South Australia Skilled Migration: SA 190 / 491 Priorities 2026 – January Invitation Update
- Angie Lam
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
South Australia has confirmed that skilled migration invitations were issued in January 2026 under the State Nomination program for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
The update was released by Migration SA, confirming that invitations were issued to eligible candidates who had lodged a valid Registration of Interest (ROI) and aligned with the State’s priority selection framework at the time of invitation.Official source: Migration SA – Invitations Issued January 2026 https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/invitations-issued-jan-2026
This update provides useful guidance on SA 190/491 priorities in 2026, particularly for applicants planning, reviewing, or updating their ROI strategy.
SA 190 / 491 priority sectors – 2026 focus
Migration SA indicated that invitations in this round were highly targeted, with selection focused on sectors critical to South Australia’s workforce and economic needs, rather than broad, points-based selection.
Priority sectors referenced include:
Health and medical professions
Construction and infrastructure-related occupations
Education and teaching roles
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Trades and technical roles supporting essential services
These sectors align with South Australia’s long-term labour market planning, population growth objectives, and demand for essential services.
Stream labels and sector groupings are inferred for explanatory purposes only. Applicants should always refer to the official Migration SA ROI system for current occupation settings and eligibility requirements.
What this means for SA 190 / 491 applicants in 2026
The January 2026 invitation round reinforces several important points for skilled migration applicants:
SA 190/491 nomination is priority-driven, not points-driven alone
Occupation lists are only one factor — sector demand and contribution matter
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation
Invitation rounds may be limited, targeted, and irregular
Applicants should ensure their skills assessment, English language results, employment claims, and ROI details are accurate, current, and aligned with South Australia’s priorities at the time of selection.
Why keeping your ROI updated matters
State nomination settings can change quickly in response to labour market demand and available nomination places. An outdated or poorly positioned ROI may reduce your chances, even if you otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
If your circumstances have changed — such as employment, work location, experience, or English level — your ROI should be reviewed and updated strategically.
Next steps
For personalised advice and tailored migration pathway options based on your individual profile and current state priorities, please contact us for a strategic assessment.
