The Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa option specifically designed for skilled migrants. It enables individuals to live and work in South Australia, with nomination from the state.
Before applying for state nomination to live and work in South Australia, it’s essential to review the various nomination streams available for skilled migrants. Take the time to examine each stream to determine your eligibility before proceeding with your application.
South Australian Graduates
International graduates who have finished their studies in South Australia may be eligible for state nomination as skilled migrants more rapidly compared to other candidates.
Eligibility guidelines
- 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.
- Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the South Australian Graduates stream on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
- Currently live and work in South Australia
- Be under 45 years of age at the time your state nomination is approved
- Have a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Have at least 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. Occupations with registration requirements include trades, education, and health professions. (Note: 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)
- Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test (including state nomination points)
- Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider and meet the following study requirements:
- Your course in South Australia must be Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (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
- Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 6 months
- Have been working full-time for the last 6 months, and be currently employed full-time (at least 30 hours per week). Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation. For South Australian nomination, this is generally defined as being in the same Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group (represented by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code).
- Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion
Working in South Australia
Skilled migrants residing in South Australia and currently employed in their nominated occupation may qualify for state nomination through this pathway. Eligible candidates encompass temporary visa holders, international graduates, self-employed applicants, and sub-contractors.
Eligibility guidelines
- 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.
- Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the Skilled Employment in South Australia stream on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
- Currently live and work in South Australia
- Be under 45 years of age at time of state nomination is approved
- Have a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Have at least 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. Occupations with registration requirements include trades, education, and health professions. (Please note: 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)
- Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test (including state nomination points)
- Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months
- 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. For South Australian nomination, this is generally defined as being in the same Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group (represented by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code).
- Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.
Highly skilled and Talented
Highly skilled migrants with demonstrated talent and the ability to support innovation in South Australia can express interest in state nomination through this pathway. Eligible candidates may include skilled migrants residing in South Australia, as well as those in other Australian states and territories, and even offshore.
Eligibility guidelines
- 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.
- Check if your nominated occupation is eligible under the Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
- Currently live and work in Outer Regional South Australia
- Be under 45 years of age at time of state nomination is approved
- Have a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Have at least 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. Occupations with registration requirements include trades, education, and health professions. (Please note: 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)
- Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test (including state nomination points)
- Have been living and working in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week). Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation. For South Australian nomination, this is generally defined as being in the same Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group (represented by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code).
- Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.
Offshore
Skilled migrants currently residing offshore, who have lodged an Expression of Interest through the Commonwealth Government’s SkillSelect system, may be chosen by South Australia and invited to apply for state nomination.
Eligibility guidelines
Candidates will be assessed based on various factors within their nominated occupation, including years and field of skilled employment, English proficiency, and EOI points.
Priority nominated occupation applicants may be eligible for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190), providing indefinite residency in South Australia. However, the applicants must also satisfy Department of Home Affairs visa prerequisites, state-specific occupation criteria, and possess skills listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
