Have lived in South Australia for at least six months

  • Are under 45 years old

  • Hold a positive skills assessment

  • Meet competent English requirements

  • Have at least 65 points on the Skilled Migration Points Test

This pathway rewards skilled professionals who are actively contributing to the state’s labour market.

3. Outer Regional Pathway (For those living and working in regional areas)

You may qualify if you:

  • Have lived and worked in Outer Regional South Australia for the past nine months

  • Are employed full-time

  • Have:

    • Three years of skilled experience in the last five years, or

    • One year of skilled experience in the last three years for construction trades

This pathway is ideal if you are committed to living and working in regional communities.

4. Offshore Pathway (For applicants outside Australia)

This pathway is especially important for applicants currently living overseas. You will need to:

  • Be residing outside Australia at the time of application

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with South Australia as your first preference

  • Have:

    • Three years of skilled experience within the last five years, or

    • One year for priority construction trades

  • Ensure your occupation appears on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List

Important: Offshore applicants do not need to lodge a separate Registration of Interest. You are selected directly from your SkillSelect EOI.

How the Application Process Works

For Onshore Applicants (Graduate, Skilled Employment, Outer Regional):

  1. Submit a Registration of Interest

  2. Wait for assessment and an invitation

  3. Submit your nomination application within 14 days once invited

  4. Lodge your skilled visa application with the Department of Home Affairs

For Offshore Applicants:

  1. Submit an EOI in SkillSelect

  2. Wait for an invitation directly from the state

  3. Submit your nomination documents within 14 days

  4. Lodge your visa application with Home Affairs

What This Means for You

South Australia’s 2,250 nomination places offer opportunities across a wide range of occupations, but competition will be strongest in priority sectors. If you’re offshore, aligning your EOI with SA’s needs — and ensuring your application is accurate and well-documented — will significantly improve your chances.

Early preparation is key:
✔ Valid skills assessment
✔ Updated EOI
✔ Strong English results
✔ Competitive work experience
✔ Occupation on SA’s list

Whether your goal is permanent residency or starting a long-term career in a stable and growing state, South Australia offers clear, structured pathways to get you there.

Ready to Explore Your Pathway to South Australia?

Migration rules can feel complex — especially if you're applying from overseas. You don’t need to navigate this alone.

We can help you:

  • Check your eligibility for SA nomination

  • Recommend the best stream for your profile

  • Maximise your points score

  • Prepare your documents and EOI

  • Guide you through each step of the process

Message us today to check your eligibility and start your journey toward a new life in South Australia.

Mayvis Goh
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