South Australia Reopens Skilled Migration Registrations for 2026–27

South Australia has reopened its General Skilled Migration (GSM) Registration of Interest (ROI) process for eligible onshore applicants seeking Subclass 190 or 491 state nomination.

According to the South Australian Government's announcement on 22 October 2026, the current reopening applies to people living and working in South Australia whose visas expire on or before 31 January 2027.

Offshore applicants can continue to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect without lodging a separate ROI.

What Has Changed

South Australia is accepting ROIs from eligible onshore applicants as part of its 2026–27 skilled migration program.

The state has identified several priority sectors for invitations:

• Building and construction
• Defence
• Education
• Engineering
• Health
• Manufacturing

High-ranking applicants working outside these priority sectors may also be considered.

However, submitting an ROI or EOI does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants must meet the relevant nomination requirements and be selected by South Australia.

Who Is Affected?

Onshore applicants

You may be eligible to submit an ROI if you:

1. Currently live and work in South Australia.
2. Hold a visa expiring on or before 31 January 2027.
3. Have an active SkillSelect EOI.
4. Meet the occupation, skills assessment, points and other requirements of your nomination stream.

Offshore applicants

If you are currently outside Australia, you do not need to submit an ROI.

Instead, you can lodge or maintain your SkillSelect EOI, select South Australia and ensure you meet the relevant offshore nomination requirements.

Suitable offshore candidates may be invited directly through SkillSelect.

South Australia 190 vs 491: Which Pathway Applies?

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

A permanent residency visa offering 5 additional points through state nomination.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

A five-year provisional visa offering 15 additional points through state nomination, with a potential pathway to permanent residency if the relevant requirements are met.

Eligibility for either pathway depends on your occupation, circumstances and South Australia's nomination criteria.

Practical Steps for Eligible Applicants

1. Check your occupation: Confirm it appears on South Australia's current Skilled Occupation List and is eligible under your intended pathway.
2. Review your EOI: Make sure your claimed points, English results, skills assessment and employment details are accurate.
3. Check your visa expiry date: If you are living and working in South Australia and your visa expires by 31 January 2027, review whether you qualify for the current ROI intake.
4. Prepare your documents: Employment records, proof of residence and other supporting evidence may be required.
5. Review your migration options: If you are not eligible for South Australian nomination, consider whether another state nomination or employer-sponsored pathway may be suitable.

Key Takeaways

• South Australia reopened its GSM ROI process for eligible onshore applicants on 22 October 2026.
• The current reopening targets people living and working in South Australia whose visas expire by 31 January 2027.
• Offshore applicants continue through SkillSelect EOI and do not need an ROI.
• Priority sectors include construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing.
• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation or visa approval.

Is Your Visa Expiring Soon? Check Your Options Before It's Too Late

If you are living and working in South Australia, this reopening could provide an opportunity to progress your skilled migration plans.

However, an approaching visa expiry date does not automatically make you eligible for state nomination. Your occupation, work experience, points and supporting documents all matter.

At Riverwood Migration, our immigration lawyers can help assess your eligibility for Subclass 190 or 491, review your EOI and explore alternative visa pathways where appropriate.

Not sure whether you qualify for South Australian nomination? Contact Riverwood Migration to discuss your circumstances and plan your next steps.

Official source: South Australian Government – GSM Program Update, 22 October 2026

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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