If you studied and worked in South Australia — and you’re ready to build your future there — the 2025–26 Graduate Stream might be your key to obtaining state nomination and permanent residency. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know.
The Graduate Stream is part of the broader skilled migration program for South Australia. It aims to retain graduates who have completed their studies in SA and achieved strong employment outcomes, thereby strengthening the state’s skilled workforce.
For 2025–26, priority will be given to candidates with skills and experience in these sectors:
Building & Construction
Defence
Education
Engineering
Health
Manufacturing
That said — high-ranking candidates from other sectors may also be considered for nomination.
Depending on your nominated occupation and background:
You may receive an invitation under visa subclass 190 (permanent skilled nomination), or
You may be invited under subclass 491 (regional skilled pathway) if your occupation or sector is not among the priority list.
You may qualify if you meet the following requirements:
You hold an active Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system, listing South Australia as your first preference state/territory.
Your nominated occupation is on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and eligible under the Graduate Stream.
You are currently living and working in South Australia.
You are under 45 years old at the time of your nomination approval.
You have a valid, positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
You meet the English language requirement — either through a valid English test result, or by holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries (Canada, NZ, UK, USA, Ireland).
You have achieved at least 65 points on the Home Affairs points test (including state nomination points).
You completed a CRICOS-registered course in South Australia, with at least 75% of the study done in SA.
Your course duration must have been at least 46 CRICOS weeks, and you must have resided in SA for at least one year during your course.
You have lived in South Australia for at least the last 6 months.
You have been employed full-time (≥ 30 hours/week) for at least 6 months since graduation, in work that aligns with your nominated occupation’s ANZSCO Sub-Major Group.
Your skilled work experience must be after your course completion.
Meeting these requirements makes you eligible — but does not guarantee you will be selected.
The state nomination program for South Australia has a limited quota each year. Because the process is competitive:
Only the strongest candidates with high employment outcomes are typically invited.
Selection depends not just on meeting eligibility criteria, but also on additional factors such as English proficiency, relevant work experience, occupation demand, salary, and employer assessment.
Invitations will be issued continuously throughout 2025–26 — so timing and completeness are important.
If you receive an invitation, you’ll be invited to apply for state nomination via the Skilled & Business Migration portal once your Registration of Interest (ROI) is selected.
For recent graduates who studied and worked in South Australia, this stream offers a realistic and structured path to permanent residency — especially if you are working in one of the priority sectors.
Because the program values actual employment outcomes, it rewards workforce participation and genuine contribution to SA’s economy.
Even if your occupation falls outside the priority sectors, you may still qualify under certain conditions, especially if your skills are in demand and you meet all requirements, including strong work history and English language skills.
Make sure your EOI lists South Australia as first preference.
Double-check that your occupation is eligible under the Graduate Stream.
Maintain full-time employment (30+ hrs/week) in SA once you graduate — ideally in a role that matches your studied occupation group.
Keep all records: payslips, employment contract, employer reference, proof of residence, study transcripts.
Ensure your skills assessment and English test results are valid and submitted correctly.
Aim to meet or exceed the 65-point threshold including state nomination.
Act quickly — since nominations are limited and can close once quota fills.
Navigating the Graduate Stream requirements and preparing a competitive ROI can be complex. At Professional Visa & Education Services (ProVisa), we provide expert support including:
Assessing your eligibility and occupation suitability
Checking your qualifications against SA’s Skilled Occupation List
Preparing and submitting your EOI and ROI
Ensuring documentation — employment history, residence proof, English/skills evidence — is complete and compliant
Advising on how to strengthen your application to improve chances of state nomination
Whether you’re just starting or ready to apply — we’re here to guide you through your SA migration pathway with clarity and confidence.
If you studied in South Australia and want to explore the Graduate Stream, now is the right time to act. Contact us today and let ProVisa help you take your next step toward building a future in South Australia.
Book a consultation: provisa.setmore.com