Before starting your application, it’s important to understand the requirements and options available in South Australia.
You can choose to apply for a visa or state nomination on your own, or you may decide to engage a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
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While completing your application, use this information to understand the process, requirements and supporting documents.
Skilled migrants wanting to move to South Australia can support their visa application by applying for State nomination.
State nomination from South Australia can strengthen your skilled visa application.
If you are applying for state nomination for a skilled migration visa, this checklist outlines the documents required to support your application.
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The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - subclass 491) is a state nominated visa that allows skilled migrants to live and work in South Australia for up to five years to support the state’s economy.
If you meet the nomination and visa criteria, this visa can also lead to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after holding the 491 visa for minimum of 3 years.
This pathway supports skilled workers who are committed to building a future in South Australia.
To apply for this skilled migration visa from the Department of Home Affairs, you must:
Please note this is a general summary only – check the Department of Home Affairs Subclass 491 visa webpage for the latest information.
For South Australian state nomination for this visa, you must:
To apply for this visa, you must have a nomination from the Government of South Australia and meet all nomination requirements, as well as the Department of Home Affairs eligibility criteria.
To qualify for a South Australian state nomination, there are some key requirements to meet, depending on your situation.
Please read about our nomination requirements to find out more about South Australia’s requirements and see if you are eligible.
Before you apply, please read all information and documentation to support your state nomination application. Nominating involves providing evidence of the claims you make.
Please also refer to the document checklist to help you prepare documentation, before you start your online application via the Skilled and Business Migration portal.
Once you have ensured you meet all nomination and visa requirements, and you have prepared the documentation to support your application, you are ready to begin the application process outlined below.
NOTE: Please submit an online enquiry if you wish to withdraw your application. Any application fees paid are not refundable.
Begin your application for state nomination and start your subclass 491 visa journey in South Australia.
If you live and work in South Australia on this visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).