Guide to South Australian General Skilled Migration FAQS

 

Are you thinking about moving to South Australia? The South Australian Skilled Migration Programme offers a pathway for skilled professionals like you to make that dream a reality.

 

However, the visa application process can sometimes feel overwhelming and challenging. So, you might be wondering:

 

• What exactly are the requirements for state nomination?
• How does the Registration of Interest (ROI) process work?
• What kind of work experience counts towards my application?

 

At The Migration, we understand that you have questions, and we’re here to provide clear and concise answers. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses the most common queries about South Australian skilled migration. 

 

South Australian General Skilled Migration FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions asked by candidates migrating to South Australia. Have a look. 

 

Q.1. What is the general skilled migration program in South Australia?

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme helps skilled workers move to South Australia to fill jobs that are in demand. If your job matches the state’s needs , you can apply for visas like the 491 (Regional Provisional Visa) or 190 (Permanent Visa). 

 

These visas allow you to live, work, and eventually apply for permanent residency (PR) in Australia. South Australia prioritises skilled workers to boost its economy and workforce.

 

Q. 2. What are the requirements for general skilled migration in Australia?

Following are the general requirements that you must meet: 

 

• You must be under 45 years old (some exceptions apply).
• You must have a job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
• You must demonstrate your English language proficiency.
• You must pass medical checks and have no serious criminal record.
• You must have enough points based on age, work experience, education, and English skills (usually 65+ points). 

 

Q. 3. Does state nomination guarantee a visa grant?

Getting nominated by a state does not automatically mean you will get a visa. You must also meet all the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Once you have been nominated and received your visa invitation from the Department, the state’s migration office is no longer involved in your visa application process. If you have any questions about the visa application process, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Q.4. If my visa is refused by the Department of Home Affairs, can skill and business migration assist me?

The Department of Home Affairs is in charge of issuing and granting all visas. The Skilled & Business Migration office does not get involved in visa decision making.

 

Skilled & Business Migration will never ask the Migration Review Tribunal to review a decision made by the Department if they decide not to give a visa to someone who was nominated by Skilled & Business Migration.

 

Q.5. What is a South Australian program year?

The South Australian program year typically aligns with the Australian financial year, running from July 1st to June 30th. Nomination places are allocated each program year.

 

Q.6. Will volunteer experience be considered as meeting South Australian Skilled and Business Migration’s work experience requirements?

No, to be counted as skilled work experience, it must be paid. Volunteering does not qualify as skilled work experience.

 

Q.7. Can I appeal a refused GSM state nomination decision on my application?

You can appeal it if you think there was a mistake in how your application was handled; Skilled & Business Migration may review it. However, this review is only for mistakes made by the office, not for things like:

 

• Not having enough documents.
• Not meeting the state’s nomination requirements.
• Giving unclear information.
• Typing errors or forgetting to include important information or documents.

 

If you believe there was an administrative mistake, inform Skilled & Business Migration through their online portal within 14 days of getting the refusal notice. 

 

Make sure to include your name, your GSM reference number, and explain why you think there was an error. You can find more details in the application terms and conditions.

 

Q.8. I am working in South Australia and will turn 45 before I can meet the work experience requirement?

If you are working in South Australia and will turn 45 before meeting the minimum work experience requirements, you can still apply for state nomination. You can also ask for your application to be processed faster by sending an online enquiry.

 

You need to include a statement explaining your situation so it can be considered during the assessment. However, this does not mean you will definitely get nominated. Each application is looked at individually.

 

Q.9. I hold an employer-sponsored visa in South Australia. Can I apply for GSM?

Yes, you can apply for state nominations. If your current visa has more than a year left, you need a letter from your employer saying they agree with your application. If you are unable to obtain a letter of support, your application will still be considered, but it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Q.10. Can I combine work experience from multiple employers to meet the experience requirements?

Yes, you can combine work experience from multiple employers to meet the required hours for your chosen occupation. However, all the work experience must be paid and match the skill level needed for that job.

 

Q.11. What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

To show interest in applying for a visa, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. This is how you let the Department of Home Affairs know you want to apply for a visa.

 

Important points regarding EOI submission:

 

• All candidates for state nomination must have an active EOI to be invited. 
• You don’t need to submit a new EOI every year; they last for two years.
• Make sure your EOI is valid long enough for the assessment process. 
• You must indicate South Australia as your state of interest and select both the 491 and 190 visa subclasses, as you might be invited for either.

 

The South Australian government can’t advise on how to claim points for the SkillSelect system.

 

Q.12. What is a Registration of Interest (ROI)?

To express interest in state nomination, you submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) through the Skilled & Business Migration website. 

 

Important points regarding ROI submission:

 

• You can only submit one ROI at a time. 
• Choose your preferred visa subclass, but you might be invited for a different one. 
• You must be eligible for your chosen stream before submitting an ROI. 
• If you are applying from outside Australia, you should not submit an ROI.

 

Q.13. If I was nominated for a 491 by the South Australian Government, can I now apply for a 190?

You can only get one nomination from the South Australian Government. If you were nominated for a 491 visa, you can later apply for a 191 visa once you meet the necessary requirements.

 

Q.14. How long will it take to assess my Registration of Interest application?

There are no specific processing times for Registration of Interest (ROI) applications. If your ROI is successful, the South Australian Government will send you an invitation for state nomination. 

 

Please note that the authorities don’t provide updates on the status of your application or ROI.

 

Q.15. What is the definition of full-time employment?

For South Australian skilled migration purposes, full-time employment is defined as working at least 30 hours per week or 60 hours per fortnight (every two weeks).

 

Q.16. Can I work pro rata hours over a longer period to meet requirements?

No, the South Australian Government doesn’t accept part-time hours to meet the requirements. If you are applying through certain categories, like;

 

• South Australian Graduate 
• Outer Regional Skilled Employment, 
• Skilled Employment in South Australia,

 

You need to work at least 30 hours per week.

 

Q.17. What if there is a gap between my employment in a related occupation?

You can have a short break in your job, like up to one month, if you’re changing jobs. Each person’s application is looked at separately, and decisions are made individually. If you take paid time off, it still counts as part of your job.

 

Please note that periods of paid leave (e.g., annual leave, sick leave) are considered part of your employment and do not count as a gap.

 

Q.18. My temporary work visa is expiring soon. Can my ROI receive priority?

The South Australian Government can’t give priority processing to registrations of interest. However, they will track the applications where the visa is about to expire.

 

Moreover, the authorities do not promise that they will be able to help before the deadline. So it’s a good idea to look into other visa options.

 

South Australia only has a limited number of spots for nominations, so the authorities consider many factors when deciding who to invite. Just because you meet the requirements doesn’t mean you will definitely get an invitation to apply for state nomination.

 

Q.19. How will South Australia assess my application if I get an invitation?

If South Australia invites you to apply for nomination and you submit your application, the authorities will check that you meet all the requirements for your category. 

 

Moreover, they will also verify that the information you provided in your Registration of Interest is correct and true. This check will be based on the documents you provide to support your application. 

 

Q. 20. Can I change or update my ROI?

Once you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), you can’t change the information in it.

 

If small things change, like getting more points, you don’t need to update your ROI because the authroities will see the new information on your EOI. 

 

However, if big changes happen, like switching jobs, it’s a good idea to cancel your current ROI and submit a new one with the updated information. You can cancel your application by logging into your account on the website: 

https://apply.migration.sa.gov.au/user/login.php

 

Q.21. Why has South Australia implemented an ROI for all candidates residing in the state?

South Australia, like other states and territories, uses a Registration of Interest process to choose who can apply for nomination in 2024-2025. This process helps us manage the limited spots available because many people want them. It also helps the authorities prioritise the right candidates for nomination.

 

Final Thoughts

This FAQ guide has answered your questions about South Australian general skilled migration. Although we’ve provided this information to help you, remember that migration policies and requirements can change. 

 

Therefore, always check the official South Australian Skilled & Business Migration website and the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date details and to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. 

 

It is better to seek professional assistance for the complicated processes. Schedule an online consultation now with our experts at The Migration. Get customized solutions to your problems at affordable rates.

 

 

 

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