Adelaide Migration and the Australian Visa Options & Subclass Pathways Available in South Australia

Introduction

Australia’s migration program operates as a structured framework, with state governments such as South Australia playing a significant role in nominating candidates for a range of visa subclasses. Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is a key destination for many migrants, offering distinct advantages for a visa application due to its classification as a ‘designated regional area’.

Securing South Australian state nomination is often a pivotal element for prospective migrants aiming to meet eligibility requirements for an Australian visa and settle in Adelaide, particularly if needing to bolster their visa application with additional points or access-specific occupation lists. This guide provides essential information on the various visa options and subclass pathways, clarifying how state nomination and other factors influence the migration journey for those looking to live and work in South Australia.

What Skilled Migration Visa Options Are Available for Adelaide, and How Can You Use State Nomination or Independent Pathways?

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers through state or territory government nomination, such as from South Australia. This nomination provides applicants with an additional five points towards the Department of Home Affairs points test, which can be crucial for meeting eligibility requirements.

Key requirements for the Subclass 190 visa generally include:

• Being under the age of 45 at the time of invitation
• Possessing at least ‘Competent English’ language proficiency
• Obtaining a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Achieving a minimum of 65 points on the points test, inclusive of the points from state nomination
• A commitment to living and working in South Australia for at least two years from the visa grant

The entirety of South Australia, including Adelaide, is considered for this visa, making it a viable option for those wishing to settle in the state. The South Australian government actively nominates skilled migrants who meet the state’s specific nomination criteria and can contribute to the local economy.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers intending to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Valid for five years, it offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years, provided certain conditions are met.

Notably, all of South Australia, including Adelaide, is classified as a designated regional area, making this visa an excellent option for migrants targeting Adelaide.

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants typically need:

• Nomination by a state or territory government like South Australia, or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area
• To be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• A positive skills assessment in a relevant occupation
• A minimum score of 65 points on the points test; state nomination for this visa grants an additional 15 points
• To demonstrate at least ‘Competent English’

Visa holders under this subclass must live, work, and, if applicable, study only in a designated regional area. This option is particularly beneficial for skilled migrants who can leverage South Australia’s state nomination or family sponsorship to enhance their visa application.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa

For highly skilled individuals who can meet the points’ threshold without sponsorship from a state, territory, or employer, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa offers a direct permanent residency pathway. This visa allows migrants to live and work anywhere in Australia, including Adelaide.

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

The primary eligibility criteria for this visa subclass include:

• Having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Obtaining a positive skills assessment for that occupation
• Meeting the points test requirement, typically needing at least 65 points
• Being under the age of 45 at the time of invitation
• Demonstrating competent English language skills

This visa option is attractive for skilled migrants who possess in-demand skills and can independently meet the stringent requirements of the Australian migration program, offering flexibility in their choice of settlement location within Australia.

What Employer-Sponsored Work Visas are Available in Adelaide?

Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass Subclass 482 

The Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 visa is a temporary visa that allows eligible Adelaide-based employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years. This visa is a primary pathway for individuals who have secured a job offer in Adelaide and need employer sponsorship to fill a position that cannot be sourced from the local workforce. This visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa on 7 December 2024.

The SID visa is structured into three distinct streams—Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills—designed to meet the diverse labour needs of Adelaide’s economy. Whether it’s a high-income role in a specialised industry or an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, this visa provides a clear and direct route to working in Adelaide and offers a pathway to permanent residency for those looking to settle in South Australia long-term.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional Subclass 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 visa is an option for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia, which includes Adelaide and the entirety of South Australia. This provisional visa allows individuals to live and work in a regional area for up to five years.

A key feature of the Subclass 494 visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After holding this visa and meeting specific requirements, such as living and working in a regional area for at least three years, visa holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).

Unlike some other skilled visas, the Subclass 494 visa is not points-tested; eligibility hinges on having an approved employer sponsor you for a position in a designated regional area like Adelaide.

Employer Nomination Scheme ENS Subclass 186 Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa offers a direct permanent residency option for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa is a significant pathway for individuals seeking to settle permanently in Adelaide with the support of a local employer.

There are different streams under the ENS Subclass 186 visa, including:

• The Direct Entry stream, which grants immediate permanent residence
• The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, often available to holders of a Subclass 482 visa who have worked for their sponsoring employer for a specified period and meet other criteria

Designated Area Migration Agreements

South Australia has specific DAMAs that provide Adelaide employers with more flexible conditions for sponsoring overseas workers. These agreements are formal arrangements between the Australian Government and the South Australian government, designed to address unique local labour market needs.

For individuals, a DAMA means access to certain visa concessions if sponsored by an endorsed employer.

Two key DAMAs relevant to Adelaide are:

• The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement: This DAMA covers metropolitan Adelaide and focuses on high-tech growth industries such as defence, space, technology, and advanced manufacturing. It allows employers in these key sectors to sponsor workers with tailored requirements.
• The South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement: This agreement covers the entire state of South Australia, including Adelaide. It targets skills shortages in various regional industries like agribusiness, health and social services, tourism and hospitality, and construction.

DAMAs typically utilise visa subclasses such as the Subclass 482 visa (Labour Agreement stream) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 visa (Labour Agreement stream).

Concessions under a DAMA can include:

• Access to a broader range of occupations
• More flexible English language requirements
• Potential age concessions for permanent residency pathways

What Business Visa and Investment Migration Options Are Available for Entrepreneurs in Adelaide?

Business Innovation & Investment Provisional Subclass 188 Visa

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (Subclass 188) has historically been a key visa option for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners looking to establish or invest in a business in Australia, including in Adelaide.

This visa encompassed various streams:

• Business Innovation stream
• Investor stream
• Significant Investor stream
• Entrepreneur stream

Typically, these streams required state nomination from a state like South Australia. However, a significant change has impacted this pathway.

As of 31 July 2024, the Subclass 188 visa is closed to all new applicants across all its streams. This decision by the Australian government means that individuals who had not lodged an application before this date can no longer apply for this provisional business visa.

Consequently, South Australia, along with other states and territories, was not allocated any nomination places for the Subclass 188 visa for the 2023-24 program year. This closure affects those considering new business migration to Adelaide through this particular visa. Nevertheless, applications lodged before the closure will continue to be processed.

Business Innovation & Investment Permanent Subclass 888 Visa Pathway for Existing Adelaide 188 Holders

For individuals who already hold a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (Subclass 188), the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Subclass 888) remains the pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This visa is for those who have met the specific requirements of their provisional visa stream and have fulfilled their business or investment commitments.

State nomination from South Australia is a crucial requirement for Subclass 888 visa applicants who were initially nominated by the state for their Subclass 188 visa and have established their business or investment activities in Adelaide or other parts of South Australia.

To be eligible for South Australian state nomination for the Subclass 888 visa, existing Subclass 188 visa holders must demonstrate that they have met the obligations agreed upon at the provisional visa stage. These obligations often relate to:

• Residency in South Australia for a specified period
• The level of investment made and maintained in the state
• The turnover generated by their business in Australia
• The employment of Australian citizens or permanent residents

The specific criteria for nomination can vary depending on the stream of the original Subclass 188 visa held. Skilled & Business Migration South Australia outlines these requirements, and successful nomination allows the visa holder to apply to the Department of Home Affairs for permanent residency.

What Graduate Visa Options, Can You Use for Your Studies?

Temporary Graduate Subclass 485

For international students who have completed their studies at an institution in Adelaide, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) presents a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in Australia. This visa can serve as a stepping stone towards other Australian migration pathways.

The Subclass 485 visa has distinct streams available to Adelaide graduates, primarily:

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: This stream is generally for individuals who have graduated with an eligible VET qualification. It typically allows for a stay of up to 18 months. However, Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may be eligible to stay for 5 years under this stream.
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: This stream is for students who have completed a higher education degree, such as a Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree. The length of stay granted usually ranges from two to four years, depending on the level of the qualification obtained from an Australian institution.

It’s important to note that specific arrangements, like the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), may result in varied lengths of stay for Indian nationals. These streams allow recent graduates from Adelaide institutions to remain in Australia temporarily to live, study, and work, enhancing their eligibility for further visa options.

Adelaide’s Regional Status for Extended Post Study Work Rights

Adelaide’s classification as a ‘designated regional area’ for migration purposes offers a significant advantage for international students graduating from its institutions. This status can make graduates eligible for an extension on their Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), providing them with more time to gain skilled work experience and explore pathways to permanent residency.

Specifically, graduates who have studied at a regional campus, such as those in Adelaide, and meet the relevant criteria may be eligible for an additional period on their Post-Study Work stream visa.

The benefits include:

• Additional one to two years: Depending on the qualification and the specific stream, graduates from Adelaide institutions may be eligible for an additional one or two years on their Temporary Graduate visa. For instance, under the Post-Higher Education Work stream:
  • Bachelor degree graduates may receive an additional year, extending their stay from 2 to 3 years.
  • Masters degree (coursework) graduates may also receive an additional year, extending their stay from 2 to 3 years.
  • Masters degree (research) and PhD graduates could be eligible for an additional year, potentially extending their stay from 3 to 4 years.
• Second Post-Study Work stream: The Department of Home Affairs also provides for a ‘Second Post-Study Work stream’ for holders of a first Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) in the Post-Study Work stream who graduated from a CRICOS registered education provider in a designated regional area, like Adelaide, and have continued to live in such an area.

This extended post-study work period in South Australia enhances a graduate’s ability to meet eligibility criteria for state nomination or other skilled migration visa options, making Adelaide an attractive study destination for those with long-term migration goals.

What Family & Partner Visa Options Can Help You Join Loved Ones in Adelaide?

Partner Visas Subclass 820/801 & 309/100

Individuals in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Adelaide have specific visa options to join their partner. These partner visas are typically processed in two stages: a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa.

If you are in Australia when you apply, the pathway is the Partner visa (Subclass 820/801):

• The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.
• The Subclass 801 is the permanent visa, usually granted if the relationship is still genuine and ongoing after a certain period (often two years from the Subclass 820 application).

If you are outside Australia when you apply, the pathway is the Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (Subclass 309/100):

• The Subclass 309 is a temporary visa that allows you to travel to Australia to live with your partner.
• The Subclass 100 is the permanent visa, granted later if the relationship remains genuine and continuing.

Both pathways require substantial evidence of the genuine and continuing nature of the relationship. This evidence can include:

• Financial interdependence
• The nature of your household
• Social aspects of your relationship
• Your commitment to each other

Prospective Marriage Subclass 300 Visa 

For individuals who are outside Australia and intend to marry their Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner in Adelaide, the Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) is a relevant visa option. This temporary visa allows you to travel to Australia for up to nine months to marry your fiancé(e).

Once the Subclass 300 visa is granted, you must enter Australia and marry your partner within the visa’s validity period. After marrying, and before the Subclass 300 visa expires, you can then apply for a Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) in Australia to remain permanently. This visa is specifically designed for those who are engaged and plan to marry after the visa holder arrives in Australia.

Parent Visa Options

Parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens settled in Adelaide may be eligible for various Parent visa options to join their children in Australia. These visa categories can be complex and often involve significant waiting times and costs.

The main Parent visa categories include:

• Parent visa (Subclass 103): This is a permanent visa with a lower application charge but typically involves very long processing times, potentially many years.
• Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173) and Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143): These visas have significantly higher application charges but much shorter processing times. The Subclass 173 is a temporary visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years, after which they can apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa. Alternatively, applicants can apply directly for the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
• Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804) and Contributory Aged Parent visas (Subclass 884/864): These are for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian age pension and are applying from within Australia. Similar to the other parent visas, there are standard (Subclass 804) and contributory (Subclass 884 temporary leading to 864 permanent, or direct 864 permanent) options, with the contributory visas having higher costs but faster processing.

All parent visa applications generally require sponsorship by an eligible child in Australia, and applicants must meet health and character requirements. Additionally, the “balance of family test” is a key criterion for most parent visas, which usually requires that at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

Conclusion

Migrating to Adelaide offers diverse Australian visa options, leveraging South Australia’s state nomination for skilled migrants and the city’s advantageous ‘designated regional area’ status. Pathways range from the permanent Subclass 190 visa and provisional Subclass 491 visa, to employer-sponsored visas like the Subclass 482 and Subclass 494, graduate visas such as the Subclass 485, and various family and partner visa subclasses, each with specific eligibility criteria.

Understanding these varied visa pathways and South Australian state nomination requirements can be complex, so for tailored advice on your visa application and to navigate your migration journey to Adelaide with confidence, contact Moya Migration Law today. Our experienceds in Adelaide offer trusted experiencedise to help secure your future in South Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)