Skilled and Business Migration has officially commenced invitation rounds for the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, with South Australia becoming the first Australian state to issue invitations in 2026.
On 6 January 2026, South Australia issued 344 skilled migration invitations, sending a strong signal to both onshore and offshore applicants that the state is actively seeking skilled workers now, not later.
Skilled and Business Migration has confirmed that invitations will continue to be issued monthly, with the next round scheduled for early February 2026. For skilled migrants considering South Australia, this early momentum presents a valuable opportunity to act before competition increases across other states.
January 2026 Invitation Snapshot
In the January 2026 invitation round, South Australia issued:
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235 invitations for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
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109 invitations for the Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)
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344 invitations in total
To date in the 2025–26 program year, South Australia has issued 931 invitations, with 610 Subclass 190 and 321 Subclass 491 invitations already allocated.
Occupations in Strong Demand
The January data clearly highlights where South Australia’s workforce shortages remain most acute.
Highest Demand Occupations
Health Professionals received the highest number of invitations, with 69 invitations in January alone, including:
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Nurses (general, aged care, mental health)
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Medical practitioners and specialists
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Allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Healthcare continues to be a national priority, and South Australia is actively competing to attract qualified professionals into hospitals, aged care, and community health settings.
Other Occupations with Strong Invitation Numbers
South Australia also issued a significant number of invitations to skilled workers in the following fields:
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Engineering and Science Professionals – particularly in renewable energy, clean manufacturing, and infrastructure
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ICT Professionals – supporting digital transformation across government, health, and private sectors
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Education Professionals – including school teachers and tertiary educators
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Trades – electricians, construction trades, automotive and engineering trades
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Hospitality and Tourism Roles – especially in regional and outer regional areas
Bottom line: If your background is in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, or skilled trades, South Australia is actively inviting candidates now.
South Australia’s Four Skilled Migration Pathways
South Australia offers four nomination streams under its Skilled Migration program. Every applicant must fit into one of these pathways.
1. South Australian Graduates
International students who have studied in South Australia may be eligible for faster state nomination, particularly if they are working in their nominated occupation.
This pathway is especially attractive for recent graduates seeking to transition from a student or graduate visa into permanent or regional skilled migration.
2. Skilled Employment in South Australia
This pathway is for skilled migrants currently living and working in South Australia in their nominated occupation.
Eligible applicants may include:
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Temporary visa holders
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International graduates
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Self-employed individuals
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Contractors and sub-contractors
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment
Applicants living and working in outer regional areas of South Australia may be eligible through this stream.
This pathway supports regional workforce needs and often provides stronger nomination prospects due to reduced competition.
4. Offshore Skilled Migrants
Skilled workers living outside Australia who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect may be selected by South Australia and invited to apply for state nomination.
This pathway remains competitive but continues to offer opportunities for experienced professionals in high-demand occupations.
Why Applying Early Matters
South Australia’s early start to 2026 invitations places it ahead of other states. Historically, once additional states begin issuing invitations, competition increases quickly, particularly for popular occupations.
Applying early allows you to:
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Position yourself before points thresholds rise
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Secure nomination while allocations are still available
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Avoid delays caused by peak application periods later in the program year
How AVIE Can Help
Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) works closely with skilled migrants to:
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Assess eligibility across Subclass 190 and 491 pathways
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Identify the most suitable South Australian nomination stream
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Prepare Expressions of Interest and state nomination applications
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Develop long-term migration strategies aligned with permanent residency goals
If you are considering South Australia as your migration destination, now is the time to plan strategically.
Speak with AVIE to ensure your skilled migration application is prepared correctly, submitted on time, and positioned for success in the 2025–26 program year.