South Australia State Nomination Criteria

The 2024-2025 South Australia State-Nominated Skilled Migration Program has received the following visa allocations:

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

  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491): 800 places

  • Onshore Stream:

    • Eligible onshore applicants who meet the program requirements can now submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for one of the 464 available occupations

  • Offshore Stream:

    • The offshore stream provides 427 occupations for experienced overseas workers seeking to live and work in South Australia.

  • The subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa that allows holders to stay in Australia indefinitely. work and study in Australia. enrol in Medicare, Australia's scheme for health-related care and expenses.

  • The subclass 491 visa is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia

  • The DAMAs enable South Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. South Australia’s DAMA’ Occupation List

  • The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) to attract the world’s brightest minds, those who can deliver exceptional outcomes that align with the state’s long-term vision for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190 Visa Nomination

Minimum Requirements

When you apply for state nomination in South Australia, you will need to meet a range of requirements prior to submitting your application.

South Australian Graduates

South Australia Graduate Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Study requirements Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider and meet the following study requirements:
- Your course in South Australia must be CRICOS registered, with a minimum of 46 CRICOS weeks
- Your study meets the minimum qualification level listed for your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- A minimum of 75% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
- You must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies
Residency Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 6 months
Work experience Have been working full-time for the last 6 months, and be currently employed full-time (at least 30 hours per week).

Skilled Employment in South Australia

South Australia Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Residency Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months
Work experience Have been working for the last 12 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job.

Outer Regional Skilled Employment

South Australia Regional Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Residency Have been living in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months.
Work experience Have been working in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job. Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.

Offshore applicants

South Australia Regional Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs’ Skill Select system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Years of experience For most occupations, applicants must have a minimum of three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 5 years to secure an invitation to apply for SA nomination.
For occupations in the construction trades applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years.
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 Visa Nomination

Minimum Requirements

When you apply for state nomination in South Australia, you will need to meet a range of requirements prior to submitting your application.

South Australian Graduates

South Australia Graduate Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Study requirements Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider and meet the following study requirements:
- Your course in South Australia must be CRICOS registered, with a minimum of 46 CRICOS weeks
- Your study meets the minimum qualification level listed for your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- A minimum of 75% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
- You must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies
Residency Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 6 months
Work experience Have been working full-time for the last 6 months, and be currently employed full-time (at least 30 hours per week).

Skilled Employment in South Australia

South Australia Graduate Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Residency Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 6 months
Work experience Have been working for the last 12 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job. Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation.

Outer Regional Skilled Employment

South Australia Regional Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
Skills Assessment Have a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs' points test
Residency Have been living in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months.
Work experience Have been working in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job. Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.

Offshore applicants

South Australia Regional Requirements
Expression of Interest Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs’ Skill Select system with South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
Occupation Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia's Skilled Occupation List
Years of experience For most occupations, applicants must have a minimum of three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 5 years to secure an invitation to apply for SA nomination.
For occupations in the construction trades applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years.
Competent English Have at least a competent English, unless your nominated occupation requires registration or licensing to practice in South Australia. If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia.
Points test Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

The DAMAs enable South Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Employers experiencing skills and labour shortages can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labour agreement.

South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) have been extended until 30 June 2026. The state has also retained the age concession of up to 55 years, a 10% reduction to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), as well as English and work experience concessions. 

ANZSCO Code Occupation
070499 Advancement Manager
070499 Advancement Professional
070499 Clinical Researcher
070499 Data and Analytics Manager
070499 Digital Artist
070499 Digital Producer
070499 Digital Production Manager
070499 Digital Supervisor
070499 Senior Digital Artist
111111 Chief Executive or Managing Director
111211 Corporate General Manager
131114 Public Relations Manager
132111 Corporate Services Manager
132411 Policy and Planning Manager
132511 Research and Development Manager
133311 Importer or Exporter
135111 Chief Information Officer
139913 Laboratory Manager
139914 Quality Assurance Manager
139999 Specialist Managers nec
211112 Dancer or Choreographer
211199 Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec
212111 Artistic Director
212314 Film and Video Editor
223311 Training and Development Professional
224112 Mathematician
224113 Statistician
224611 Librarian
232214 Other Spatial Scientist
232411 Graphic Designer
232412 Illustrator
232413 Multimedia Designer
232414 Web Designer
233916 Naval Architect
234211 Chemist
234313 Environmental Research Scientist
234399 Environmental Scientists nec
234412 Geophysicist
234413 Hydrogeologist
234511 Life Scientist (General)
234513 Biochemist
234514 Biotechnologist
234515 Botanist
234516 Marine Biologist
234517 Microbiologist
234518 Zoologist
234599 Life Scientists nec
234913 Meteorologist
234999 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec
249212 Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)
261211 Multimedia Specialist
261212 Web Developer
261311 Analyst Programmer
261312 Developer Programmer
311213 Medical Laboratory Technician
311411 Chemistry Technician
311412 Earth Science Technician
311413 Life Science Technician

DAMA Occupation List
(Adelaide City Agreement)

DAMA Occupation List
(South Australian Agreement)

ANZSCO Code Occupation
070499 Apiary Supervisor
070499 Aquaculture Deckhand of Farmhand
070499 Aquaculture Process Worker
070499 Aquaculture Processing Supervisor
070499 Automotive Transmission Technician
070499 Care Supervisor
070499 Cold Store Manager
070499 Cold Store Operator
070499 Cook (ethnic cuisine)
070499 Dairy Cattle Farm Operator
070499 Electrical Motor Repairer or Winder
070499 Irrigation Technician
070499 Poultry Farm Supervisor
070499 Poultry Stockperson
070499 Production Horticultural Supervisor
070499 Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker
070499 Senior Piggery Stockperson
070499 Skilled Horticultural Worker
070499 Vineyard Manager
070499 Vineyard Supervisor
070499 Welding Engineer
070499 Welding Inspector
070499 Welding Specialist Supervisor
070499 Welding Technologist
121111 Aquaculture Farmer
121213 Fruit or Nut Grower
121215 Grape Grower
121216 Mixed Crop Farmer
121221 Vegetable Grower
121312 Beef Cattle Farmer
121313 Dairy Cattle Farmer
121317 Mixed Livestock Farmer
121318 Pig Farmer
121321 Poultry Farmer
121411 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer
131112 Sales and Marketing Manager
133111 Construction Project Manager
133211 Engineering Manager
133411 Manufacturer
133511 Production Manager (Forestry)
133512 Production Manager (Manufacturing)
133513 Production Manager (Mining)
133611 Supply and Distribution Manager
133612 Procurement Manager
134111 Child Care Centre Manager
149913 Facilities Manager
233211 Civil Engineer
233214 Structural Engineer
233215 Transport Engineer
233311 Electrical Engineer
233411 Electronics Engineer
233511 Industrial Engineer
233512 Mechanical Engineer
233513 Production or Plant Engineer
233914 Engineering Technologist
234111 Agricultural Consultant
234112 Agricultural Scientist
234212 Food Technologist

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

South Australia Subclass 858 Visa Criteria

Who can be nominated?

To be considered for a South Australian nomination under the NIV (subclass 858), you must:

  • Be located offshore, or onshore in Australia as the holder of a substantive visa.

  • Demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following sectors:

    • A recognised profession

    • Academia and research

    • Sport

    • The arts

  • Meet the Department of Home Affairs’ general criteria for the NIV, including:

    • Being nominated by an Australian entity (in this case, the South Australian Government)

    • Being of exceptional benefit to Australia if under 18 or over 55

    • Meeting health, character, and security requirements

Who South Australia is Looking For

Global researchers & academic leaders

Entrepreneurs

Innovative investors

Creative professionals

Other internationally recognised individuals

Application Process Overview

While the Department of Home Affairs issues the visa, nomination by South Australia is a critical first step in the application process. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to Home Affairs outlining your qualifications, achievements, and contributions.

  2. State Nomination Application: If your EOI is shortlisted, apply directly to South Australia for nomination.

  3. Assessment: Your application will be assessed based on its alignment with South Australian economic and innovation priorities.

  4. Nomination Outcome: If successful, South Australia will submit a Form 1000 and letter of support to Home Affairs on your behalf.

Note: South Australian nomination does not guarantee a visa grant; final decisions are made by the Australian Government.