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.
1. 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
- Currently reside and work in South Australia.
- Are under 45 years of age when state nomination is approved.
- Possess a valid and positive skills assessment for nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency
- Score a minimum of 65 points in the points test.
- Completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider and meet specific study criteria: Your qualification is from a South Australian education provider registered with CRICOS for a minimum of 46 weeks. Your study should meet the minimum qualification level required for your nominated occupation, with at least 50% completed in South Australia, where you must have resided for at least one year during your studies.
- Have resided in South Australia for the past 12 months.
- Must have been employed full-time for the past six months in a full-time position directly related to your nominated occupation and at a skill level consistent with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Sub Major Group, as indicated by the first two digits of the ANZSCO code.
- Have acquired skilled work experience post-course completion.
2. 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
- Check if your nominated occupation is eligible on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
- Currently reside and work in South Australia.
- Be under 45 years old when state nomination is approved.
- Possess a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency, unless your occupation mandates registration or licensing in South Australia.
- Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test, including state nomination points.
- Have resided in South Australia for the past 12 months.
- Have been employed full-time for the past six months in a role directly related to your nominated occupation and at a skill level consistent with the ANZSCO Sub Major Group.
- Acquire skilled work experience post-course completion
3. 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
- Reside and work in South Australia, interstate, or overseas.
- Be under 45 years old at the time state nomination is approved.
- Hold a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency (exemptions apply for specified passport holders).
- Score a minimum of 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test, including state nomination points.
- If employed or offered a position in South Australia, your employer must:
- Have been in operation for at least 12 months with a premise located and operating in South Australia during that time.
- Possess an annual turnover of at least $4 million, although exemptions may apply for start-up companies, businesses in outer regional South Australia, and those supporting the Defence sector.
- Be in good standing without adverse information about the business.
4. 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.
