If you are thinking about applying for a Skilled visa to Australia, why not consider a South Australia (SA) state sponsorship? There are a range of options available for you to choose from, giving you added choice. You can select a temporary or permanent South Australia state sponsorship visa, depending on your occupation and personal situation (state sponsorship is also often referred to as state nomination; these terms are used interchangeably).
Skilled Visa
Under the skilled visa stream, you might consider a Subclass 190 Skilled (Nominated) visa, which is a state sponsored permanent residence visa for skilled migrants that allows you to live and work in South Australia.
Another state sponsorship SA skilled visa option available is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. With this visa, you can live and work in South Australia for up to five years. This option provides a pathway to permanent residence in Australia after three years with the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if you meet specified criteria at that time (this is a new visa to be introduced on 16 November 2022). Be aware that there is also a family sponsored stream for the subclass 491 visa (this is discussed further below).
Some of the key requirements to qualify for either a subclass 190 or 491 state sponsorship SA visa include that you must be aged under 45 at time of nomination, have a valid skills assessment, and your occupation must be listed on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
There is also employer sponsored skilled visa options under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). There are currently two DAMA’s for Adelaide state sponsorship, providing even greater opportunities for migrating to Australia and in particular, the state of South Australia.
What Is The Skilled Occupation List?
One of the main eligibility requirements for a skilled visa is the skilled occupation list. Each skilled visa subclass is subject to a prescribed occupation list, which specifies which skilled occupations are eligible for nomination. There are also sometimes caveats that apply, meaning additional requirements for certain occupations.
If you are applying for an Adelaide state sponsorship skilled visa , your occupation must be included on the SA state sponsorship list to be eligible for sponsorship approval. Each occupation on the SA state sponsorship list is subject to its own requirements, such as English language proficiency, minimum points score required in the Migration Points Test, under which programs the relevant occupation may be sponsored, skill level required, employment requirements as well as any exemptions available.
There is also a separate SA state sponsorship list for the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). These agreements are executed between the Commonwealth and a State or Territory Government to allow an employer to sponsor skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled in the local labour market. The DAMA program applies to the employer sponsored visa programs under the Labour Agreement stream, as follows:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa;
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa; and
- Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa.
There are currently two DAMA’s in South Australia, as listed below:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA; and
- South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA.
You can read more about the South Australia DAMA in the following articles:
South Australia DAMA Occupation List
DAMA Visa South Australia Requirements
Business Visa
Alternatively, you might be interested in a South Australia state sponsorship Business visa. The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa is a state nominated temporary visa for business owners, investors and entrepreneurs that provides a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa. This visa enables you to own and manage a business, conduct business and investment activity, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia. It consists of four visa streams, namely, a Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor and Entrepreneur stream. Each visa stream has a visa term of five years.
You will also receive support from the South Australian Government to help you to settle and do business in the state. And an added bonus? As a business visa holder in South Australia, you will have the opportunity to live and conduct business in one of the best parts of the world! Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is one of the most cost-competitive markets for setting up business and leasing office space, and the regions are even more affordable.
Why Choose A South Australia State Sponsored Visa?
With a state sponsorship SA visa, you can enjoy the many benefits of living and working in a state which offers a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle where you can achieve work-life balance and affordability. It is convenient and easy to get around, and offers a range of options in terms of lifestyle. Whether you are after the city life in Adelaide, a suburban or country life in the regions, there is something for everyone in South Australia. A South Australia state sponsorship visa can help you get there, and live your dream.
In this article, we take a look at the state sponsorship migration program in more detail, including what is meant by a state sponsorship, the state sponsored visa options, key points to be aware of if you are considering a state sponsored visa, the importance of being aware of the South Australia state sponsorship processing time, alternatives to the state sponsored skilled and business visa program, as well as some the reasons why South Australia is such a great place to live and why you should consider an Adelaide state sponsorship visa.
What Is State Sponsorship?
State sponsorship means that a state in Australia sponsors you for a visa (state sponsorship is also used to refer to sponsorship by a Territory Government). You can apply to one of the following States to sponsor you for a visa:
- New South Wales (NSW);
- Western Australia (WA);
- Queensland (QLD);
- Victoria (VIC);
- South Australia (SA); or
- Tasmania (TAS).
You may also apply for sponsorship by one of the following Territories in Australia:
- Northern Territory (NT); or
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The availability of state sponsorship will depend on each individual jurisdiction, in terms of the visa programs that they sponsor and when their applications are open. You will need to check with the particluar state or territory from whom you are seeking a sponsorship before appplying to confirm this information.
Key Points Regarding State Sponsorship
If you are considering applying for a South Australia state sponsorship visa, it is important to be aware of some of its main features and characteristics, as you compare the various visa options that may be available to you.
Added Step In The Application Process
It is important to have aware of the application process involved, so that you can set appropriate timelines and deadlines as part your visa pathway plan. Applying for a state sponsored visa is a three stage process, which consists of the following steps:
- you must first submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI) application with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) (to be completed online through SkillSelect). An EOI is not a visa application, and there is no cost to create or submit an EOI. To lodge an EOI for a subclass 190 or 491 visa, and for certain subclass 188 visa streams, you must attain at least 65 points in the Migration Points Test. Points are allocated to a range of factors, such as your age, qualifications and employment experience;
- next, you need to submit an application for state sponsorship approval to your selected state or territory government in line with their requirements. This is usually submitted at the same time as the EOI. You should check these requirements before you apply as each state and territory has its own requirements and processes. Also check the South Australia state sponsorship processing time so that you can plan ahead;
- if your application is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. You can then proceed to apply to the Department for the visa within 60 days of receiving the invitation. You must meet immigration requirements to apply for the visa.
Also be mindful when comparing the various skilled visa options, that the process outlined above includes an additional step when compared with some other types of skilled visas. If you were to apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) visa, or a subclass 491 visa under the family sponsored stream, for example, there is no state sponsorship requirement, and so only two steps in the process.
Regardless of the number of steps involved, it is important to understand exactly what procedure you need to follow when applying for any visa. Ensure that you are fully informed of the process and requirements, so that you can plan accordingly, and prepare a complete and correct application, giving you the best chance of a successful result. It is important to be across all timelines that apply, including the South Australia state sponsorship processing time. Be mindful that these change periodically, depending on conditions and priorities/policies at the time. This is especially important when it comes to applications that require an EOI to be lodged, given this that it is not a visa application. You therefore need to ensure that you have a valid visa to remain lawfully in Australia during the period when you are awaiting an invitation. Planning ahead is key in this regard.
Commitments Or Visa Conditions Apply
One key point to be aware of with a South Australia state sponsorship visa is the fact that you will be subject to certain commitments or visa conditions once the visa is granted, both as part of visa requirements and state nomination requirements.
In terms of immigration requirements, with a subclass 190 visa, for instance, you must commit to living in the state or territory for two years following visa grant.
As a subclass 491 visa holder, while in Australia, you must live, work and study only in a part of Australia that was a designated regional area at the time the visa was granted.
As a subclass 188 visa holder, you will also be subject to certain requirements relating to your business activity, depending on the visa stream that you apply for.
In regard to state sponsorship requirements, for skilled visa holders/migrants, in South Australia, for example, it is condition of your visa nomination that you register your arrival and complete five short updates during your first two years in the state.
If you have been granted a state sponsorship SA business visa, you must also register your arrival date online within two months of your arrival in South Australia. Other states and territories may also have similar requirements.
Therefore, you should be mindful that there are certain limits and responsibilites placed on you as an Adelaide state sponsorship visa holder. It is crucial to be across these issues before you apply, so that you understand exactly the responsibilites and obligations that you will be subject to as a state sponsored visa holder.
Get Additional Points
One key benefit of state sponsorship is that you get bonus points in the Migration Points Test.
The subclass 190 visa grants you an extra 5 points, and the subclass 491 visa adds 15 additional points on account of the sponsorship.
These extra points can make the difference to help you get over the line to receieve an invitation to apply for the visa.
You can use our Points Test Calculator to work out your points score.
Extra Support
As a state sponsored visa holder, you will also have access to additional support and assistance from your nominating state or territory government. As an Adelaide state sponsorship visa holder, for example, you will have access to the following help and services from Skilled & Business Migration South Australia (SA):
Skilled Visa
Skilled & Business Migration SA have collated a list of organisations that may be able to assist you on your arrival in South Australia.
Business Visa
- the government agency will keep you updated on information, business and investment opportunities and relevant news and services available to you to assist with your settlement journey and can help with connections to professional services, networking & promotional events, programs and tailored assistance to business migrants;
- it offers one-hour appointments for business migrants to communicate directly with their Business team. This service helps business migrants with relevant information and useful business contacts that may help the success of your business. It also provides information and clarification on your obligations in meeting your state nomination requirements. The meetings are a free person-to-person service. Note that certain business visa holders are required to attend such a meeting as part of nomination requirements;
- it also offers resources and settlement information for additional support. For example, the South Australian Government has developed a guide for doing business in South Australia to help you to understand some of the main requirements and relevant points for starting and operating a business in South Australia, including if you are looking to buy all or part of an existing business. Skilled & Business Migration has also developed an information pack to assist your relocation to South Australia; and
- Skilled & Business Migration will also invite you to participate in business networking and other events for added support.
What Are The Alternatives To State Sponsorship?
If you are after a skilled visa, be mindful that there are other options available, in addition to the state sponsorship pathway, as discussed below.
Independent Skilled Visa
Another option that you may like to consider in the skilled visa class is a Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) visa. This skilled visa option is not a state sponsored visa but rather, is ‘ independent,’ meaning that you are not relying on another party to help you to qualify for the visa, such as a state or territory, an employer or a relative. Instead, you qualify for the visa based on your own specific attributes.
One of the benefits of the subclass 189 visa is that, apart from the fact that it grants you immediate permanent residence in Australia, because it is ‘independent,’ you are not committed to working, living and/or studying in a particular state or territory, which is the case with a state sponsored visa, or to be employed by a particluar employer in a specified position, as applies to an employer sponsored visa. In this regard, the subclass 189 visa offers you greater choice once the visa is granted,
On the flip side, although a state sponsored visa adds certain commitments or conditions that do not apply to the subclass 189 visa, a key advantage of a state sponsorship is the fact that you will be granted additional points in the Migration Points Test, which helps to increase your overall points score, and therefore improves your chances of receiving an inviation to apply for the visa. The subclass 190 visa grants you an extra 5 points, and the subclass 491 visa adds 15 additional points on account of the sponsorship.
Eligible Relative Sponsored Skilled Visa
Certain family members, where they are Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen may sponsor you for a subclass 491 visa under the family sponsored stream, subject to meeting specified requirements. This option also grants an additional 15 points in the Migration Points Test.
Employer Sponsored Skilled Visas
You can also be sponsored by an employer for an employer sponsored or employer nominated visa. In this scenario, you will be bound by certain commitments or conditions upon visa grant, which are more specific to your employment situation. The options under this category are a subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which may provide a pathway to permanent residence after three years, through a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS). There is also a direct pathway to employer sponsored permanent residency available through the Direct Entry (DE) stream of the subclass 186 visa.
A further employer sponsored visa option is the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, which also provides a pathway to permanent residence after three years.
To learn more about applying for an employer sponsored visa, please see the following articles:
Australian Skilled Migration Visa List
Employer Nomination Migration Scheme
Employer Sponsor Visa Requirements
Why Choose South Australia?
South Australia offers many benefits, including a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle allowing you to have work-life balance. It is afforable, convenient and easy to get around, and offers a rich mix of food, culture and entertainment. South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, being one of the world’s most liveable cities, is well positioned and is only a short drive away from some of Australia’s most unique, globally-renowned regions. South Australia offers something for everyone, whether that be city, suburban or country life, the state has it all, to suit the individual needs of everyone!
From a cost of living point of view, South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia. Homes are affordable, with more than two-thirds of residents owning their own homes. Adelaide is also one of the most cost-competitive markets to set up business and to rent office space, with the regions being even more affordable.
South Australia is also an easy place to get around. If you prefer driving, you’ll find well planned and maintained roads, ensuring safety and convenience. There are also plenty of public transport options available, including buses, trains and trams. Travel to the regions is also easy, with bus, rail and flight options available.
And if its food, culture and entertainment that you are after, then look no further to South Australia. The state offers a world-renowned food and wine culture, and hosts a wide range of cultural and sporting events, and a variety of cultural and entertainment experiences, for both education and leisure. You will find lots to do in both the city and regions, the divere experience on offer are truly immense.
And For Business?
South Australia is the ideal destination for high quality business owners and entrepreneurs who can create genuine and sustainable business opportunities in the state, including in the regions, that benefit South Australia’s economy, local businesses and the workforce. The state has strong connections to national and global markets, positioning your business for financial prosperity and success in South Australia. The state’s business migration program seeks to attract high quality investment into the South Australian economy, to help increase employment in South Australia, and to drive innovation to make the state more productive and competitive.
Get More Information
Skilled State Sponsorship Visa
For more information on the subclass 190 visa, please see our articles on the Subclass 190 State Sponsorship Visa and Adelaide 190 Visa.
Also refer to our Australian Permanent Resident Visa Case Study article to read about a real-life case study where PAX Migration Australia assisted a client to apply for a subclass 190 visa and who, after a long migration journey, was finally granted permanent residence in Australia.
You can read a further case study example in our State Sponsorship Visas In Australia article which explains how a client successfully applying for a state sponsorship visa with PAX Migration Australia’s assistance.
Skilled Regional State Sponsorship Visa
For further information on the subclass 491 visa, please see the following articles:
New Skilled Regional Visas to be introduced
Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa
Further Regulations released for the new regional sponsored visas to commence from 16 November 2019
Applications for the new provisional regional sponsored visas are now open
Skilled Visas
To learn more about applying for a skilled visa, please see the following articles:
State Sponsorship Visas In Australia
Australian Skilled Migration Visa List
General Skilled Migration Visa Options
General Skilled Migration Visa Points
Employer Nomination Migration Scheme
Business Visas
To learn more about applying for a business visa, please see the following articles:
A Comprehensive Guide to a Business Investment Visa
Investor Visa Australia Requirements
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Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to find out more about applying for a state sponsorship SA skilled or business visa, including the SA state sponsorship list and timeslines such as the South Australia state sponsorship processing time.
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Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are interested in applying for a South Australia state sponsorship skilled or business visa, and to learn more about the SA state sponsorship list and the South Australia state sponsorship processing time to be aware of when lodging your application for Adelaide state sponsorship. Being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this. Several terms are also defined in the migration provisions. It is vital to have a good understanding of these terms and how they apply in practice. Detailed advice about these is beyond the scope of this article and we would therefore recommend that you seek further information in this regard.
For up to date advice on applying for a South Australia state sponsorship skilled or business visa, and whether your occupation is included on the SA state sponsorship list, contact PAX Migration Australia, a leading immigration service providing advice on a range of visas including state sponsorship SA visas. Contact us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be able to assist you in your migration goals in Australia.
Sources/Links
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – About South Australia – Why South Australia
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – Skilled Migrants – Nomination Options
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – Skilled Migrants – Resources & Support
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – Business Migrants – Overview
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – Business Migrants – Nomination Options
Skilled and Business Migration South Australia – Business Migrants – Resources & Support
