Skilled Migrants

If you have been living and working in South Australia, you are encouraged to consider applying for state nomination. 

You must be working at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight in your nominated or closely related occupation in South Australia for the duration required for your nominated occupation, unless specified differently for your occupation. If you are working part time (less than 35 hours per week) you may be offered a 491 nomination.  

For the purpose of state nomination, closely related occupation is defined as within the ANZSCO 2-digit level. Where specified for your nominated occupation, other occupations may also be considered closely related. A skilled occupation in the same industry as your nominated occupation may also be considered as a closely related occupation. If you are claiming points for your work experience in your SkillSelect EOI, please ensure you meet the Home Affairs requirements to claim points

If you are applying for subclass 491 nomination, you must be currently working for the last 6 months in South Australia, unless specified differently for your occupation. 

If you are applying for subclass 190 nomination, you must be currently working for the last 12 months in South Australia, unless specified differently for your occupation. 

You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 491 or 190 visa subclasses  

You must meet the state nomination requirements and the specific requirements listed for your nominated occupation. 

If you are a 457, 482 or 494 visa holder with more than 12 months remaining on your visa, you must provide a letter from your current employer consenting to your state nomination application. 

Concessions and waivers to the work experience requirements are available for applicants who are living and working in outer regional South Australia. 

To be considered to be working in outer regional South Australia, you must be employed and residing in an area outside of Greater Adelaide. View the full list of eligible postcodes. 

If you are living and working in outer regional South Australia, you may be eligible for the following waivers or reductions to the skilled work experience requirements. 

• If you are currently residing and working for the last 12 months in outer regional South Australia in any occupation (does not have to be a skilled occupation nor related to your nominated occupation) you may be eligible to be nominated for a 491 visa nomination.   
• If you are currently residing and working in outer regional South Australia and you are unable to meet the published requirements, you are still encouraged to submit an application. Reasons for being unable to meet the published requirements include visa expiry, losing points for age, or working less than 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. You should include a letter of support from your employer and a submission outlining why you should be considered for nomination. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis. 

Long-term residents who are living and working in South Australia are eligible for waivers to the skilled work experience requirements. 

Stream One: International Graduates and Partners  

• If you are a former international graduate of South Australia or a partner of an international graduate of South Australia, currently residing in South Australia and: 
  • you have resided continuously in South Australia (at time of state nomination application) 
  • for the last 3 years for subclass 491, or 
  • for the last 5 years for subclass 190, and 
  • you are currently working for the last 12 months in South Australia in a Skill Level 1, 2 or 3 occupations. “Carers and Aides” occupations (Skill Level 4) will also be accepted as skilled work experience (the occupation you are working in does not have to be related to your nominated occupation) 
  • your skilled work experience over the last 12 months in South Australia must be at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight
  • where specified for your nominated occupation, visa subclass restrictions and requirements may apply. Applicants working in critical sectors will be prioritised, and 190 or 491 nomination may be offered on a discretionary basis.

Stream Two: Other temporary visa holders (excluding student and graduate visa holders) 

• You have resided in South Australia for at least 7 years (at time of state nomination application) and continue to reside in South Australia 
• You must be currently working for the last 12 months in South Australia in any occupation (does not have to be a skilled occupation or related to your nominated occupation)
• Your work experience over the last 12 months in South Australia must be at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight
• Applicants are eligible for a 491 nomination only.