South Australia has released the latest results for its skilled migration invitation round held in March 2026, offering valuable insight into current nomination trends and priority occupations.
The state issued 406 invitations in total across the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) categories. These invitations form part of the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration program and reflect South Australia’s continued focus on key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, ICT, and construction.
According to the official invitation data published by the South Australian government, the Subclass 190 visa accounted for 242 invitations, while 164 invitations were issued for the Subclass 491 visa in March 2026.
This article breaks down the occupation-level data, highlights the most invited sectors, and explains what these trends mean for skilled migrants planning to apply.
South Australia Skilled Migration Invitations March 2026 Overview
Total Invitations in March 2026
| Visa Type | Invitations |
| Subclass 190 | 242 |
| Subclass 491 | 164 |
| Total | 406 |
This indicates that South Australia continues to prioritise permanent skilled migration pathways, with the Subclass 190 visa receiving more invitations than the regional 491 visa.
Invitations Issued So Far in 2025–26
| Visa Type | Invitations |
| Subclass 190 | 1,067 |
| Subclass 491 | 619 |
| Total | 1,686 |
This suggests that nearly 1,700 invitations have already been issued this program year, signalling active state participation in the national migration program.
Occupation Groups Receiving the Most Invitations
Health Professionals Lead the March Invitations
Health-related occupations received the largest number of invitations in March.
| Occupation Group | March 190 | March 491 | Total |
| Health Professionals | 96 | 1 | 97 |
This strong demand reflects ongoing workforce shortages in Australia’s healthcare sector. Examples of occupations in this category typically include:
- Registered Nurses
- Medical Practitioners
- Allied Health Professionals
Healthcare has also received the highest cumulative invitations this program year, reaching 366 invitations so far in 2025–26.
Engineering and Technical Occupations Continue to Perform Strongly
Engineering-related occupations remain one of the strongest pathways for skilled migration to South Australia.
| Occupation Group | March 190 | March 491 | Total |
| Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals | 44 | 9 | 53 |
Total invitations issued this year for this group have already reached 283. Engineering roles typically include:
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Transport Engineers
The consistent invitations show that infrastructure development and industry expansion continue to drive demand.
ICT Professionals Receiving More Regional Invitations
Interestingly, the ICT sector saw all March invitations issued under the Subclass 491 visa.
| Occupation Group | March 190 | March 491 | Total |
| ICT Professionals | 0 | 42 | 42 |
This indicates that regional visa pathways may currently be more accessible for ICT professionals seeking South Australian nomination. So far in the program year, ICT occupations have received:
- 7 invitations under Subclass 190
- 164 invitations under Subclass 491
- Total: 171 invitations
Education and Teaching Occupations Also Featured
Education professionals also received invitations in March.
| Occupation Group | March Total |
| Education Professionals | 36 |
These invitations included both permanent and regional pathways:
- 30 invitations for Subclass 190
- 6 invitations for Subclass 491
With 96 invitations issued this year, teachers remain an important category in the state migration program.
Skilled Trades Occupations in Demand
Several trade occupations also received invitations.
Construction Trades Workers
| Visa Type | Invitations |
| Subclass 190 | 17 |
| Subclass 491 | 6 |
| Total | 23 |
Automotive and Engineering Trades
| Visa Type | Invitations |
| Subclass 190 | 3 |
| Subclass 491 | 7 |
| Total | 10 |
Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades
| Visa Type | Invitations |
| Subclass 190 | 8 |
| Subclass 491 | 5 |
| Total | 13 |
These figures show continued demand for technical and trade workers supporting construction and infrastructure sectors.
Other Occupation Categories Invited
Additional occupation groups receiving invitations include:
- Business, HR and Marketing Professionals – 22 invitations
- Engineering and ICT Technicians – 40 invitations
- Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers – 4 invitations
- Food Trades Workers – 4 invitations
- Health and Welfare Support Workers – 15 invitations
- Office Managers and Program Administrators – 10 invitations
These invitations demonstrate South Australia’s effort to maintain a balanced skilled workforce across multiple industries.
What This Means for Skilled Migration Applicants
The March 2026 invitation results reveal several important trends:
1. Healthcare Remains the Top Priority
Healthcare occupations received the largest share of invitations, reinforcing strong demand across Australia.
2. Engineering and Technical Roles Remain Competitive
Engineering professionals continue to receive consistent invitations under the Subclass 190 visa.
3. ICT Applicants May Benefit from Regional Pathways
Most ICT invitations were issued under Subclass 491, suggesting stronger regional demand.
4. Skilled Trades Are Still Needed
Construction and technical trades remain essential to support economic development.
When Is the Next South Australia Invitation Round?
South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration program has confirmed that invitation rounds are conducted monthly, with the next round expected in early April 2026.
Applicants with an active Expression of Interest (EOI) should ensure their profiles remain updated to maximise their chances of selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many invitations did South Australia issue in March 2026?
South Australia issued 406 invitations in March 2026, including 242 invitations for Subclass 190 and 164 invitations for Subclass 491.
Which occupations received the most invitations?
Health professionals received the highest number of invitations, with 97 invitations issued in March.
Are ICT professionals getting invitations?
Yes. ICT professionals received 42 invitations in March, all under the Subclass 491 regional visa.
How many invitations has South Australia issued in 2025–26 so far?
South Australia has issued 1,686 invitations so far in the 2025–26 migration program year.
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 Help With South Australia Skilled Migration?
If you are planning to apply for Australia skilled migration or state nomination, expert guidance can help you prepare a strong application and understand the latest invitation trends.
Contact eduaid Immigration Services for professional migration advice.