Introduction
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is one of Australia’s most popular pathways to permanent residency, particularly for skilled migrants seeking to build a life in Adelaide. This visa requires a state nomination from the South Australian government, a critical step that confirms your skills are in demand and boosts your visa application.
Securing a South Australian nomination is the key to this migration journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the entire process, from meeting the specific state nomination requirements and understanding the skilled occupation list to navigating the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs and exploring the benefits of making your move to South Australia.
Key Eligibility for SA’s 190 Visa Nomination
Federal Criteria for the Skilled Nominated Visa
Before being considered for a South Australian state nomination, you must meet the foundational eligibility criteria for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) set by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. These requirements form the basis of your visa application and are non-negotiable for all skilled migrants.
To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must satisfy several key conditions:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be under 45 when you are invited to apply for the visa. |
| Points Test | You must score a minimum of 65 points, which includes the five additional points from a state nomination. |
| Skills Assessment | A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation is required. |
| English Proficiency | A minimum of ‘Competent’ English is required, though passport holders from the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, or NZ are generally exempt. |
| Skilled Occupation | Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 visa. |
South Australia’s State Nomination Requirements
Once you meet the federal criteria, you must also satisfy the specific state nomination requirements set by the South Australian government. These additional rules ensure the skilled migrants nominated meet the state’s unique economic and workforce needs.
You’ll need to secure a South Australian nomination before you’re ready for your final visa application. The state nomination requirements include:
- Occupation on SA’s List: Your nominated occupation must be listed on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. This list is updated regularly and tailored to the state’s specific labour market demands.
- Nomination Stream Eligibility: You must meet all the criteria for one of South Australia’s specific nomination streams. These streams are designed for different types of applicants, such as:
- International graduates who studied in the state
- Skilled workers already employed in South Australia
- Highly skilled offshore applicants
- Expression of Interest (EOI): You must have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system, clearly indicating South Australia as your preferred state for nomination.
- Commitment to South Australia: By accepting a nomination, you are committing to live and work in South Australia for at least two years upon arrival, contributing your skills to the local economy.
Navigating SA’s Skilled Occupation List
Impact of the Occupation List on Your Nomination
Securing a state nomination from South Australia is fundamentally tied to the state’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list is a critical component of the skilled migration program, as your nominated occupation must be included to be eligible for consideration.
The South Australian government regularly updates the list to reflect:
- The state’s current economic needs
- Changing labour market demands
The SOL specifies which occupations are in demand and, crucially, under which nomination streams are available. For instance, an occupation might be open for the Subclass 190 visa under the ‘Working in South Australia’ stream but not for offshore applicants.
Therefore, prospective skilled migrants must carefully check the most current version of South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List on the official Skilled & Business Migration SA website to confirm their eligibility before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
SA’s Priority Industries & High-Demand Occupations
To address critical skills shortages and support economic growth, South Australia prioritises skilled migrants with experience in specific high-demand industries. Invitations to apply for state nomination are often targeted toward individuals who can contribute to these key sectors.
The state has identified several priority industries where skilled workers are urgently needed. These include:
| Priority Industry | Description / Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Health and Medical Sciences | Meeting high demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses and allied health workers. |
| Trades and Construction | Supporting infrastructure projects and addressing shortages in roles like electricians and plumbers. |
| Defence, Space, and Cybersecurity | Fuelling the state’s growing high-tech defence and space industries. |
| Education | Filling crucial roles in early childhood, primary, and secondary teaching. |
| Digital Technology | Driving innovation and technological advancement across the economy. |
| Agribusiness and Food | Supporting one of South Australia’s core economic pillars. |
| Natural and Physical Sciences | Contributing to research, development, and environmental management. |
Aligning your visa application with one of these priority sectors can significantly strengthen your profile and increase your chances of receiving a nomination to move to South Australia.
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A Guide to SA’s Nomination Streams
The South Australian Graduates Stream
This stream provides a pathway for international graduates who have completed their qualifications in South Australia, aiming to retain skilled talent within the state. To be eligible for state nomination under this stream, you must meet several specific requirements demonstrating your connection to South Australia.
Eligibility for the South Australian Graduates stream includes:
- Current Residence and Employment: You must live and work in South Australia. Your employment must be at least 30 hours per week for the last six months in your nominated occupation or a closely related field.
- South Australian Qualification: Your qualification must be from a South Australian education provider. The course must be Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)-registered, with a minimum duration of 46 weeks, and at least 50% of it must have been completed in South Australia.
- Residency During Study: You must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies.
- Post-Course Work Experience: All skilled work experience claimed for this stream must have been undertaken after you completed your course.
The Working in South Australia Stream
For skilled migrants already living and contributing to the state’s workforce, the Working in South Australia stream offers another route to a skilled visa. This pathway is available to a range of applicants, including temporary visa holders, self-employed individuals, and established subcontractors.
To qualify for the Working in South Australia stream, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Residency and Employment: You must have been residing in South Australia for at least 12 months. Additionally, you must have been working for the previous six months and be currently employed in a full-time role of at least 30 hours per week.
- Relevant Occupation: Your job must be directly related to your nominated occupation and at the same skill level.
- Occupation List: Your nominated occupation must be available under the Working in South Australia stream on the state’s Skilled Occupation List.
The Highly Skilled & Talented Stream
This specialised stream is designed to attract exceptionally skilled migrants who can significantly contribute to South Australia’s economy and priority industries. It is open to applicants living in South Australia, interstate, or offshore who can demonstrate their outstanding experiencedise and potential for innovation.
Key requirements for the Highly Skilled and Talented stream often include:
- Employer Requirements: If you have a job offer in South Australia, your employer generally must be an established business operating for at least 12 months with an annual turnover of at least $4 million. Exemptions to the turnover requirement may apply for start-ups or businesses in outer regional areas or the defence sector.
- Contribution to Priority Sectors: Priority is given to applicants whose employer operates in one of South Australia’s key industry sectors, such as:
- Hi-Tech/Digital
- Green Energy
- Defence
- Space and Cybersecurity
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Health and Life Sciences
- Applicant Profile: You must demonstrate how your skills and experience will bring new ideas and innovation to the state. While not always mandatory, earning a high salary (e.g., $80,000 annually) can strengthen your application.
The Offshore Nomination Pathway
Skilled migrants outside of Australia can be considered for a state nomination through the Offshore stream. South Australia directly selects eligible candidates from the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.
To be considered for this pathway, you must:
- Submit an EOI: You must have an active EOI in SkillSelect, with South Australia selected as your first preferred state or territory.
- Merit-Based Assessment: Applicants are assessed on merit, with key factors including:
- Your years of skilled employment
- English language ability
- Total EOI points score
- Priority Occupations: If your nominated occupation is considered a high-priority field for South Australia, you may be selected to apply for a Subclass 190 visa, which provides immediate permanent residency.
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Your Step-by-Step Visa Application Journey
Skills Assessment, EOI & ROI
The migration journey for a Subclass 190 visa begins with several foundational steps that must be completed in sequence:
- Obtain a positive and valid skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards and are a prerequisite for your visa application.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ online SkillSelect system. The EOI is not a visa application but a formal declaration of your interest in skilled migration. You must select South Australia as your first preferred state or territory for nomination to be considered for the Subclass 190 visa pathway.
- Complete a South Australia-specific step by submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI). This is done via the state’s Skilled & Business Migration portal and is a free process designed to help the government manage the high demand for a limited number of nomination places.
Remember, you cannot apply for state nomination directly; you must first submit an ROI and be invited by South Australia to proceed.
Securing Your Nomination & Visa Invitation
If your Registration of Interest (ROI) is successful, Skilled & Business Migration SA will invite you to apply for state nomination. This invitation signifies that you have been prioritised based on factors like your work experience, English language ability, and EOI points score.
State nomination is a competitive process; receiving an invitation allows you to move to the next stage. You must lodge a formal state nomination application through the Skilled & Business Migration portal when you receive this invitation. This requires a fee of $359 and the submission of comprehensive supporting documents, including:
- Proof of identity, such as your passport
- Your positive skills assessment and English language test results
- Qualification certificates and academic transcripts
- Detailed evidence of your work experience, such as employer reference letters and payslips
- Proof of residency in South Australia, if you are applying onshore
If your state nomination application is approved, South Australia will formally nominate you in the SkillSelect system. This triggers an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Subclass 190 visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
You’ll need to lodge your final visa application with all required documentation within 60 days of receiving the ITA, as the nomination offer will expire after this period.
Benefits of Migrating to Adelaide with the 190 Visa
Immediate Permanent Residency & Australian Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of the Subclass 190 visa is that it grants immediate permanent residency upon approval. This status allows you and your eligible family members to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, providing long-term stability from day one.
Securing this permanent visa unlocks a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to Medicare | Eligibility to enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system for free or subsidised medical services. |
| Pathway to Citizenship | You can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements. |
| Family Sponsorship | As a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members for visas to join you. |
| Social Security | Potential access to certain social security payments after relevant waiting periods. |
| Points Boost | The state nomination provides five crucial points towards your overall score in the points test. |
Adelaide’s Lifestyle & Economic Opportunities
Migrating to Adelaide offers a unique combination of a high-quality lifestyle and robust economic prospects. The city is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable in the world, celebrated for its affordability and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
The cost of living is notably lower than in other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, particularly regarding housing and rental costs. This affordability factor makes Adelaide an attractive destination for many migrants seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Beyond its affordability, Adelaide provides skilled migrants with significant professional opportunities. South Australia’s economy is experiencing strong growth, focusing on several high-demand industries actively seeking qualified workers. This creates a favourable environment for career development and long-term employment.
Key attractions for skilled migrants include:
- Thriving Job Market: South Australia has a strong demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as health and medical sciences, trades and construction, defence, space, and digital technology.
- Vibrant Culture: Known as the “Festival City,” Adelaide boasts a rich arts scene, world-class wineries, and a diverse culinary landscape.
- Work-Life Balance: The city’s layout and accessible natural attractions, from beaches to wine regions, promote a healthy work-life balance that residents value.
- Economic Growth: The state government is committed to attracting skilled migrants to support its key industries and drive economic growth, ensuring ongoing opportunities for newcomers.
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Conclusion
The Subclass 190 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency in Adelaide, requiring skilled migrants to secure a South Australian state nomination by navigating a competitive, multistep process. By understanding the specific eligibility criteria, nomination streams, and the state’s skilled occupation list, applicants can strategically prepare their visa application to capitalise on the lifestyle and economic benefits of moving to South Australia.
Navigating the complexities of the state nomination and visa application process requires careful preparation to ensure a successful outcome. For exceptional guidance tailored to your circumstances, you can contact the experienceds at Moya Migration Law today to make your migration journey easier and take the first step toward securing your future in Adelaide.
