South Australia has reopened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for its 2026–27 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
This update matters if you want a subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa through South Australian state nomination.
If you live and work in South Australia and your current visa expires by 31 January 2027, you can register your interest now.
If you are applying from outside Australia, you do not need to do anything new, but you must have a current Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. If you are waiting on a South Australian nomination, you should check your options today.
What are the 190 and 491 visas?
The 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent visa. You need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government to apply for it.
The 491 Skilled Work Regional visa is a temporary regional visa. It lasts up to five years and can lead to permanent residency later if you meet the requirements.
Both visas are points-tested. State nomination can add points to your application and open up more occupations.
A Registration of Interest (ROI) is how people already living and working in South Australia ask to be considered for state nomination. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is lodged through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system, and every applicant, onshore or offshore, needs one.
Why does this update matter?
South Australia manages strong demand for state nomination through a Registration of Interest (ROI) process for onshore applicants.
For the 2025–26 program year, South Australia cut its onshore occupation list from 464 occupations to 393 occupations, and overall nomination places fell sharply. This made state nomination highly competitive.
South Australia has not yet published its full 2026–27 occupation numbers or nomination allocation. Until it does, do not assume your occupation or circumstances are automatically included. Check the official Skilled Occupation List before you rely on any pathway.
What you need to know about the 2026–27 update
Who can submit an ROI right now?
South Australia has opened ROI applications for people living and working in South Australia.
Your current visa must expire by 31 January 2027. You also need a current EOI in SkillSelect before you submit your ROI.
If your visa expires after 31 January 2027, South Australia has not yet confirmed when your ROI window will open. Keep checking the Skilled and Business Migration news page for updates.
So what does this mean for you? If your visa is expiring soon, this is your chance to act now. If it is not, you may need to wait for a later stage of the 2026–27 program.
What offshore applicants need to do
You do not need to submit an ROI if you are applying from outside Australia. You only need a current EOI in SkillSelect. South Australia will invite suitable offshore candidates directly from their EOI.
So what does this mean for you? Keep your SkillSelect EOI updated and accurate. Review your points score regularly, because competitive occupations may need a high score before you are invited.
Priority sectors for 2026–27
South Australia will focus invitations on priority sectors. These are building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing. High-ranking candidates in other sectors may still be considered.
So what does this mean for you? If you work in one of these sectors, your chances of an invitation may be stronger. If you do not, you should still register your interest or keep your EOI active, because strong candidates outside these sectors can still be invited.
The four South Australian nomination streams
South Australia nominates skilled migrants through four streams.
- South Australian Graduates — for people who studied in South Australia
- Skilled Employment in South Australia — for people working in SA in their nominated occupation
- Outer Regional Skilled Employment — for people working in outer regional SA
- Offshore — for people applying from overseas through SkillSelect
Each stream has its own eligibility rules. Check the Skilled Occupation List to see which streams and visa subclasses apply to your occupation.
So what does this mean for you? Your occupation decides which streams and visa subclasses are open to you. Some occupations only qualify for the 491 visa. Others qualify for both the 190 and 491 visa.
Visa fees and the nomination process
There is no fee to submit a Registration of Interest. The state nomination fee is $394 for the 190 visa and $394 for the 491 visa. This fee is on top of the visa application charge you pay to the Department of Home Affairs.
The process has four steps. First, check the Skilled Occupation List and your eligibility. Second, submit your SkillSelect EOI, and your ROI if you are onshore. Third, wait for a decision. Fourth, if invited, apply for nomination through the Apply Portal.
So what does this mean for you? You cannot skip the EOI step, even if you also need to submit an ROI. Both are required.
What should you do?
If you are living and working in South Australia, do not wait to check your options.
You should check:
- whether your current visa expires by 31 January 2027
- whether your occupation is still on the Skilled Occupation List
- whether your EOI is correct, current and submitted in SkillSelect
- which nomination stream applies to you
- whether your occupation is in a priority sector
- your points score, if you are applying from offshore
If your visa is expiring soon, or your occupation has been removed from the list, you may need to consider other visa options quickly.
Can Work Visa Lawyers help?
Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand your South Australian nomination options and prepare a clear visa strategy.
- 190 visa advice
- 491 visa advice
- Expression of Interest (EOI) strategy
- Registration of Interest (ROI) applications
- Skilled Occupation List checks
- employer sponsored visa options
- urgent visa strategy if your current visa is expiring soon
South Australian nomination is competitive. Small errors in your ROI or EOI can affect your result.
FAQ: South Australia’s 190 and 491 Visa Update 2026–27
Is South Australia open for 190 and 491 nominations in 2026–27?
Yes, but only for onshore applicants whose current visa expires by 31 January 2027. Offshore applicants can still lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and may be invited directly.
Do I need to submit an ROI if I am applying from overseas?
No. Offshore applicants do not need to submit a Registration of Interest. You only need a current EOI in SkillSelect, and South Australia will invite suitable candidates directly.
Which occupations are included in South Australia’s 2026–27 GSM program?
You can check the Skilled Occupations List for 2026–27. South Australia has not published separate occupation numbers for 2026–27 at this stage, so check the list directly for your occupation.
What are South Australia’s priority sectors for 2026–27?
Building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing. High-ranking candidates outside these sectors may still be considered.
How much does South Australian state nomination cost?
The nomination fee is $394 for the 190 visa and $394 for the 491 visa. There is no fee to submit a Registration of Interest.
How can Work Visa Lawyers help with my South Australia visa application?
We can review your eligibility, help you prepare your ROI or EOI, and give you a clear visa strategy. Arrange an appointment with our team.
Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.