South Australia has published its latest Skilled Migration invitation round data for May 2026, showing ongoing demand for skilled professionals across several priority sectors. The state issued invitations under both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 pathways, with healthcare, engineering, construction, ICT, and education occupations remaining active.
According to the latest invitation figures, South Australia issued a total of 509 invitations in May 2026, including:
- 295 invitations under Subclass 190
- 214 invitations under Subclass 491
This update is important for offshore applicants, graduates, trade workers, healthcare professionals, engineers, and ICT specialists planning their Australian skilled migration pathway.
Which Occupations Received the Most Invitations?
The May 2026 invitation round showed particularly strong activity in healthcare and engineering-related occupations.
Top Occupation Groups by Invitations in May 2026
| Occupation Group | Total Invitations |
| Health Professionals | 141 |
| Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals | 72 |
| Education Professionals | 49 |
| Construction Trades Workers | 44 |
| Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers | 40 |
| Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians | 38 |
| ICT Professionals | 28 |
| Health & Welfare Support Workers | 22 |
The largest number of invitations went to Health Professionals, receiving 128 invitations under Subclass 190 and 13 under Subclass 491.
Engineering and transport-related professionals also continued to perform strongly, reflecting South Australia’s ongoing workforce demand in infrastructure, transport, and technical sectors.
ICT Occupations Continue to Receive Invitations
ICT professionals remained active in the May round, although invitations were more concentrated under the regional Subclass 491 visa.
- Subclass 190: 0 invitations
- Subclass 491: 28 invitations
- Total: 28 invitations
This indicates that South Australia may currently prefer regional placement pathways for certain ICT occupations. Candidates with regional work readiness, competitive points, and strong English scores may benefit from this trend.
Trade Occupations Show Strong Demand
Trade occupations continued to receive invitations across several categories.
Construction Trades Workers
- Total invitations: 44
Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers
- Total invitations: 40
Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers
- Total invitations: 10
These numbers suggest South Australia remains focused on infrastructure development, housing, engineering projects, and regional workforce shortages.
Education Professionals Remain in Demand
Education occupations also recorded strong invitation activity.
- Subclass 190: 32 invitations
- Subclass 491: 17 invitations
- Total: 49 invitations
Teachers and education professionals continue to benefit from workforce shortages across Australia, especially in regional and public education sectors.
What Does This Mean for Skilled Migration Applicants?
The May 2026 data highlights several important trends for applicants planning Australian Skilled Migration:
1. Healthcare Remains the Strongest Sector
Healthcare professionals continue to dominate invitation rounds nationwide due to long-term workforce shortages.
2. Regional Pathways Are Increasingly Important
Several occupations, especially ICT and trades, received higher allocations under Subclass 491. This reflects Australia’s broader migration strategy to support regional development.
3. Technical and Trade Skills Are Highly Valued
Engineering, construction, automotive, and technical occupations remain critical for South Australia’s economic growth.
4. Competitive Profiles Matter
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements alone may not guarantee invitations. Factors such as:
- Higher points
- Strong English proficiency
- Relevant work experience
- Regional commitment
- Skills assessment outcomes
can significantly influence selection chances.
Total Invitations Issued So Far in 2025-26
South Australia has issued a total of 2,615 invitations so far in the 2025-26 program year:
| Visa Type | Invitations Issued |
| Subclass 190 | 1,606 |
| Subclass 491 | 1,009 |
| Total | 2,615 |
This indicates consistent nomination activity across multiple industries throughout the program year.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This update may be particularly relevant for:
- Healthcare professionals
- Engineers
- ICT professionals
- Teachers
- Construction workers
- Trade workers
- Technical specialists
- Regional migration applicants
Applicants with occupations aligned to South Australia’s workforce priorities may benefit from preparing their:
- Skills assessment
- English test
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- State nomination strategy
as early as possible.
Why Many Applicants Seek Professional Migration Guidance
Australia’s skilled migration system continues to evolve with changing occupation priorities, invitation trends, state nomination rules, and points competition. Many applicants seek professional guidance to:
- Identify the right visa pathway
- Improve points strategy
- Prepare compliant documentation
- Understand state nomination criteria
- Avoid delays and application errors
eduaid provides migration guidance for Australia Skilled Migration pathways with support from registered migration agents and experienced consultants.
FAQs
What is the South Australia Skilled Migration Program?
It is a state nomination program that allows eligible skilled workers to apply for Australian permanent or regional visas through South Australia.
What are Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas?
Subclass 190 is a permanent skilled nominated visa, while Subclass 491 is a regional provisional skilled visa that can lead to permanent residency pathways.
Which occupation received the highest invitations in May 2026?
Health Professionals received the highest number of invitations, with 141 total invitations.
Did ICT occupations receive invitations?
Yes. ICT Professionals received 28 invitations, mainly under Subclass 491.
Are trade occupations in demand in South Australia?
Yes. Construction, automotive, engineering, and electrotechnology trade occupations all received invitations in May 2026.
Final Thoughts
The South Australia Skilled Migration May 2026 update shows continued demand for skilled professionals across healthcare, engineering, ICT, education, and trade occupations. While invitation numbers can change throughout the program year, this round provides useful insight into current workforce priorities and state nomination trends.
Applicants planning for Australia Skilled Migration should closely monitor state updates, occupation demand, and eligibility requirements before submitting applications.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
Need Migration Guidance?
If you want to assess your eligibility for Australia Skilled Migration pathways, eduaid can help you understand suitable visa options, occupation requirements, and state nomination strategies.