South Australia is one of the most popular states for skilled migrants and international graduates, and as an Adelaide-based agency it’s the state we know best. This update covers the South Australian skilled migration program, the subclass 190 and 491 visas, the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and the latest salary thresholds.
General information only, current at the date of publishing. The South Australian program changes during the year, so always check the official Move to South Australia website (migration.sa.gov.au) before you apply.
The two state-nominated visas
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory. Nomination adds 5 points to your score. You must have an occupation on the state’s list, a suitable skills assessment, competent English and at least 65 points.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
A five-year provisional visa to live and work in a designated regional area. All of South Australia, including Adelaide, is a designated regional area. Nomination adds 15 points, and after meeting the income and residence requirements you may be able to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191.
How many places does South Australia get?
For the 2025-26 program year, South Australia received more than 2,000 nomination places across the 190 and 491 visas. Its final scheduled invitation round for that year was in May 2026, and registrations of interest for the 2025-26 year closed on 2 June 2026.
Places for each new program year are confirmed by the Australian Government and announced by the state. Occupation lists and eligibility criteria can change with each new program year, so check the current list before you register your interest.
How the SA nomination process works
- Check your occupation is on the current South Australian occupation list and which stream fits you (for example, working in SA, graduates of SA institutions, or offshore applicants).
- Get your skills assessment and English test ready. Your points must be accurate at the time of invitation.
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, then a Registration of Interest (ROI) with South Australia if required.
- Receive a nomination invitation and submit your nomination application with evidence.
- Once nominated, you are invited to apply for the visa and lodge it with Home Affairs.
South Australia’s DAMAs
A Designated Area Migration Agreement lets endorsed employers sponsor overseas workers for occupations and concessions not available under the standard program. South Australia has two DAMAs: the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and the South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement.
On 21 September 2026, South Australia announced that both DAMAs have been extended until 31 January 2027 while negotiations finish for a new five-year statewide DAMA. The current terms and conditions are unchanged.
New salary thresholds from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) increased to $79,423. Some occupations under the South Australian DAMAs offer a 10% salary concession, currently equal to $71,480.70. Employer-sponsored applications need to meet the relevant threshold.
Why choose South Australia?
- Adelaide counts as regional for migration, giving access to 491 visas and regional study points
- Lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne
- Strong demand in health, construction, defence, technology and education
- Graduates of South Australian institutions often have dedicated nomination pathways
Talk to an Adelaide migration agent
Study Mate Migration is based in Adelaide. Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899) can check your occupation and points, and help you prepare your ROI, nomination and visa application. Start with our PR points calculator, read our points test guide, or see moving to South Australia.
Call +61 401 989 579 or book a consultation.
