South Australia’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program: Final Allocations & Strategy

The Australian Government has officially confirmed the final allocation for South Australia’s 2025–26 General Skilled Migration Program. This announcement brings much-needed clarity for skilled professionals and employers planning their future in the Festival State.

Whether you are already living in Adelaide or planning your move from overseas, here is everything you need to know about the new numbers and the application process.

The 2025–26 Allocation 

South Australia has secured a total of 2,250 nomination places for the program year. While competition remains high, these places are targeted at sectors with critical skill shortages.

This allocation is part of the national total of 20,350 state nomination places released for the 2025–26 program year.

Critical Process Update: Onshore vs. Offshore

South Australia uses a distinct approach depending on where you are currently located. It is vital to know which lane you are in:

For Onshore Applicants (Living in SA)

• Action Required: You must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI).
• Requirement: You generally need to be currently living and working in South Australia to be eligible.
• Where: Lodge your ROI via the Move to South Australia portal.

For Offshore Applicants (Overseas)

• Action Required:You don’t need to submit an ROI
• Process: South Australia reviews Federal SkillSelect directly. If your profile matches their needs, they will invite you directly from your Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Strategy: Ensure your SkillSelect EOI is up to date and you have selected “South Australia” as your preferred state.

Eligibility & Key Requirements

1. Department of Home Affairs (Federal) Basics

• Age: Be under 45 years at the time of nomination.
• English: Competent English or higher (though Proficient/Superior is often needed to be competitive).
• Skills: Hold a valid positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
• Points: Score a minimum of 65 points (including state nomination points).

2. South Australia Specifics

• Residency (Onshore): You must show you are living and working in South Australia.
• Commitment: Demonstrate a genuine intent to settle in SA long-term.
• Regional Advantage: Remember, Adelaide is classified as regional for migration purposes, granting you access to the Subclass 491 benefits while living in a major city.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

• Step 1 – Lodge EOI: Submit your Expression of Interest in the Home Affairs SkillSelect system.
• Step 2 – Lodge ROI (Onshore Only): If you are in SA, submit your Registration of Interest via the Move to South Australia portal. (Offshore applicants skip this step).
• Step 3 – Await Invitation: SA invites the most competitive candidates based on occupation demand, points, and employment duration.
• Step 4 – Apply for Nomination: If invited, you will have a strict timeframe to submit your state nomination application with all evidence.
• Step 5 – Visa Lodgement: Once nominated, you receive the invite to apply for your visa with the Department of Home Affairs.

Employer Update: DAMA Changes

For employers utilising the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to fill unique roles, note these recent operational changes:

• Limit: Businesses may only request one variation per agreement year.
• Timing: Variations cannot be requested in the first six months of a new agreement.
• Advice: Employers must forecast workforce needs accurately to avoid being locked out of changes.

Why Choose South Australia?

South Australia offers the perfect “middle ground” of Australian life. You get the career opportunities and infrastructure of a mainland capital city (Adelaide) with a lower cost of living and a relaxed, family-friendly pace.

With high demand for skilled workers in Healthcare, Construction, Teaching, and Tech, it is one of the most balanced places to build a future in 2025.

How Questra Migration Can Help

The difference between a rejection and an invitation often comes down to strategy. At Questra Migration, we don’t just fill in forms; we build a migration plan.

Our Expertise:

• Strategic ROI: Crafting ROIs for onshore applicants that highlight the specific factors SA assesses (employment duration, salary, and sector).
• Offshore EOI Optimisation: Ensuring your SkillSelect profile hits the specific keywords and codes SA is filtering for.
• Document Perfection: Pre-validating your skills assessment and employment evidence to ensure a “decision-ready” application.

Ready to secure your place in South Australia?

Book a Consultation Today or contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Sources:

• Migration SA – Official Program Update (2025–26)
• Department of Home Affairs – State and Territory Nomination Allocations

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.