What's new (covered in this edition)?

  • State nomination process made simple
  • State nomination places
  • The South Australian State Occupation List
  • We're recognising applicants' commitment to South Australia
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores
  • Skills Assessment
  • International Graduates of South Australia

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State nomination process made simple

Immigration South Australia is using data from SkillSelect to identify eligible applicants and invite them to apply for state nomination.

SkillSelect is an online service from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). Find out more about SkillSelect at immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect

State nomination can help you meet the requirements for an Australian visa, which is granted and issued by the DIBP.

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How to apply

Lodge an expression of interest in SkillSelect, choose South Australia as your preferred state and select either 190 –Skilled Nominated visa or the 489 – Skilled Regional provisional visa.

If selected, you will receive an invitation from Immigration South Australia within two business days to apply for state nomination.

Use the details in your email to login and lodge your state nomination application. If you haven’t received an invitation, or don’t want to wait for your details to be populated you can create an Immigration SA account and apply online.

If you are approved for state nomination, you'll receive an email from the DIBP inviting you to apply for your visa.

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State nomination places

The number of available state nomination places (planning levels) are now calculated at the time of submission rather than time of decision, meaning your application will no longer be refused based on planning levels.

We've also made the application process easier for you by updating our online application system.

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The South Australian State Occupation List

The new occupation lists for the 2014/15 program year are available on our website. Below are some of the occupations that have been added to the State Occupation List:

  • Advertising Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Regional Education Manager
  • Vocational Education Teacher (trades)
  • Vocational Education Teacher (non-trades)
  • Special needs teacher
  • Art Administrator or Manager
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Finance Broker
  • Financial Investment Manager
  • Valuer

View the South Australia Occupation Lists here.

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We're recognising applicants' commitment to South Australia

  • Applicants who have worked in South Australia for the last 12 months in a skilled occupation* have access to a more extensive occupation list.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor degree or higher can apply for occupations on the South Australian Graduate List.
  • Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification or higher can apply for occupations listed as “special conditions apply’ on the State Occupation List.
  • Applicants must meet all other DIBP and Immigration South Australia criteria to qualify.

*The skilled occupation must be ANZSCO level 1 to 4 and listed on the State Nominated Occupation Lists.

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International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores

IELTS requirements (for most occupations) have been reduced to six in each band score to align with DIBP requirements. All score requirements are published on our State Occupation List.

Health Professionals and Education Professionals in South Australia require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 in each band, or alternatively, for health professionals, OET B in each component.

For those who already have registration to practice in South Australia, you can apply with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band score. You must provide a copy of your registration certificate with your application.

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Skills Assessment

DIBP are introducing changes to skills assessment validity from 1 July 2014. All state nomination applicants need to meet the following DIBP requirements.

Skills assessments issued by assessing authorities for the purpose of visa applications are valid for three years unless a shorter validity period is stated. The default three year validity period aligns with the existing three year validity period for English Language tests.

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International Graduates of South Australia

To access a work experience waiver, international graduates of South Australia need to meet following requirements:

  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a skilled occupation* in South Australia
  • OR
  • Have an IELTS score of 7.5 overall or 7.0 in each band score
  • Have an occupation listed as ‘available’ on the state occupation list
  • Reside in South Australia.

PhD or Masters by Research graduates from South Australia can access a work experience waiver for occupations on either list – see the eligibility requirements for further details.

*If an occupation requires additional work experience (e.g. two or three years or as stated on the South Australia Occupation Lists), international graduates of South Australia are still eligible to apply for state nomination if they are currently working 20 hours per week in South Australia in their nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

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For regular updates visit www.migration.sa.gov.au

Best wishes,

Immigration South Australia