South Australia Skilled Migration: January 2026 Invitation Round

South Australia has commenced 2026 with a measured but strategically targeted Skilled Migration invitation round, continuing its role as one of Australia’s most active state nomination jurisdictions under the 2025-26 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

The January 2026 invitation round reflects South Australia’s ongoing prioritisation of workforce-critical occupations, with clear emphasis on health, engineering, construction, ICT, and technical trades. Importantly, emerging year-to-year trends suggest that South Australia is positioning itself as a national leader in Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) visa nominations.

January 2026 Invitation Snapshot - South Australia

In January 2026, South Australia issued:

• 344 total invitations

  • Subclass 190: 235 invitations

  • Subclass 491: 109 invitations

This continues the state’s monthly invitation cadence and aligns with its long-term migration planning objectives.

As of January 2026 (year-to-date):

• 931 invitations issued

  • Subclass 190: 610

  • Subclass 491: 321

A National Outlier: Subclass 491 Growth in South Australia

Notably, South Australia is currently the only state outside Queensland to record a year-on-year increase in Subclass 491 visa applications during the remaining period of the 2025-26 program year.

This trend is significant.

Based on current nomination behaviour, labour demand, and application volumes, it is reasonable to expect South Australia to continue expanding its Subclass 491 allocations, with an estimated average of approximately 400 Subclass 491 invitations per month likely over the coming months.

This places South Australia in a uniquely advantageous position for offshore and onshore applicants seeking regional pathways with realistic nomination prospects.

Industry-Wise Analysis: Where South Australia Is Inviting

Health Professionals (ANZSCO Major Group 25)

• January 2026: 69 invitations

• Year-to-date: 174 invitations

Health remains South Australia’s most consistently prioritised sector. Medical practitioners, allied health professionals, and nursing roles continue to receive strong nomination support, reflecting systemic shortages across metropolitan and regional areas.

Outlook: Sustained and stable invitation levels throughout 2026.

Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals (ANZSCO 23)

• January 2026: 63 invitations

• Year-to-date: 162 invitations

Civil, mechanical, electrical, and transport engineers remain central to South Australia’s infrastructure and energy transition projects.

Outlook: Continued strength, particularly under Subclass 190 for highly experienced candidates.

Construction Trades Workers (ANZSCO 33)

• January 2026: 30 invitations

• Year-to-date: 89 invitations

Persistent housing supply pressures and infrastructure expansion are driving steady demand for licensed trades.

Outlook: Moderate but reliable invitation flow, especially under Subclass 190 for onshore candidates.

Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades (ANZSCO 34)

• January 2026: 21 invitations

• Year-to-date: 62 invitations

Electricians and telecommunications technicians remain strategically important due to renewable energy projects and digital infrastructure expansion.

Outlook: Stable with selective growth.

Education Professionals (ANZSCO 24)

• January 2026: 22 invitations

• Year-to-date: 52 invitations

Teacher shortages, particularly in STEM and regional schools, continue to shape nomination priorities.

Outlook: Targeted invitations with preference for regional experience.

ICT Professionals (ANZSCO 26)

• January 2026: 33 invitations

• Year-to-date: 91 invitations

ICT nominations are overwhelmingly weighted toward Subclass 491, signalling South Australia’s intent to regionalise tech talent.

Outlook: Strong Subclass 491 focus, especially for software engineers, developers, and system specialists willing to settle regionally.

Technicians, Support Workers & Business Professionals

Engineering technicians, health support workers, business and marketing professionals all received consistent but controlled invitation numbers.

Key Insight:These occupations are increasingly channelled toward Subclass 491, reinforcing South Australia’s regional settlement strategy.

Strategic Interpretation: What This Means for Applicants

South Australia’s January 2026 data reveals three clear policy signals:

1. Subclass 491 is expanding, not contractingSouth Australia is actively using the 491 visa as a long-term population and workforce solution.

2. Industry alignment matters more than raw pointsOccupation relevance, employment history, and regional commitment continue to outweigh marginal points differences.

3. Monthly invitations will remain predictableWith the next round scheduled for early February 2026, consistency is now a defining feature of South Australia’s migration program.

South Australia’s skilled migration program in 2026 reflects a mature, data-driven approach focused on sustainable workforce development rather than short-term intake surges.

For applicants aligned with priority industries; particularly those open to regional settlement under Subclass 491, South Australia currently offers one of the most transparent and opportunity-rich nomination environments in Australia.

As year-to-year Subclass 491 demand continues to rise, South Australia’s invitation volumes are expected not only to continue, but to expand.

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.