South Australia Skilled Migration Update 2026: What January Invitations Reveal About 190 & 491 Trends

South Australia has quietly but consistently emerged as one of Australia’s most structured and opportunity-driven states for skilled migration. While larger states often attract attention due to volume, South Australia’s nomination strategy in the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program shows a deliberate focus on workforce gaps, sector balance, and long-term retention.

In January 2026, South Australia continued issuing invitations for Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas across a broad range of ANZSCO occupation groups. The data from this round, combined with year-to-date figures, provides valuable insight into how South Australia is deploying its nomination places, and what skilled migrants can realistically infer from these patterns.

South Australia GSM Invitations: January 2026 Snapshot

South Australia issued invitations under both 190 and 491 subclasses in January 2026, continuing its monthly invitation rhythm under the SkillSelect system administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

January 2026 Invitations (By Major Occupation Groups)

Total invitations in January 2026:

• 190: 235
• 491: 109
• Combined: 344

Year-to-Date Invitations (2025–26 Program So Far)

The January round fits into a much larger picture of how South Australia is distributing its nominations across the program year.

2025–26 Invitations Issued to Date

This distribution already signals that South Australia is:

• Actively using both pathways
• Maintaining a strong permanent (190) focus
• Reserving regional (491) places for occupations where regional settlement is critical

What These Numbers Tell Us (Indicative, Not Deterministic)?

It is important to emphasise that invitation data reflects outcomes, not rules. However, patterns across multiple rounds help explain state behaviour.

1. Health Occupations Continue to Anchor SA’s Nomination Strategy

Health professionals account for the single largest share of January invitations, particularly under Subclass 190.

Why this trend exists:

• Ageing population in South Australia
• Chronic shortages in hospitals, aged care and allied health
• Difficulty attracting and retaining domestic workers
• Long-term workforce planning priorities

South Australia appears to be using 190 nominations to lock in permanent healthcare professionals, rather than cycling temporary staff.

2. Engineering, Science & Transport Roles Reflect Infrastructure Demand

Engineering-related occupations (including science and transport professionals) represent another large portion of invitations.

This aligns with:

• Infrastructure upgrades
• Defence and advanced manufacturing projects
• Energy transition initiatives
• Transport and logistics expansion

The mix of 190 and 491 in this group suggests both metro and regional demand.

3. ICT Professionals Skew Heavily Toward the 491 Pathway

One of the most notable January patterns is the high proportion of ICT invitations under Subclass 491.

Possible reasons include:

• Regional ICT workforce gaps
• Demand for specialised, not generic, ICT skills
• South Australia’s push to decentralise tech talent
• Preference for regional settlement in tech support and infrastructure roles

This does not indicate exclusion from 190, but suggests 491 is currently a more accessible route for many ICT professionals.

4. Trades and Electro Technology Remain Structurally Important

Construction trades, automotive trades, and electrotechnology workers continue to receive steady invitations.

This reflects:

• Housing supply pressures
• Infrastructure maintenance needs
• Renewable energy and utilities demand
• Regional construction shortages

Trades continue to be a foundational pillar of South Australia’s GSM strategy.

5. Education and Social Sectors Show Consistent Demand

Education professionals and social welfare roles may not dominate numerically, but their consistent presence across rounds signals sustained need.

These occupations often align with:

• Regional service delivery
• Community infrastructure
• Long-term settlement objectives

Retain skilled migrants long-term, not just attract them temporarily.

Role of SkillSelect and the Department of Home Affairs

All invitations are issued through SkillSelect, managed by the Department of Home Affairs. However:

• States control who they nominate
• The federal department controls how visas are processed
• Invitation numbers do not equal visa grants

This distinction explains why nomination trends must be read strategically, not literally.

Understanding How South Australia Selects Candidates

South Australia’s invitations suggest a holistic assessment that goes beyond points.

Indicative factors include:

• Occupation relevance
• Workforce contribution
• Sector priority
• Settlement potential
• Balance across industries

Points enable eligibility, but do not solely determine selection.

Aligning Your Profile With SA Trends

Applicants targeting South Australia may benefit from:

• Aligning occupation with priority sectors
• Considering both 190 and 491 pathways
• Being open to regional employment
• Demonstrating long-term settlement intent
• Maintaining accurate SkillSelect profiles

Strong documentation and realistic expectations matter more than chasing raw points.

Turning SA Nomination Into PR Success

South Australia’s structured approach rewards applicants who:

• Understand state priorities
• Choose the right pathway
• Prepare strategically rather than reactively

This is where professional guidance becomes crucial.

With 200,000+ successful migration outcomes, Aussizz Group continues to help applicants convert nomination opportunities into sustainable Australian permanent residency.

FAQs

Q1. Is South Australia still issuing 190 and 491 invitations in 2026?

Yes. South Australia continues regular invitation rounds under the 2025–26 GSM program, including January 2026.

Q2. Which occupations are receiving the most invitations in South Australia?

Health, engineering, ICT, construction trades, and education-related occupations feature prominently, reflecting workforce needs.

Q3. Is Subclass 190 easier than 491 in South Australia?

Neither is “easier.” South Australia uses both strategically, with 190 focused on permanent retention and 491 on targeted regional needs.

Q4. Does a January invitation trend guarantee future selection?

No. Invitation trends are indicative only and can change based on labour market conditions and program settings.

Q5. Can offshore applicants receive South Australia nomination?

Yes, particularly in priority occupations, though competition may be higher depending on sector demand.

Final Perspective: What January 2026 Tells Us About South Australia

South Australia’s January 2026 invitation data reinforces one key insight:

The state is building a workforce, not chasing numbers.

By distributing invitations across healthcare, engineering, ICT, trades, education and community sectors, South Australia demonstrates a measured, long-term migration strategy.

For skilled migrants seeking clarity, balance and genuine opportunity, South Australia remains one of the most strategically managed migration destinations in Australia.

With 200,000+ success stories, Aussizz Group continues to guide applicants through state nomination pathways – turning data, trends and policy into confident migration decisions.

Book a consultation with Aussizz Group!