SA Skilled Regional Provisional Visa 491

Updated on 10 Feb 2021

This is a state nominated provisional visa for skilled migrants that allows you to live and work in South Australia for up to five years and can provide a pathway to permanent residency.

State nomination from South Australia provides you with 15 additional points to help you qualify for a subclass 491 visa under the Department of Home Affairs points test.

South Australia offers a state nomination pathway for the subclass 491 visa if you meet all state nomination requirements

If you live and work in South Australia for three years on the subclass 491 visa and meet the minimum taxable income level for at least three years (see the Department of Home Affairs website), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Requirements:

To qualify for a South Australian state nomination, there are some key requirements that you must meet.

1. Residency Requirements

1.1 State nomination is provided to meet the State’s skills needs and is granted based on the applicant’s genuine interest and intention to live and work in South Australia. In submitting your application you are indicating that you intend to live and work in South Australia with a view to long-term settlement. 

1.2 If you are in Australia but not currently residing in South Australia, you are ineligible to apply for state nomination. 

1.3 If you are currently residing offshore, you are ineligible to apply for state nomination.

2. Age 

You must be under age 45 at time of nomination.

3. Occupation 

You must have an occupation on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and meet the eligibility requirements for that occupation.

4. Skills Assessment 

4.1 You must have a valid and positive General Skilled Migration skills assessment from the relevant authority. Skills assessments must be for your nominated occupation. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information on skills assessments. 

4.2 Skills assessments must have been issued within the last three years or if the skills assessing authority has specified a shorter validity period, the skills assessment is only valid until that specified date. The skills assessment must be valid at time of nomination decision.  

5. Work experience 

5.1 You must meet work experience requirement listed for your occupation.

5.2 Skilled work experience must be undertaken post-course completion and is defined as a minimum of 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight of paid employment in your nominated or closely related occupation (some concessions apply if you are currently working in outer regional South  Australia, or you are a long-term resident of South Australia, or for specified occupations). Applicants already working in South Australia and South Australian graduates may be eligible for exemptions or waivers to the work experience requirement, as specified in the occupation requirements.

5.3 The position must be paid at the appropriate rate for the skill level.

6. English

6.1 You must meet minimum English language requirement listed for your occupation. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information on English tests.

6.2 Some skills assessing authorities may have higher English language requirements that you will be required to meet. Please check with your skills assessing authority prior to applying.

6.3 If your occupation requires registration or licensing in South Australia, you will need to ensure you meet the English requirement set by the registration or licensing authority to work in South Australia. Occupations with registration requirements include trades, education and health professions. If higher English requirements are listed for your occupation on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, you do not need to meet the higher requirement if you are currently registered to practice in South Australia.

6.4 If you are a passport holder or citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand, you do not need to provide an English test result.

7. Points

7.1 You must meet minimum points requirement listed for your occupation (including state nomination points).

7.2 You will need to ensure you meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements and have documented evidence to support your points claim.

8.Priority Streams

Talent and Innovators Program :

The Talent and Innovators program allows the state to nominate applicants under one of the following four streams.

Employment stream: For highly skilled migrants who are working for South Australian businesses
Start up and small business stream: For entrepreneurial skilled migrants who have started their own business in South Australia
High performing graduate stream: For high performing graduates who have completed their qualification at a South Australian higher education institution
Independent talent stream: For high calibre applicants seeking state nomination

All occupations eligible for migration through state-nomination are available through the Talent and Innovators program. Successful applicants will demonstrate how they bring new ideas, skills and innovation to South Australia and can create local jobs.

Prospective applicants who meet the requirements below for the employment, small business & start-up and independent talent streams are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for the Talent and Innovators program via the Skilled & Business Migration portal. High performing graduates of South Australia can apply directly for state nomination (they do not need to submit an Expression of Interest application to Skilled & Business migration).

If South Australia is satisfied with your expression of interest, you will be invited to submit an online application form for state nomination. All expressions of interest and applications through the Talent and Innovators program are considered on a case-by-case basis. The requirements for the Talent and Innovators program are an indicative guide and an invitation to apply for state nomination/ nomination is not guaranteed even if you meet these requirements.

All applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the subclass 491 or subclass 190 visa. 
The Talent and Innovators program is currently unavailable to applicants applying from offshore.
The Talent and Innovators program is currently unavailable to applicants applying from other Australian states and territories, but cases may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Employment Stream

For highly skilled migrants working for South Australian businesses. 

Eligibility requirements with demonstrated evidence include:

Your employer must:

Be a business in one of South Australia’s priority Growth State industry sector, or is an integral part of the supply chain supporting these priority sectors
Be an existing business for at least 12 months, and have a premise located and operating in South Australia for the last 12 months
Have annual turnover of at least $4 million: 
- start-up companies may be exempt from the annual turnover requirement
- businesses who operate in  outer regional South Australia may be exempt from the annual turnover requirement
Be a business of good standing and there must be no adverse information about the business.

As the applicant:

You must be earning a high base salary threshold commensurate with the expectations of the talent program (at least $80,000 full time). An exemption to the salary threshold may be available for highly skilled applicants who are:
- working for a start-up
- working for a business in outer regional South Australia
- a recent graduate
You must be in South Australia on an existing temporary visa, working for the business already
You are expected to have Proficient Plus English levels, however lower English levels may be considered in exceptional cases
You are expected to have considerable relevant work experience in the field, however limited experience may be considered in some cases
Your employer must provide a short business case (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating how you, as the applicant:
- have the qualifications, specific skill set and relevant experience commensurate with the job 
- will bring new ideas, skills and innovation to South Australia and can support local job creation
- will contribute to South Australia’s priority Growth State industry sectors.

Start up and Small Business Stream

For entrepreneurial skilled migrants who have started their own business

Eligibility criteria with demonstrated evidence includes:

Your business must be established in South Australia and operating in South Australia for the last 12 months and you must have resided in South Australia for at least the last 24 months
If you are an existing SISA visa holder you must have an established business in South Australia for the last 6 months and resided in South Australia continuously during this time
Your business must be able to give you a personal income that would meet the minimum taxable income requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs
Businesses aligning with the priority Growth State industry sectors, will be favoured
Businesses employing at least two employees (other than the applicant) on an ongoing full-time basis will be favoured
You must provide a business case (maximum 2 pages) with:
- evidence of thorough research into, and understanding of the relevant industry conditions in South Australia
- how the business will be innovative, contribute to South Australia’s economic growth and can support job creation for South Australians.
- how the applicant's previous experience and qualifications will help the applicant successfully build their business in South Australia over at least 3 years
Self employed applicants must apply through this stream
Only the business owner can apply through this stream. Business structures can include sole trader, partnership, company, and trusts
Franchise businesses are ineligible for this stream.

High Performing Graduate Stream

For high performing graduates who have completed their qualification at a South Australian higher education institution.

Eligibility requirements include:

You must have completed the relevant Bachelor or higher qualification at a South Australian higher education provider in the last two years
A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
Your South Australian qualification must be in the same field as your skills assessment and nominated occupation
You must currently reside in South Australia and you must have continuously resided in South Australia post-course completion
Applicants are expected to have at least Proficient English overall, unless specified higher for your occupation

Your field of education will be taken into consideration. Applicants who have undertaken study in a health or natural or physical sciences field of education may be prioritised
Your previous study and work experience may be taken into consideration
You must provide a short summary of your skills and expertise (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating:
- how your skills and experience can contribute to South Australia’s priority Growth State industry sectors, or
- how your area of study can contribute to South Australia’s research and commercialisation agenda
If you have completed a PhD or Masters by Research degree:
- you can apply once your degree has been conferred
If you have completed a Masters by Coursework degree:
 
- your Masters degree must be at least 78 CRICOS weeks
- your Grade Point Average will be taken into consideration
- a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or higher is generally required unless specified differently for your occupation. Please check your occupation for specific GPA requirements. Applicants with higher GPAs will be prioritised.
If you have graduated with First Class Honours in a dedicated Honours year:
- your Honours year must have followed the completion of a 92 CRICOS week Bachelor degree in South Australia 
If you have graduated with a Bachelor degree:
- your Bachelor degree must be at least 92 CRICOS weeks
- your Grade Point Average will be taken into consideration
- a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or higher is generally required unless specified differently for your occupation. Please check your occupation for specific GPA requirements. Applicants with higher GPAs will prioritised.

Independent Talent:

Eligibility requirements with demonstrated evidence for this stream include:

Eligibility requirements include:

You must be residing in South Australia
You are expected to have at least 95 points (including state nomination points) in your Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect, however lower points may be considered in exceptional cases
You are expected to have Proficient Plus English levels, however lower English levels may be considered in exceptional cases
You are expected to have considerable relevant work experience in your field, however limited experience may be considered in exceptional cases
You must submit a business case (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating: 
- How your skills and experience can make a contribution to South Australia, particularly the priority Growth State industries
- Your knowledge of South Australia’s employment or business opportunities relevant to your occupation and field of expertise
- Additional details of any skill sets, courses, qualifications, experience or awards relevant to your field of expertise
Applicants who meet the critical skills and sectors listed by the Commonwealth Government will be prioritised.

Currently working in South Australia (including long-term resident of SA) 

If you are currently living and working in South Australia, you may qualify for this stream and additional concessions and waivers.

Currently Living and Working in South Australia:

If you have been living and working in South Australia, you are encouraged to consider applying for state nomination.

You must be working at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight in your nominated or closely related occupation in South Australia for the duration required for your nominated occupation, unless specified differently for your occupation. If you are working part time (less than 35 hours per week) you may be offered a 491 nomination.

For the purpose of state nomination, closely related occupation is defined as within the ANZSCO 2-digit level. Where specified for your nomination occupation, other occupations may also be considered closely related. A skilled occupation in the same industry as your nominated occupation may also be considered as a closely related occupation.

If you are applying for subclass 491 nomination, you must be currently working for the last 6 months in South Australia, unless specified differently for your occupation.

You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 491 or 190 visa subclasses

You must meet the state nomination requirements and the specific requirements listed for your nominated occupation.

If you are a 457, 482 or 494 visa holder with more than 12 months remaining on your visa, you must provide a letter from your current employer consenting to your state nomination application.

Living and Working in Regional South Australia:

Concessions and waivers to the work experience requirements are available for applicants who are living and working in outer regional South Australia.

To be considered to be working in outer regional South Australia, you must be employed and residing in an area outside of Greater Adelaide. View the full list of eligible postcodes.

If you are living and working in outer regional South Australia, you may be eligible for the following waivers or reductions to the skilled work experience requirements.

If you are currently residing and working for the last 12 months in outer regional South Australia in any occupation (does not have to be a skilled occupation nor related to your nominated occupation) you may be eligible to be nominated for a 491 visa nomination.
If you are currently residing and working in outer regional South Australia and you are unable to meet the published requirements, you are still encouraged to submit an application. Reasons for being unable to meet the published requirements include visa expiry, losing points for age, or working less than 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. You should include a letter of support from your employer and a submission outlining why you should be considered for nomination. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

Living and Working in SA as a Long Term Resident:

Long-term residents who are living and working in South Australia are eligible for waivers to the skilled work experience requirements.

Stream One: International Graduates and Partners

If you are a former international graduate of South Australia or a partner of an international graduate of South Australia, currently residing in South Australia and:
- you have resided continuously in South Australia (at time of state nomination application)
- for the last 3 years for subclass 491, or
- you are currently working for the last 12 months in South Australia in any skilled occupation, including all Skill Level 1, 2, 3 occupations and Skill Level 4 Carers and Aides occupations (the occupation you are working in does not have to be related to your nominated occupation)
- your skilled work experience over the last 12 months in South Australia must be at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight.

Stream Two: Other temporary visa holders (excluding student and graduate visa holders)

You have resided in South Australia for at least 7 years (at time of state nomination application) and continue to reside in South Australia
You must be currently working for the last 12 months in South Australia in any occupation (does not have to be a skilled occupation or related to your nominated occupation)
Your work experience over the last 12 months in South Australia must be at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight.

P.S:Applicants are eligible for a 491 nomination only.

International Graduate of South Australia 

To be eligible for the International Graduate of South Australia (SA Graduate) pathway, the following study requirements apply:

Your South Australian course must be CRICOS registered, with a minimum of 46 CRICOS weeks
A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
You must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your period of study
You must have continuously resided in South Australia post-course completion
You must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the subclass 491 or subclass 190 visa
You must meet the nomination requirements outlined here and as listed for your nominated occupation
You must meet any course requirements or minimum qualification levels listed for your occupation
To be eligible for subclass 491 or 190 nomination, SA graduates must be currently working in their nominated or closely related occupation for the last 3 months in South Australia (post-course completion), unless specified differently for your occupation
Where specified, some occupations may require longer work experience requirements.
For the purposes of state-nomination, closely related occupation is defined as within the ANZSCO 2-digit level. Where specified for your nomination occupation, other occupations may also be considered closely related. A skilled occupation in the same industry as your nominated occupation may also be considered as a closely related occupation. If you are claiming points for your work experience in your SkillSelect EOI, please ensure you meet the Home Affairs requirements to claim points
Research work undertaken as part of your PhD will not be accepted as skilled work experience
You must be working at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight in your nominated or closely related occupation in South Australia for the duration required for your nominated occupation, unless specified differently for your occupation. If you are working part time (less than 35 hours per week), you may be offered a 491 nomination.

Skilled Work Experience Waivers:

Waivers to the skilled work experience requirements are available for selected SA graduates if you apply through the Talent and Innovators program – high performing graduate stream

Where specified for your nominated occupation, waivers to the skilled work experience requirement are available if you are currently working as a care worker or support worker in a role that is relevant to your qualification. Examples include Registered Nurses nec or Enrolled Nurses working as aged and disability care workers and Social Workers or Welfare Workers working as social support workers
To be eligible for subclass 491 nomination, you must be working for the last 18 months in Greater Adelaide or the last 12 months in outer regional South Australia (for at least 10 hours per week or 20 hours per fortnight). The work does not have to be post-course completion and can be undertaken during your studies
SA graduates or their partners who have resided in South Australia long-term may also be eligible for a waiver to the work experience requirement if they are working in any skilled occupation for the last 12 months in South Australia.  This applies to graduates from all registered training organisations or higher education providers in South Australia.

9. Important Information

SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

9.1 For South Australia to approve your nomination in SkillSelect you need to have an EOI which meets the Department of Home Affairs criteria and South Australia’s requirements.

9.2 Your EOI ID number must be recorded correctly, otherwise we will be unable to locate you in SkillSelect and your state nomination application will be refused.

9.3 Your nominated occupation in your EOI must match your nominated occupation on your South Australian online application.

9.4 Your personal details in your EOI must be the same as your South Australian online application. Any discrepancies will result in nomination refusal.

9.5 Any information edited in your EOI, that had not been provided/included at time of submission of your state nomination application and affects your points, will not be accepted.

9.6 If you have made an error in your EOI prior to South Australia’s decision being made, you will need to edit your EOI details & send an email to advise you have amended the EOI. If you are nominated by South Australia, the EOI is frozen and cannot be edited.

9.7 It is preferred that applicants choose ‘South Australia’ only as their nominating state, but applicants selecting ‘ANY’ state or territory or multiple states and territories will be considered for nomination, providing South Australia is one of those selected states.

9.8 If you are refused for any of the above reasons you can re-apply for state nomination provided you meet all state nomination requirements at time of the new application.

Nomination

9.9 Please read the applications terms and conditions, the nomination requirements above and the document checklist before applying for state nomination. You will be required to acknowledge the terms and conditions as part of your application.

9.10 Nomination is entirely at the discretion of the Government of South Australia. Meeting the minimum published requirements does not guarantee nomination by South Australia, nor nomination for a particular subclass. In assessing your application or Expression of Interest Skilled and Business Migration will consider each application on its merits and the broader to benefit to South Australia.

9.11 South Australia reserves the right to offer a 491 provisional visa for applicants otherwise ostensibly eligible for a 190 visa nomination.

9.12 Additional documentation after submission of your application will not be accepted, unless requested.

9.13 South Australia will only provide one nomination per applicant, per visa subclass, per program year on a discretionary basis.

9.14 Provisional 489 or 491 visa holders are not eligible to apply for South Australian state nomination.

Visa subclass and occupation eligibility requirements

9.15 Both 190 and 491 visa nominations are subject to a limited quota each program year. South Australia reserves the right to revise nomination eligibility requirements for these visa subclasses without notice.

9.16 Occupations available for state-nomination are subject to a quota. South Australia reserves the right to close or revise eligibility for any occupation without notice.

9.17 South Australia reserves the right to ask applicants to withdraw their application, or refuse an application due to changed eligibility criteria.

9.18 Published requirements are only an indicative guide to nomination eligibility and applicants are not guaranteed to receive nomination even if they meet the published requirements.

9.19 Published 190 visa nomination requirements are only an indicative guide to 190 nomination eligibility and applicants are not guaranteed to receive a 190 nomination even if they meet the published requirements. In most circumstances, where an applicant meets 190 nomination criteria but South Australia is unable to offer a 190 nomination at that time, the applicant may be offered a 491 nomination instead.

9.20 South Australia’s eligibility requirements may change, subject to the direction of the Commonwealth Government.

Employment opportunities

9.21 It is your responsibility to undertake first-hand, thorough and meaningful research on South Australia including: lifestyle, cost of living, education and employment opportunities.

9.22 You are expected to have sufficient funds for settlement when you arrive in South Australia to support yourself and your family.

9.23 You are expected to understand the job opportunities in South Australia and any training, licensing or registration requirements specific to your occupation. State nomination does not guarantee employment, nor is it a job offer. It is your responsibility to research job opportunities, utilise a variety of job search strategies and secure employment. You are encouraged to consider employment opportunities across South Australia. 

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