The South Australian Government has announced that its Skilled Migration programme will reopen on 26 August 2026, with a new State Nomination Occupation List signalled in a 4 August 2026 update. This announcement has not yet been independently confirmed on migration.sa.gov.au at the time of writing; digest #021 records the source as a SA Government press release and tags the reopen date, the new occupation list, the 491 onshore-only rule, and the international-graduate priority as unverified pending direct agency confirmation. If you intend to rely on this for a lodgement, verify the 26 August 2026 date, the new occupation list, the 491 onshore-only rule, and the international-graduate priority on migration.sa.gov.au directly before lodging. Combined with Tasmania’s 2,050-place 2026-27 allocation published on 5 August 2026, SA’s announcement is the first published reopen date of the FY2026-27 cycle – Tasmania published an allocation, SA has published a reopen date.
Skillage Nimbus assists with South Australia skilled migration and state nomination matters. We are a registered migration agent based in Adelaide, MARN 2217972. We assist clients across South Australia, Australia-wide and offshore. Call our 24/7 direct line on +61 8 9131 6011 for the fastest way to speak to someone.
What Is SA Skilled Migration?
South Australia state nomination is a process where the state nominates skilled people whose occupations, experience and circumstances match South Australia’s workforce needs.
Nomination is separate from the visa application. You must satisfy:
- South Australian nomination requirements.
- Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.
- Points-tested visa requirements.
- Health and character requirements.
- Evidence and document requirements.
State nomination does not guarantee a visa.
South Australia sets its own criteria. These criteria can change between program years. Occupation lists, streams, priority rules, application windows and evidence requirements may also change.
Check the current South Australian skilled occupation list before relying on any pathway. The relevant State Nomination Occupation List must be checked at the time of planning and application.
The Two Main SA Nomination Pathways
Subclass 190 : Skilled Nominated visa
The subclass 190 is a permanent, points-tested visa.
A South Australian nomination adds points to your SkillSelect expression of interest. Under current Department of Home Affairs settings, state nomination for subclass 190 contributes 5 points.
For South Australian nomination, applicants generally commit to living and working in South Australia. This includes Adelaide and, where relevant, other South Australian locations. The nomination commitment should be assessed carefully before lodging.
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 requires an invitation, a suitable skills assessment, an eligible occupation and satisfaction of the points test.
Subclass 491 : Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa. It allows eligible skilled workers to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
South Australian nomination adds points. Under current federal points settings, state or territory nomination for subclass 491 contributes 15 points.
The skilled work regional visa 491 may provide a pathway to permanent residency Australia through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191, subject to meeting the requirements in force at the time.
South Australian nomination and the visa application are separate steps. You seek nomination from South Australia. You apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
Subclass 494 : Regional employer sponsorship
The subclass 494 is a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa. It is employer-sponsored. It is not the same as points-tested SA 190 or SA 491 nomination.
An employer must generally be involved. The position, employer, occupation, region and sponsorship requirements matter. Review the official subclass 494 information before choosing this pathway.
Am I Eligible for SA Nomination?
Eligibility is case-specific. Start with these checks:
- Is your occupation on the relevant South Australian skilled occupation list?
- Do you have a positive skills assessment?
- What is your points score?
- What English language level do you hold?
- How old are you?
- How much skilled work experience do you have in your nominated occupation?
- Are you living and working in South Australia?
- Did you complete eligible study in South Australia?
- Are you seeking metropolitan Adelaide nomination or an outer regional South Australian pathway?
These are planning factors. They are not a guarantee of nomination.
Streams and requirements differ for onshore and offshore applicants. South Australia updates its program each year. Some pathways may also require specific employment, study, residence or work history.
Current program availability must be checked on the official South Australian migration website.
Skilled Migration Points Test
The points test applies to subclasses 190 and 491.
Points may come from:
- Age.
- English language ability.
- Skilled employment.
- Educational qualifications.
- Australian study.
- Regional Australian study.
- Specialist education.
- Credentialled community language.
- Partner skills.
- State or territory nomination.
The current federal minimum threshold is 65 points. That is only a threshold. It does not mean you will be invited or nominated.
Your claims must be supported by evidence. A points test review should compare your EOI claims with your qualifications, employment history, English evidence and skills assessment.
Use the Department of Home Affairs points calculator as a starting point. A professional review is still important where evidence is complex.
SA DAMA
The South Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement, or SA DAMA, is an employer-driven arrangement.
It allows eligible South Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers in approved occupations where suitable local workers cannot be found. It is not a points-tested pathway.
An individual cannot independently apply for an SA DAMA visa. An eligible South Australian employer must be involved.
Depending on the current agreement, concessions may relate to:
- Age.
- English language.
- Salary.
- Skills or experience.
- Other nominee requirements.
The employer and the region matter. The occupation must also be available under the current DAMA arrangements.
Review the official SA DAMA information and current occupation list before relying on this pathway. DAMA requirements can change.
Studying in South Australia
International students who complete eligible study in South Australia may be able to access South Australian nomination pathways.
Your course choice can affect future options. Consider:
- The occupation connected to the course.
- The relevant skills assessment authority.
- English requirements.
- Graduate work options.
- South Australian study and residence requirements.
- Future subclass 190 or subclass 491 settings.
Skillage Nimbus also provides education consultancy. Support includes university and course shortlisting, applications, essay editing, scholarship applications and pre-departure briefings. Explore our migration, education and recruitment services.
How Skillage Nimbus Helps With SA Skilled Migration
We can assist with:
- Eligibility assessment against current South Australian requirements.
- Occupation and pathway comparison.
- Points test review.
- Skills assessment guidance.
- Document preparation and evidence management.
- State nomination application support.
- Visa application lodgement.
- Ongoing case management.
- Visa refusal and cancellation assistance.
- Administrative Review Tribunal representation where relevant.
We provide practical guidance based on your documents and circumstances. We do not guarantee nomination, invitation or visa grant.
People searching for free migration advice, a migration agent Adelaide, a migration agent Australia or an immigration lawyer Adelaide should check the adviser’s credentials before sharing documents or paying fees.
Our Credentials
- Australian Registered Migration Agent : MARN 2217972.
- New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser : IAA 202503676.
- Founder Ashish Thapa, legal name Asi Thapa, admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia.
- QEAC, CCG and ITAC certifications.
- Employment Agent Licence issued by the Government of South Australia.
- Member of Business Australia and Migration Alliance.
- Core values: Honesty, Reliability and Accuracy.
Visit Our Adelaide Office
Address: Suite 11, Floor 2, 12 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
Strictly by appointment only.
Office hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM.
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Sunday: Closed.
Call the 24/7 direct line on +61 8 9131 6011.
Emergency appointment support may be available within one hour, subject to availability.
Learn More
Call the 24/7 direct line now: +61 8 9131 6011
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between subclass 190 and subclass 491 in South Australia?
Subclass 190 is a permanent visa. Subclass 491 is a five-year provisional regional visa. Both are points-tested. Subclass 491 is intended for regional living, work and study and may lead to subclass 191 permanent residence if the requirements are met.
Do I need a job offer to get South Australia state nomination?
Not every South Australian nomination pathway has the same employment requirement. Some streams may require current employment, an employment contract or other evidence. Requirements depend on your location, occupation and stream. Check the current SA criteria.
How many points do I need for SA state nomination?
The federal points-tested visa threshold is currently 65 points for subclass 190 and subclass 491. The practical score needed for nomination or invitation may be higher. A minimum score does not guarantee selection.
Can I apply for SA nomination from outside Australia?
Some South Australian pathways may accept offshore applicants. Others may prioritise or restrict eligibility based on location and circumstances. Check the current program rules before preparing an ROI or EOI.
What is the SA DAMA and who is it for?
The SA DAMA is for eligible South Australian employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers in approved occupations. It is employer-sponsored. Individuals cannot apply independently without an eligible employer.
How long does South Australian state nomination take?
There is no single timeframe. Processing depends on the program year, stream, application volume, occupation, evidence and government requests. State nomination processing and federal visa processing are separate.
General information disclaimer: This page provides general information only. It is not migration advice. Confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs, the relevant South Australian state authority, or a registered migration agent before acting. Requirements, program settings, occupation lists, processing times and fees can change.
The South Australian Government’s official occupation-list page currently states that skilled ROI and GSM applications are unavailable and will resume when the 2026–27 program commences. This page also references an announcement whose reopen date, State Nomination Occupation List, subclass 491 onshore-only rule and international-graduate priority were not independently confirmed in the available source material. Verify each point directly on migration.sa.gov.au before lodging or relying on it.