South Australia is now in front of the other states for the 2025-26 Australia skilled migration year. With its first skilled migration draw in the new program year, South Australia has granted 344 skilled visa invitations, thus creating new pathways for Indian applicants and other professionals from abroad who wish to establish themselves in Australia.
An official statement from the South Australian government reveals the focus of the latest South Australia skilled visa draw on addressing skill shortages in important sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and construction. The decision strengthens the position of South Australia as one of the most dynamic states in the field of Australia's skilled migration.
Apply for Australia PR visa from India with expert guidance, fast process, eligibility check, and complete step-by-step support.
South Australia Skilled Visa Draw: Key Highlights
The January 2026 round marks the first invitation round of the 2025–26 migration year, and the numbers clearly show South Australia’s intent to attract overseas talent.
Summary of Invitations Issued
- Total invitations issued: 344
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa): 235 invitations
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa): 109 invitations
- Focus sectors: Healthcare, engineering, IT, education, construction
- Next invitation round: Expected in early February 2026
This strong opening round sends a positive signal to Indian professionals targeting the South Australia skilled visa pathways.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491: Invitation Breakdown
Both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 played a major role in this draw, giving applicants multiple routes under Australia's skilled migration.
| Visa Category | Invitations Issued | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | 235 | Direct pathway to permanent residence |
| Subclass 491 | 109 | Regional visa with PR pathway after conditions |
The high number of Subclass 190 invitations is especially encouraging for Indian applicants aiming for permanent residence in Australia.
Check Australia PR processing time, latest updates, stages, and expert tips to speed up your permanent residency application.
Which Occupations Were Targeted in This South Australia Skilled Visa Draw?
The South Australia skilled visa draw covered a wide range of occupations across multiple ANZSCO sub-major groups, with healthcare leading the list.
Occupation-Wise Invitation Breakdown
| Occupation Group | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| Health professionals | 69 |
| Design, engineering, science & transport professionals | 63 |
| ICT professionals | 33 |
| Construction trades workers | 30 |
| Engineering, ICT & science technicians | 25 |
| Education professionals | 22 |
| Specialist managers | 21 |
| Business, HR & marketing professionals | 16 |
Additional invitations were issued to automotive trades, electrotechnology, food trades, agriculture, welfare support, and administrative roles.
This broad coverage shows that South Australia's skilled migration is not limited to one sector, making it attractive for Indian applicants from diverse professional backgrounds.
Why Healthcare and IT Dominated the Draw
Healthcare received the largest share of invitations, reflecting ongoing shortages in:
- Hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Allied health services
Similarly, ICT roles featured strongly, especially under Subclass 491, highlighting the demand for IT professionals willing to live and work in regional areas.
For Indian applicants, this trend confirms sustained demand in sectors where India has a strong talent pool.
Will South Australia Hold More Skilled Visa Draws in 2026?
Yes. The South Australian government has confirmed that skilled visa invitation rounds will be conducted monthly throughout the migration year.
What This Means for Applicants
- Multiple chances to receive a nomination
- More predictable planning for overseas candidates
- Continued focus on regional employment
The next South Australia skilled visa draw is expected in February 2026, giving Indian applicants time to update their profiles and documents.
Priority Sectors for South Australia Skilled Migration 2025–26
In this first round, South Australia clearly prioritised the following sectors:
Healthcare and medical professions
- Nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and aged care workers
Engineering roles
- Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
Education sector
- Teachers, lecturers, researchers, academic staff
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Software developers, system analysts, IT specialists
These priority areas are expected to remain central to South Australia's skilled visa invitations throughout 2026.
What This Means for Indian Applicants
For Indian applicants, the January 2026 draw offers several positive signals under Australia's skilled migration:
- Regular monthly draws increase chances of selection
- High Subclass 190 invitations mean a more direct PR pathway
- Subclass 491 offers a strong regional route to settlement
- Demand remains strong in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education
Experts advise Indian professionals to keep their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles updated and aligned with South Australia’s priority occupations.
Why South Australia Remains Attractive for Skilled Migrants
South Australia continues to stand out because:
- It actively uses state nomination to fill labour gaps
- Regional employers strongly support skilled migration
- The cost of living is lower compared to major cities
- Clear pathways from Subclass 491 to permanent residence
This makes South Australia's skilled visa programs especially appealing for long-term settlement.
Conclusion: Strong Start to Australia Skilled Migration Year 2025–26
South Australia has clearly indicated that it is open for skilled workers, issuing 344 skilled visa invitations in its first round, and Indian applicants continue to be an important part of its migration strategy. The solid presence of Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 invitations highlights the actual possibilities for both permanent and regional migration under Australia's skilled migration system.
The monthly draws will continue, and among the candidates, those who prepare early and remain informed will have the greatest chance of success.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help
Navigating South Australia's skilled visa pathways, including Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, can be complex. Visa Solutions 4u helps applicants by:
- Assessing eligibility for Australia's skilled migration
- Identifying the right state nomination pathway
- Preparing and managing EOIs and documentation
- Guiding applicants toward permanent residence strategies
With expert support from Visa Solutions 4u, Indian applicants can approach South Australia's skilled visa opportunities with confidence and clarity.
