South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List 2024/25
The South Australian Government’s announcement of the 2024/25 SA Skilled Occupation List marks a significant event for skilled migrants seeking opportunities in South Australia.
On 15 August 2024, the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program officially opened for onshore and offshore applicants, with the Australian Government allocating 3,800 skilled visa nomination places to SA for 2024/25.
In 2023/24, SA transitioned to a Registration of Interest (ROI) process to manage the high demand for state nominations, creating a more competitive environment for prospective applicants.
This means prospective applicants who meet the eligibility requirements can submit an ROI for SA.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee your ROI will be invited to apply for nomination, as only a limited number of applicants can be nominated via SA’s Skilled Occupation List for 2024/25.
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Understanding South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List for 2024/25
SA’s Skilled Occupation List for 2024/25 is made up of 464 occupations for onshore applicants and 427 occupations for offshore applicants.
Over the past few years, SA’s Skilled Occupation List has reflected the changing needs of the State’s job market, with a particular focus on the following key sectors:
- Trades & Construction
- Health
- Education
- Natural & Physical Sciences
- Social & Welfare Professionals.
Additionally, SA is actively seeking individuals with specialised skills in the digital and critical technologies sectors, emphasising the State’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Notably, international graduates and temporary visa holders will continue to find opportunities across a broad spectrum of occupations.
Registration of Interest (ROI)
As of 2023/24, prospective applicants must first submit an ROI instead of applying for state nomination directly.
SA will then prioritise candidates based on certain criteria, such as ensuring the State can harness the skills of those already contributing to SA’s economy.
South Australian State Nomination Criteria
The South Australian Government can nominate skilled migrants to enter its workforce.
Currently, there are two skilled migration visas available for state nomination:
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (Subclass 190) – 3,000 places.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) – 800 places.
Applicants may apply for state nomination through one of four streams:
- Skilled Employment in South Australia stream
- South Australian Graduates stream
- Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream
- Offshore stream.
Onshore State Nomination Requirements
All onshore applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system, with SA as the applicant’s preferred State or Territory.
- Ensure the nominated occupation is eligible under SA’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Currently reside and work in SA (Applicants for the Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream must live and work in Outer Regional SA).
- Be under 45 when the applicant’s state nomination is approved.
- Hold a valid and positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate at least Competent English, unless the occupation requires registration or licensing in SA.
- If so, the applicant must meet the English requirements set by the relevant authority. This applies to occupations such as trades, education, and health professions.
- Passport holders or citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand do not need to provide an English language test result.
- Achieve at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test, including state nomination points.
- Have completed skilled work experience after finishing the applicant’s course.
1. Skilled Employment in South Australia Stream
Skilled migrants on a temporary visa currently residing in SA and working in their nominated occupation may qualify for state nomination through the Skilled Employment in South Australia stream.
To be eligible for Skilled Employment in South Australia stream, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Have lived in SA for at least the past 12 months.
- Have been employed full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) for the last 12 months and currently hold a full-time position.
- The applicant’s job must be related to their nominated occupation and at the same skill level.
- For SA nomination, this typically means being within the same Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group, represented by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code.
2. South Australian Graduates Stream
To be eligible for the South Australian Graduates stream, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Have completed their qualification at an SA education provider and meet the following study requirements:
- The applicant’s course must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions & Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), with a minimum of 46 CRICOS weeks.
- The applicant’s study must meet the minimum qualification level for their nominated occupation on SA’s Skilled Occupation List.
- At least 75% of the applicant’s qualification must have been completed in SA.
- The applicant must have lived in SA for at least one year during their studies.
- Have been residing in SA for at least the last 6
- Have been working for the last 6 months.
- Currently employed in a full-time position (at least 30 hours per week). The applicant’s job must be related to their nominated occupation.
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment Stream
Skilled migrants currently residing and working in an outer regional area of SA in their nominated occupation may qualify for state nomination through the Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream.
To be eligible under the Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream, applicants must have lived and worked in Outer Regional SA for the past 9 months and be currently employed in a full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week).
The applicant’s job must be directly related to their nominated occupation and at the same skill level, typically within the same Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group, represented by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code.
4. Offshore Stream
Skilled migrants residing offshore who have submitted an EOI may be selected by SA and invited to apply for state nomination via the Offshore stream.
Applicants in priority nominated occupations may be selected to apply for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
For most occupations, applicants must have at least three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the past 5 years to be eligible for an invitation to apply for SA nomination.
Applicants with the following construction trades need a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years:
- Construction Project Manager
- Construction Estimator
- Welder (First Class)
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Joiner
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Solid Plasterer
- Roof Tiler
- Wall and Floor Tiler
- Plumber (General)
- Roof Plumber
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
All candidates will be assessed by the following factors:
- Years and field of skilled employment
- English language ability
- EOI points.
If selected to apply for SA nomination, applicants must submit their application within 14 days.
Contact Us
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Related Blog – The New Australian Migration Strategy