The South Australia Immigration Process under Subclass 190

South Australia is an immigrant-friendly destination offering a broad range of job opportunities. The coastal capital of the state – Adelaide – is a major metropolitan centre of Australia and the fifth most-liveable city in the world. Australia immigration aspirants who wish to improve their point score through state nomination can explore the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) – a pathway for permanent residence in South Australia (SA).

While Immigration SA is the body that issues nominations for this state, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the immigration authority that grants the Subclass 190 visa. This is a points-tested visa category i.e. the candidate must score at least 65 points based on several evaluation factors, to be considered by SkillSelect – the DHA’s online portal which assesses eligibility of registrants. Securing a state nomination adds 5 points to this score, thus enhancing the applicant’s chances for selection.

While considering options for how to migrate to Australia, it is necessary to first ensure that the applicant can fulfil the eligibility requirements of the relevant visa category. To qualify for state nomination in SA, the applicant must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest under SkillSelect by fulfilling the eligibility criteria of the DHA.
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving the nomination.
• Practice an occupation listed under the State Nominated Occupation List. Some applicants may be able to access a Supplementary Occupation List, or be engaged in occupations that have special conditions.
• Possess a positive Skills Assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
• Have at least one year of skilled work experience in the preceding three years. Certain occupations may have a higher minimum work experience requirement. International graduates from SA universities/colleges may not be required to fulfil this requirement.
• Appear for an approved English language examination and meet the minimum language skills requirement for the occupation, set by Immigration SA. (Not applicable for citizens or permanent residents of Ireland, UK, Canada, USA or New Zealand.)
• Showcase sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members to settle in SA.
• Commit to living and working in SA for at least the initial two years after landing in Australia.

Those who can satisfy these requirements can follow the procedure for immigration to SA under Subclass 190:

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, choose SA as the preferred destination and select the Subclass 190 visa.

Step 2: Apply for State Nomination

File an online application for state nomination to Immigration SA, through their website, by submitting the required documents and paying the application fee (AUD 200).

Step 3: Invitation to Apply

Typically, applications for nomination under subclass 190 are processed within 8 weeks. If Immigration SA issues the nomination, the applicant will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Subclass 190 visa via e-mail.

Step 4: Visa Application

Nominated candidates must submit a visa application to the DHA within 60 days of receiving the ITA, along with the visa fee (AUD 3,755) and supporting documents that validate the claims made in the EOI. The DHA takes 11-14 months to process the Subclass 190 visa application. After due verification, the PR visa may be granted.

Citizenship can eventually be attained by those who have been living in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years during which they have not lived away from Australia for more than 12 months, and have been permanent residents for at least one year preceding the citizenship application.

Obtaining the Subclass 190 visa allows the candidate to permanently live and work in SA. By successfully pursuing the South Australia immigration process, skilled workers can create a bright and sustainable future in the state.