South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List 2025/26
Earlier this year, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program planning levels will remain at 185,000 places for the 2025/26 financial year. The program will continue to prioritise skilled migration, with a significant portion allocated to state and territory-nominated visas, as well as global talent attraction.
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is now officially open to both onshore and offshore applicants, with the Australian Government allocating 3,800 skilled visa nomination places to South Australia for 2025/26. To manage the high demand, the South Australian Government continues to use a Registration of Interest (ROI) process, creating a competitive environment for prospective applicants.
Meeting the eligibility criteria allows applicants to submit an ROI, but it does not guarantee an invitation to apply for nomination. Only a limited number of applicants can be nominated under South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List for 2025/26.
Why the Skilled Occupation List Matters in 2025/26
South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List plays a central role in determining who can be nominated for a skilled migration visa. Each year, the list is updated to reflect the State’s current and projected workforce needs, ensuring that migration supports economic growth and addresses skills shortages in key industries.
For prospective migrants, it determines whether your occupation is eligible for nomination and influences the visa pathways available to you. In 2025/26, South Australia continues to prioritise occupations in trades, health, education, and emerging sectors such as digital technologies. This year’s allocation of 3,800 skilled visa nomination places, split between permanent and provisional visa options, reflects the State’s focus on attracting talent that can fill critical skills gaps, contribute to innovation, and support regional development.
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Understanding the Skilled Occupation List
South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List reflects the State’s changing job market needs. In 2025/26, there is a strong focus on key sectors such as:
- Trades & Construction
- Health
- Education
- Natural & Physical Sciences
- Social & Welfare Professionals
In addition, the State is seeking individuals with specialised skills in digital and critical technologies, highlighting its commitment to innovation and growth. International graduates and temporary visa holders will continue to find opportunities across a broad range of occupations.
Registration of Interest
Since 2023/24, prospective applicants must submit an ROI before applying for state nomination. South Australia then prioritises candidates based on factors such as their potential to contribute to the state’s economy and workforce needs.
South Australian State Nomination Criteria
South Australia can nominate skilled migrants for the following visas:
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (Subclass 190) – 3,000 places.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) – 800 places.
Applicants may apply under one of four nomination streams:
- Skilled Employment in South Australia stream
- South Australian Graduates stream
- Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream
- Offshore stream.
Onshore State Nomination Requirements
Onshore applicants must:
- Maintain an active Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with SA as their preferred location.
- Nominate an occupation on SA’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Reside and work in SA (or in Outer Regional SA for the relevant stream).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination approval.
- Hold a valid, positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Have at least Competent English, unless a higher level is required for registration or licensing in SA.
- Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test (including state nomination points).
- Have completed skilled work experience after finishing their course.
Citizens and passport holders from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand are exempt from providing an English test result.
1. Skilled Employment in South Australia Stream
Temporary visa holders residing in SA and working in their nominated occupation may be eligible for nomination. Applicants must have:
- Lived in SA for at least 12 months.
- Worked full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) in the last 12 months.
- A current full-time position related to their nominated occupation at the same skill level (within the same ANZSCO Sub Major Group).
2. South Australian Graduates Stream
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have completed a qualification at an SA education provider registered with CRICOS (minimum 46 CRICOS weeks).
- Meet the qualification level required for their nominated occupation.
- Have completed at least 75% of their studies in SA.
- Lived in SA for at least one year during their studies.
- Have resided in SA for the last 6 months and been employed for the last 6 months in a full-time role related to their nominated occupation.
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment Stream
Applicants in this stream must have:
- Lived and worked in Outer Regional SA for at least 9 months.
- A current full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week) in their nominated occupation at the same skill level (within the same ANZSCO Sub Major Group).
4. Offshore Stream
Skilled migrants living overseas who have submitted an EOI may be invited to apply for state nomination under the Offshore Stream. Applicants in priority occupations may be eligible for either the subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa.
For most occupations, a minimum of three years of skilled employment in the nominated or related occupation is required within the last five years. Certain construction trades only require one year within the previous three years, including:
- 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)
Applicants will be assessed on skilled employment history, English proficiency, and EOI points. Those invited must apply within 14 days.
Contact Us
For expert guidance with SA’s Skilled Occupation List for 2025/26, contact Bambrick Legal today.
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Related Blog – The New Australian Migration Strategy