South Australia is in the middle of the biggest, longest economic build-up in its history. Submarines, a growing space sector, a $15.4 billion tunnel, a new children's hospital, a copper boom, a steelworks transformation and one of the country's largest renewable energy pipelines are all under way at once — and all competing for the same pool of skilled workers.

What's driving South Australia's skills shortage?

South Australia's project pipeline isn't limited to one or two headline builds. It spans defence, transport, health, mining, energy and water infrastructure, much of it planned out to the 2030s and beyond.

• AUKUS submarine construction at Osborne — a multi-decade defence build
• The Torrens to Darlington (T2D) tunnel and the new Women's and Children's Hospital — the state's two current "generational" infrastructure projects
• A growing space industry centred on Adelaide
• Olympic Dam's copper expansion and the Oak Dam prospect
• The transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks
• A $32.5 billion pipeline of renewable energy and hydrogen projects
• The proposed Northern Water desalination and pipeline project

Each of these draws on largely the same trades, engineering and professional workforce as the rest of the state's economy.

Why does this matter right now?

Seven of the world's top 10 defence companies already have a presence in South Australia, supported by more than 400 local SMEs delivering across maritime, aerospace, land, systems and cyber work.

On the transport side, more than 120,000 vehicles a day already use the roads the T2D Project will replace.

And the state's own 2026-27 Budget describes the T2D tunnel and the new Women's and Children's Hospital as the two "generational" projects driving a deliberate, temporary increase in government debt while they're delivered.

These are not small, isolated builds. Together they are large enough to reshape where the state's skilled workforce ends up for the next 20 years.

South Australia's project pipeline, sector by sector

1. AUKUS and the Osborne shipyard

Delivering SSN-AUKUS submarines requires a major, sustained increase in South Australia's defence engineering and construction workforce. The Commonwealth has now committed $8.5 billion to the Osborne Submarine Construction Yard alone, with construction of Australia's first SSN-AUKUS due to begin by the end of this decade and the first Australian-built boat expected in the early 2040s. 

This is a multi-decade program, not a short-term construction job.

Skills in demand: mechanical, electrical, mechatronics and systems engineers; naval architects; project and construction managers; welders, metal fabricators, fitters and machinists; electricians; quality assurance and safety professionals; ICT and cybersecurity specialists; supply chain and procurement specialists.

2. T2D and the new Women's and Children's Hospital — SA's two "generational" projects

The T2D Project is estimated at $15.4 billion and will deliver 10.5 kilometres of non-stop motorway, including twin three-lane tunnels making up more than half the route, with full completion planned for 2031.

As of 2026, the project has three large-scale tunnel boring machines excavating simultaneously — the first time this has happened on an Australian road project.

Alongside it, the new Women's and Children's Hospital is the state's other generational build, with the 2026-27 Budget continuing investment in both projects as its two largest capital commitments.

Skills in demand: civil, structural and geotechnical engineers; surveyors; construction and project managers; quantity surveyors; tunnel specialists; electricians; plant and heavy vehicle operators; construction trades; and, for the hospital build, healthcare facility planners alongside the usual construction workforce.

3. Health infrastructure beyond Adelaide

The hospital build isn't limited to the new Women's and Children's Hospital in the city.

The 2026-27 Budget also funds a new medical education and training facility next to Mount Gambier Hospital, upgrades to the maternity, birthing and renal services at Murray Bridge Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, a new emergency department at Clare Hospital, and a business case for a proposed new Greater Northern Adelaide Hospital.

Skills in demand: registered nurses, doctors and medical specialists, allied health professionals, paramedics and health managers, plus the construction trades needed to deliver the facilities themselves.

4. South Australia's space industry

South Australia is home to Australia's civil space sector, including the Australian Space Agency and more than 100 space-related organisations, with the South Australian Space Industry Centre leading state industry development.

Skills in demand: aerospace and satellite engineers, systems engineers, and digital and software specialists — a segment in short supply globally, not just in South Australia.

5. Olympic Dam, Oak Dam and the copper opportunity

BHP is investing more than $840 million in growth-enabling projects at its existing Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena mines, alongside continuing exploration at Oak Dam, as part of a strategy to potentially double South Australian copper production by the mid-2030s.

BHP is also progressing a proposed smelter and refinery expansion at Olympic Dam, with a final investment decision targeted for the first half of the 2026-27 financial year.

Skills in demand: mining and process engineers, mining geologists, metallurgists, environmental professionals, surveyors, heavy diesel mechanics, fitters, electricians, plant operators and project managers.

6. Whyalla and the future of green steel

The South Australian and Australian Governments placed the former owner of the Whyalla Steelworks into administration to secure its future, and in May 2026 shortlisted two final bidders for its sale, backed by up to $1.9 billion in joint government investment to modernise the site into a low-emissions facility.

Skills in demand: metallurgical, mechanical and process engineers, welders, fitters, metal fabricators, electricians, plant operators and industrial technicians.

7. Renewable energy, hydrogen and the energy transition

South Australia now has a $32.5 billion pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects under construction, under assessment or approved, spanning wind, solar, battery storage, transmission and hydrogen.

Skills in demand: electrical, mechanical, civil and power systems engineers, environmental engineers, electrical technicians, mechanical fitters, welders, plant operators, construction and project managers.

8. Northern Water

The proposed Northern Water Project would build a large-scale desalination plant and a pipeline of around 400 kilometres to supply industry in the Upper Spencer Gulf and Far North, including future copper and hydrogen development.

Skills in demand: civil, water and hydraulic engineers, environmental engineers and scientists, project and construction managers, electricians, pipefitters and surveyors.

9. Regional South Australia

Not all of this activity is in Adelaide. The Upper Spencer Gulf (Whyalla and Port Augusta) is building an industrial and energy hub around steel, hydrogen and mining supply chains. The Far North, around Olympic Dam and Roxby Downs, centres on copper, uranium and mining services. The Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Mid North are seeing steady demand across health, education, agriculture and regional construction. South Australia's Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream exists specifically to support this kind of regional demand.

The occupations these projects need most

Reading through every project above, the same kinds of jobs keep coming up. Here is a simple summary of the occupations South Australia's major projects need most, grouped together so you can see where your own skills might fit.

• Engineering: civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, mining, mechatronics and systems engineers
• Construction and trades: construction managers, surveyors, electricians, welders, fitters, plant operators, tunnel specialists
• Health: registered nurses, doctors and medical specialists, allied health professionals, paramedics
• Project delivery: project managers, quantity surveyors, safety and quality assurance professionals
• Digital and cyber: ICT specialists, cybersecurity professionals, software and systems engineers
• Education: teachers and trainers, needed as the population and workforce grow

If your occupation appears in one or more of these groups, South Australia is worth serious consideration — but remember that economic demand for a skill is not the same as visa eligibility. The two need to be checked separately.

Matching South Australia's projects to its migration priorities

For the 2025-26 General Skilled Migration program, South Australia is prioritising six sectors: Building and Construction, Defence, Education, Engineering, Health and Manufacturing.

The overlap with the project pipeline above is direct:

• AUKUS and shipbuilding — Defence, Engineering, Manufacturing
• T2D and Northern Water — Building & Construction, Engineering
• Olympic Dam, Oak Dam and Whyalla — Engineering, Manufacturing
• Renewable energy and hydrogen — Engineering, Building & Construction, Manufacturing
• Hospitals and regional health — Health, Building & Construction
• Growth-driven demand for teachers and trainers — Education

Important: South Australia's occupation lists and nomination settings can change between program years, so being in a priority sector does not automatically mean a specific occupation will qualify for state nomination at any given time.

South Australia's broader priorities

Beyond migration settings, the state government's own 2026-27 Budget frames health, education, skills, housing and infrastructure as the core priorities it is investing behind.

The Premier has separately pointed to AUKUS-driven jobs and the state's copper resources as key long-term drivers of growth and prosperity, alongside a continued push on renewable energy. This broader strategic direction is what sits behind the specific projects and migration priorities described above — South Australia isn't simply reacting to short-term shortages, it's building industries intended to need skilled people for decades.

What visa pathways can help?

South Australia can nominate eligible skilled migrants for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), a direct pathway to permanent residence, or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) for those willing to live and work in regional South Australia.

For employers, standard employer sponsored visa pathways may apply, and eligible employers may also be able to access concessions under South Australia's Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA), which the state is currently renegotiating into a new five-year agreement with the Commonwealth.

Which pathway makes sense depends on the occupation, the employer's circumstances and the applicant's individual profile — economic demand in an industry does not automatically translate into visa eligibility.

What should you do if you're short-staffed?

If your business is losing staff to bigger projects, or struggling to hire in engineering, construction, defence, mining, energy or healthcare, act before the shortage gets worse.

• Map your current and upcoming roles against South Australia's occupation lists and priority sectors
• Check whether your business is eligible to sponsor skilled migrants directly
• Look into DAMA concessions if you're in a sector or region they cover
• Start the sponsorship process early — visa processing takes time, and demand for skilled labour is only rising

Waiting until a project deadline is close to source talent puts you at a disadvantage against employers who started planning months earlier.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. South Australia's major projects will only succeed on schedule if the workforce behind them arrives on time, and that depends on getting migration right. Work Visa Lawyers helps South Australian employers build a practical, compliant plan to fill skill shortages with migrant workers, and helps skilled migrants understand where they stand under the current rules.

• Employer sponsored visa advice
• Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) sponsorship
• Skilled migration strategy for engineering, construction, defence, mining, energy and health roles
• Guidance on current visa processing priorities, so you know what to expect and how to plan around it
• Sponsorship compliance and ongoing obligations

Getting your sponsorship strategy right early gives you a real advantage while South Australia's major projects are competing for the same workforce, and while the migration rules themselves keep changing.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: South Australia's Big Projects and Skills Needs

Why is South Australia short of skilled workers right now?

South Australia is running several large projects at once, including AUKUS submarine construction, the T2D tunnel and new Women's and Children's Hospital, a growing space sector, an expanding copper industry and a $32.5 billion renewable energy pipeline. These projects draw heavily on the same skilled workforce the rest of the state's economy also needs, leaving many mid-sized and smaller employers short-staffed.

What is AUKUS and how does it affect South Australian jobs?

AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership under which South Australia will build nuclear-powered submarines at Osborne. The Commonwealth has now committed $8.5 billion to the construction yard alone, and the program is expected to create a multi-decade demand for engineers, tradespeople and technicians.

What are South Australia's two 'generational' infrastructure projects?

The T2D tunnel and the new Women's and Children's Hospital are described by the state government as its two current generational projects, both drawing heavily on construction, engineering and (for the hospital) health-facility skills.

How does South Australia's project pipeline match its skilled migration priorities?

South Australia's published priority sectors for 2025-26 are Building and Construction, Defence, Education, Engineering, Health and Manufacturing. Nearly every major project on the state's pipeline — from AUKUS to the copper industry to renewable energy — sits within one or more of these sectors.

Can small and medium South Australian businesses sponsor skilled migrants?

Yes. Eligible South Australian employers can sponsor skilled migrants directly, and some may also access concessions through South Australia's Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

Have Australia's visa processing rules changed recently?

Yes. From 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 119 changed the order in which skilled visa applications are processed, giving the highest priority to defence and law-enforcement occupations, then construction, healthcare and teaching occupations for applicants already in Australia. It does not change who is eligible for a visa, only the order applications are looked at.

Does being an Accredited Sponsor still speed up visa processing in South Australia?

Not on its own. Under Ministerial Direction 119, Accredited Sponsor status and regional employer location are no longer standalone priority factors, which is an important change for South Australian regional employers who may have relied on this in the past.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help my business find skilled workers?

Work Visa Lawyers can assess your sponsorship options, including DAMA concessions, explain how current processing priorities affect your timeline, and manage your skilled migration strategy end to end. Talk to an Immigration Lawyer to get started.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

REFERENCE LIST

1. https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/trade-international-investment/tistrategy/defence-and-space — Department of State Development — AUKUS, defence and space sector overview and figures

2. https://www.asa.gov.au/projects/osborne-submarine-construction-yard — Australian Submarine Agency — Osborne Submarine Construction Yard timeline

3. https://defencesa.com/news-events-and-media/news/multi-billion-investment-in-new-submarine-construction-yard/ — Defence SA — $8.5 billion Commonwealth investment in the Osborne Submarine Construction Yard

4. https://www.t2d.sa.gov.au/about — T2D Project (Dept for Infrastructure and Transport) — project scope and cost

5. https://www.t2d.sa.gov.au/project-map — T2D Project — tunnel length and route detail

6. https://www.t2d.sa.gov.au/ — T2D Project construction portal — current construction status (tunnel boring machines)

7. https://dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/projects/river-torrens-to-darlington — Department for Infrastructure and Transport — North-South Corridor congestion figures

8. https://treasury.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1419036/2026-27-Budget-Statement.pdf — SA Treasury — 2026-27 Budget Statement (T2D and new WCH as generational projects)

9. https://statebudget.sa.gov.au/our-budget/health — SA State Budget 2026-27 — Health infrastructure investment (Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Clare)

10. https://statebudget.sa.gov.au/our-budget/budget-overview — SA State Budget 2026-27 — Budget overview and government priorities

11. https://www.space.gov.au/ — Australian Space Agency — national space sector context

12. https://sasic.sa.gov.au/ — South Australian Space Industry Centre — state space sector development

13. https://www.bhp.com/news/articles/2025/10/bhp-investing-to-boost-olympic-dam-operations — BHP — Olympic Dam growth-enabling investment and copper production plans

14. https://www.bhp.com/news/media-centre/releases/2024/08/bhp-takes-next-step-in-smelter-and-refinery-expansion-at-copper-south-australia — BHP — Olympic Dam smelter and refinery expansion (Oak Dam context)

15. https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/news/latest/final-bidders-shortlisted-in-sale-of-whyalla-steelworks — SA Dept of Energy and Mining — Whyalla Steelworks sale and modernisation investment

16. https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/hydrogen-and-renewable-energy/leading-the-green-economy — SA Dept of Energy and Mining — $32.5 billion renewable energy project pipeline

17. https://www.northernwater.sa.gov.au/project-overview — Northern Water Project — official project overview

18. https://migration.sa.gov.au/before-applying/visa-options-and-pathways/skilled-migrants/moving-to-south-australia-from-overseas — Migration SA — 2025-26 skilled migration priority sectors

19. https://migration.sa.gov.au/before-applying/visa-options-and-pathways/skilled-migrants/outer-regional-skilled-employment — Migration SA — Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream and occupation caveat

20. https://migration.sa.gov.au/before-applying/visa-options-and-pathways/employer-sponsored-visas — Migration SA — employer sponsored visa pathways

21. https://migration.sa.gov.au/employer-hub/dama — Migration SA — Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) overview

22. https://migration.sa.gov.au/news/damas-extension — Migration SA — DAMA extension and new statewide agreement negotiation

23. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa — Department of Home Affairs — Ministerial Direction 119 skilled visa processing priorities (effective 25 July 2026)

Skilled visa processing times in Australia have changed. From 25 July 2026, new skilled visa processing priorities decide which nomination and visa applications the Department of Home Affairs looks at first.

This is set out in Ministerial Direction 119, which has replaced the previous rules in Direction 105.

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, this change may affect how soon it's considered. This guide explains the new priority order in plain English, which visas it covers, and what you should check right now.

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

A Ministerial Direction is a legal instrument. It is made under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958.

It tells Department of Home Affairs staff, called delegates, in what order to consider certain applications.

Direction 119 does not change visa eligibility criteria. You still need to meet all the normal requirements for your visa or nomination. Direction 119 only changes the order that applications are looked at.

Direction 119 was signed by Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, on 24 July 2026. It commenced the next day, on 25 July 2026.

Why are visa processing priorities important? 

Processing priority affects the order of your application in the queue. It does not guarantee that your visa will be approved.

The Government says Australia's skilled migration program should support key industries and the national interest. Under Direction 119, law enforcement and defence occupations come first. Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations come next.

Your location matters too. Applicants already in Australia get higher priority than applicants applying from outside Australia, at every level. This affects skilled migrants everywhere, including applicants in India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the United States.

Direction 119 does not set fixed visa processing times — it sets the order applications are looked at. For background on how many skilled visa places are available this year, see our guide to Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program planning levels.

Skilled visa processing priorities: the 5 levels explained

Direction 119 sets out 5 priority levels for skilled nomination and visa applications. Level 1 is considered first. Level 5 is considered last.

1. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
2. Law enforcement or defence occupation, and the applicant is outside Australia.
3. Construction, healthcare, or teaching occupation, and the applicant is in Australia.
4. Any other application, and the applicant is in Australia.
5. Any other application, and the applicant is outside Australia.

So what does this mean for you? If your occupation and location match a higher level, your application should generally be looked at sooner than applications in a lower level.

Which occupations get the highest priority?

Direction 119 groups occupations into categories using Australia's official job classification system, called ANZSCO. Below are example roles for each category, not a full list.

Law enforcement and defence occupations (priority one and two)

• Police officers nominated or sponsored by the Australian Federal Police or a state or territory police force.
• Defence roles connected to the AUKUS submarine program or advanced military capability projects.
• Defence Force members nominated or sponsored by the Australian Defence Force or Department of Defence, such as commissioned and senior non-commissioned officers.

Construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations (priority three)

These 3 categories share the same priority level. Examples include:

• Construction: carpenters, electricians, civil engineers, construction managers, crane operators, and safety inspectors.
• Healthcare: nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, aged and disability carers, and personal care assistants.
• Teaching: school teachers, school principals, university lecturers, and child care workers.

For more on in-demand health roles, see our guide to health occupations that can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

These categories are broad. If you're unsure whether your occupation qualifies, check with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.

Which visa subclasses does Direction 119 cover?

Direction 119 covers 2 types of applications: nomination applications and visa applications.

Nomination applications

Direction 119 covers nomination applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa

Visa applications

Direction 119 also covers visa applications for the:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (closed to new applicants)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa
• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa
• Skilled Regional (subclass 887) visa

If your visa isn't on either list, Direction 119 doesn't apply to you. Business and talent visas, like the National Innovation (subclass 858) visa, are covered by separate directions.

What's changed from Direction 105?

The biggest change is for the 482 visa. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered by these processing priorities. While the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa was covered by Direction 105 and this likely influenced processing of SID 482 visas, SID 482 was not specifically covered under Direction 105. If you hold or are applying for a 482 visa, this is an important update for you.

Direction 119 also applies to applications made, but not yet decided, before 25 July 2026. This means an application you lodged months ago may now be considered under the new order, not the old one.

When Direction 119 doesn't apply

Direction 119 does not apply to every application. It does not apply if:

• your case was sent back by the AAT or ART for reconsideration
• the AAT or ART already set aside the decision and made a new one
• it's already clear you don't meet the visa or nomination criteria
• you're a family member applying separately from the main applicant
• your nomination is about changing employer

So what does this mean for you? If one of these applies to your case, it's assessed on its own facts. The priority order above doesn't apply.

How to check current visa processing times

Direction 119 sets the order of priority. It does not publish exact processing times.

For an estimate, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide. You enter your visa type, stream, and application date. The tool shows how long recently decided applications took to process. It does not guarantee your application will be finalised in that time.

This tool is updated monthly, so check back for the latest figures.

What should you do next?

If you have a skilled visa or nomination application on hand, don't assume nothing has changed for you.

You should check:

• whether your occupation falls into a priority category
• whether you're inside or outside Australia
• whether your visa subclass is listed under Direction 119
• your visa processing times using the Department's tool
• whether your application is complete and ready for a decision

If your occupation or location places you in a lower priority level, your application may take longer.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand how Direction 119 affects your application.

We can assist with:

• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa applications
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa applications
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa applications
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa applications
• reviewing your application so it's complete and ready for a decision

Processing priorities can be hard to work out for your specific case. Advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer can help you understand where you stand.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Skilled Visa Processing Times and Priorities (2026)

What is Ministerial Direction 119?

Ministerial Direction 119 is a legal instrument that sets the order in which the Department of Home Affairs processes certain skilled visa nomination and visa applications. It commenced on 25 July 2026 and replaced Direction 105. It does not change visa eligibility rules.

Has Direction 105 been replaced?

Yes. Direction 105 was revoked and replaced by Direction 119 from 25 July 2026. Direction 105 had applied since 14 December 2023.

Does Direction 119 apply to the 482 visa?

Yes. The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is now covered under Direction 119. This is new. It was not covered under Direction 105.

Should I apply for my visa while I'm in Australia?

Applying while you're in Australia can give you higher priority under Direction 119. But you still need to meet all visa requirements, including any condition about where you can apply from. Get advice before changing your plans.

What happens if my occupation isn't a priority occupation?

Your application is still processed. It falls into priority level 4 or 5, depending on whether you're in or outside Australia. It may take longer than a priority occupation application.

How long will my skilled visa take to process now?

Direction 119 does not publish set processing times. For an estimate based on recently decided applications, use the Department's Visa Processing Times Guide.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

REFERENCE LIST

• Ministerial Direction 119 (PDF) — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/md-119.pdf
• Department of Home Affairs — Skilled visa processing priorities — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa
• Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times guide — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Most Common Health Occupations That Can Secure PR in Australia — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/most-common-health-occupations-that-can-secure-pr-in-australia.html 
• Work Visa Lawyers — Australia's 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels — https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/australia-s-2026-27-permanent-migration-program-planning-levels-understanding-the-australian-visa-numbers-and-permanent-residency.html

Most Common Health Occupations That Can Secure PR in Australia

Australia continues to experience significant healthcare workforce shortages—from hospitals to aged-care facilities. To address this, the Australian Government provides visa pathways for health professionals that often start with temporary work visas and lead to Permanent Residency (PR) or visas direct to PR.

If you're a nurse, aged or disability carer, doctor, or allied health professional, you're strongly positioned to build a long-term future in Australia.

Remember, to work in many health occupations in Australia, you must have professional registration, for example:

• Nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists must be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
• Doctors must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.

Understanding Australian Migration Pathways: An Overview

Before exploring the options for your specific healthcare profession, it is helpful to understand the main visa types. Many health professionals start with a temporary visa and transition to Permanent Residency (PR) later, while others apply for PR directly.

Here is a simple explanation of the most common structured pathways in Australia:

Temporary to Permanent Employer-Sponsored (Subclass 482 → Subclass 186)

You start by working temporarily on a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa. After gaining experience with your employer, you can transition to a permanent Subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Regional Provisional to Permanent (Subclass 491 or 494 → Subclass 191)

You begin on a provisional visa (like the Subclass 494 (Regional Provisional) visa or employer-sponsored 494) that requires you to live and work in regional Australia. After 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa.

Direct Permanent Residency (Subclass 189, 190, or 186 Direct Entry) - First Option

Depending on your points, experience, and state nominations, you may be eligible to apply directly for permanent residency without needing a temporary visa first.

Note: Healthcare occupations often receive processing priority under Ministerial Direction No. 105, meaning your visa application may be finalised much faster than other occupations.

Visa Options for Registered Nurses

Registered nurses are in high demand across Australia. Before applying for a visa, nurses must typically obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and be registered with AHPRA. For example, in recent Subclass 189 invitation rounds, several nursing specialisations received invitations with a minimum of 75 points.

PR Pathways for Nurses

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Skills assessment may be required.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: Under 45, 3+ years work experience (Direct Entry) or 2 years on 482 Visa, Competent English, Skills assessment required for Direct Entry.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa - First 

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 190/491 – State Nominated Visas - Second

• Type: State Nominated (Permanent/Provisional)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment, minimum 6 months work experience and invitation from state is required.

Visa Options for Aged & Disability Carers

Pathways for carers rely on employer-sponsorship through region-specific agreements, not the points-based system. A skills assessment from ASQA or VETASSESS is typically required.

PR Pathways for Carers

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Regional)
• Key Requirements: Age/English concessions often available, Skills assessment is generally required. Pathways to PR typically involve:

• Starting on a temporary Subclass 482 visa first, and later transitioning to the Subclass 186 PR visa.
• Applying for the Subclass 494 (Regional Provisional) visa, and after 3 years, transitioning to the Subclass 191 PR visa.

Visa Options for Medical Practitioners (Doctors & Specialists)

Registration with the Medical Board of Australia is the first crucial step and often forms part of the skills assessment process.

PR Pathways for Doctors

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored Visa (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year full-time work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Medical Board registration.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: Under 45 (exemptions possible), 3+ years work experience (Direct Entry) or 2 years on 482 visa, Competent English, Skills assessment required for Direct Entry.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Type: Regional Nominated (Provisional)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment, Work experience.

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Type: Regional Sponsored (Provisional)
• Key Requirements: Under 45, 3+ years work experience, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Visa Options for Allied Health Professionals

This category includes roles like Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. A positive skills assessment and AHPRA registration are required.

PR Pathways for Allied Health Professionals

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Type: Points-Based (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Type: State Nominated (Permanent)
• Key Requirements: 65+ points, Under 45, Competent English, Mandatory skills assessment.

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Type: Employer-Sponsored (Temporary)
• Key Requirements: At least 1 year work experience, Minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.0 overall), Skills assessment may be required.

Your Future in Australia

Healthcare professionals are central to Australia’s migration strategy. Whether you're a nurse, carer, doctor, or allied health worker, there are clear visa pathways to help you transition from work visas to Permanent Residency.

How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, our Adelaide-based team specialises in helping health professionals and healthcare employers navigate migration pathways clearly and effectively. Work Visa Lawyers is one of the best migration businesses in South Australia and offers plain-English explanations, confidentiality, and quality service to help you confidently choose your best visa pathway.

Ready to explore your pathway to Australia?

Book a consultation today to discuss your career and future in Australia.

Book an Appointment

Australian Visa Fees 2026-2027: Full Price Table

Visa application charges increased across almost every Australian visa subclass on 1 July 2026. Most visa fees rose by approximately 25%. 

A small number of visas, including Bridging Visa B and the Resident Return visa, more than doubled in price. 

If you are planning to apply for any Australian visa, you need to know the new costs before you lodge.

What is the Visa Application Charge (VAC)?

The Visa Application Charge, or VAC, is the government fee you pay when you lodge a visa application.

The Department of Home Affairs sets the VAC. It reviews the charge every year, usually on 1 July.

In most years, the Department adjusts visa fees by around 3% to 5%. This keeps pace with inflation.

This year is different. Most visa subclasses increased by around 25%. A small number of visas increased by far more than that. 

For a single applicant, this can mean paying over $1,000 more than last year. For a family applying together, the difference can run into several thousand dollars.

Full table: Australian visa fees from 1 July 2026

The table below shows the base application charge only, for the main applicant, across the visa subclasses affected by the 1 July 2026 increase.

The most common visas: how much more you'll pay

These are the visas most people apply for. All figures below are the base application charge for the main applicant only. They do not include additional charges for a partner or children.

Partner Visas:

The Partner visa (Subclass 309/100 offshore and 820/801 onshore) increased from $9,365 to $11,710. That is 25% more, or $2,345 extra for the main applicant.

189, 190 and 491 Visas:

Skilled visas, including the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated and 491 Skilled Work Regional visas, all increased by around 25%, from about $4,910 to $6,140.

Temporary 482 visa and Permanente 186 visa:

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) increased from $3,210 to $4,015, up 25%. 

For a family of three applying together, for example two adults and one child under 18, the combined base charge is now at least $9,035.

Student, Graduate and Working Holiday visas: 

The Student visa (Subclass 500) increased from $2,000 to $2,500, also a 25% rise. 

Students already faced significant fee increases in recent years, and a further rise adds pressure on Australia's international education sector.

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) has now increased twice in four months. In March 2026, the fee rose from $2,300 to $4,600. On 1 July 2026, it increased again, to $5,750. That is a total increase of around 150% since March.

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417/462) increased from $670 to $840, a 25% rise.

The most extreme increases in the fee schedule

Two visa subclasses saw increases far beyond the general 25% pattern.

The Resident Return visa (Subclass 155) increased from $490 to $1,475. That is a 201% increase. This visa is for permanent residents who need to travel after their travel facility has expired.

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) increased from $190 to $575. That is a 202.63% increase, more than triple the previous fee. This visa allows a person to travel overseas while their substantive visa application is being processed.

A second or third Working Holiday visa also increased sharply, from $670 to $1,000, up 49.25%.

Both the Resident Return visa and Bridging Visa B relate to travel: leaving Australia and coming back. 

This pattern suggests the increases are not only about raising revenue. They may also be designed to make it more costly for people to leave and re-enter the country.

Why is the government increasing fees so sharply?

The Department has not published a single stated reason for the scale of this year's increase.

However, the increases align with Australia's current housing pressures. This year's skilled migration program directs around 70% of places to people who are already in Australia, rather than new arrivals from overseas.

Raising visa costs is one way to slow the number of new arrivals and encourage some temporary visa holders to consider leaving. It also raises additional government revenue at a time of broader budget pressure.

These increases affect industries that rely on temporary visa holders, including tourism, hospitality, international education and small business. 

A sustained fee increase across the visa system can make Australia less attractive to the workers, students and travellers these industries depend on.

What should you do?

If you are planning to apply for any visa, check the current fee before you lodge.

You should check:

• the current base application charge for your visa subclass
• whether any additional applicants, such as a partner or children, apply, since their charges differ from the main applicant fee
• other costs, including English tests, medical examinations, police checks, immigration lawyer or registered migration agent fees, document translation, and other potential expenses

If your visa costs have increased significantly and you are unsure about your options, seeking advice can help you and budget effectively.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand the current visa fees and plan your application accordingly.

We can assist with:

• Partner Visa Application
• Skilled Visa Applications (189, 190, 491, 191)
• Skills in Demand (482) visa application
• Employer Sponsored visa (186)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
• Student and Graduate visa strategy
• Resident Return Visa Application
• Bridging visas
• DAMAs
• Labour Agreements 
• National Innovation Visa (858)

Visa fees are now a significant cost. Getting your application right the first time matters more than ever, since these charges are non-refundable.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

FAQ: Australian Visa Fee Increases 2026

How much did partner visa fees go up in 2026-2027?

The partner visa base application charge increased from $9,365 to $11,710 on 1 July 2026, a 25% rise. This applies to both the offshore 309/100 and onshore 820/801 pathways.

Which Australian visa had the biggest fee increase in 2026-2027?

Bridging Visa B saw the largest percentage increase, rising 202.63%, from $190 to $575. The Resident Return visa was close behind, up 201%, from $490 to $1,475.

How much is the Working Holiday visa in 2026-2027?

A first Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417 or 462) now costs $840, up from $670. A second or third Working Holiday visa costs $1,000, an increase of 49.25%.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)  Surge Since March 2026

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) increased in March 2026 from $2,300 to $4,600 and again on 1 July 2026, taking the fee from $4,600 to $5,750, a total rise of around 150% since March 2026.

Do visa fees keep increasing every year in Australia?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs reviews visa fees annually, usually on 1 July. Typical increases are 3% to 5%. The 2026-2027 increase, at around 25% for most visas, was far larger than usual.

Sources: 

Department of Home Affairs – Current Visa Pricing Table: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

Salary Requirement for 482 and 186 Visas: New Income Thresholds 2026-2027

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas have increased. 

This affects the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494), and some Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) pathways.

 
If you are an employer sponsoring a worker, or a skilled worker relying on one of these visas, you need to check the new thresholds before you lodge.

Back in February, we posted about the expected increase, and now Home Affairs has confirmed it. The figures were correct.

What are CSIT, SSIT and TSMIT?

The Core Skills Income Threshold, or CSIT, is the minimum salary an employer must offer to nominate a worker under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482). https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements

It also applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa.

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold, or SSIT, is a higher minimum salary. It applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa, generally used for higher-paid, highly skilled roles.

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, or TSMIT, is an older term. In practice, it now tracks the same figure as CSIT for most current employer-sponsored pathways.

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

The CSIT increased from $76,515 to $79,423 from 1 July 2026. That is an increase of $2,908, or about 3.8%.

This threshold applies to the Core Skills stream of the 482 visa and to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa.

For the 482 Core Skills stream, the worker must generally be nominated in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List. 

The employer must pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role, and not less than CSIT (whichever figure is higher applies).

This means an employer cannot pay the bare CSIT minimum if the normal market rate for that role is higher.

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

The SSIT increased from $141,210 to $146,576 from 1 July 2026, an increase of $5,366, also about 3.8%.

This applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the 482 visa, generally used for higher-paid, highly skilled roles. The nominated occupation must fall within eligible ANZSCO major groups, and the nominated salary must meet SSIT.

These changes apply to new nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2026. 

The Department has confirmed the increase does not apply to existing visa holders, or to nominations lodged before 1 July 2026.

Why the Income Threshold are so important for Australian migration?

The Department of Home Affairs reviews CSIT and SSIT every year, based on wage growth data.

Employer-sponsored visas are one of the largest pathways to permanent residency in Australia. 

For the 2026–27 financial year, the Employer Sponsored category has around 58,040 places, or about 31% of the entire permanent Migration Program, up from 44,000 places in 2025–26. 

Because so many permanent visa places rely on this pathway, the salary rules that gate access to it affect a significant number of employers and applicants.

DAMA salary concessions

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. This is a labour agreement pathway that can help employers in specific regional areas sponsor overseas workers where there are local labour shortages. 

Work Visa Lawyers has a separate guide to the DAMA visa pathway for employers considering this option.

Some DAMA agreements offer salary concessions, including a possible 10% concession to the relevant income threshold.

With a 10% concession, the reduced CSIT or TSMIT figure increased from $68,864 to $71,481 from 1 July 2026, still around a 3.8% increase.

DAMA concessions are not automatic. They depend on the specific DAMA, the occupation, the employer, and the terms of the labour agreement. 

Employers still need to check the market salary rate and confirm they meet the correct requirements for that DAMA pathway.

Fair Work High Income Threshold and the 186 age exemption

The Fair Work High Income Threshold also increased, from $183,100 to $190,100 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%. 

This threshold is set separately by the Fair Work Commission and is not a Department of Home Affairs figure, but it can still affect a migration outcome.

Applicants for the 186 visa are usually required to be under 45 years old, but some applicants may be exempt. One possible exemption applies where a 482 visa holder has worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least two years in the required period, with earnings for each year at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold.

This is different from CSIT or SSIT. A high income can help with an age exemption for permanent residency, but it does not replace the CSIT or SSIT requirement for a 482 nomination.

Summary table: 2026-2027 income threshold changes

The table below summarises the confirmed threshold changes taking effect from 1 July 2026.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help employers and skilled workers understand the new income thresholds and prepare a compliant nomination.

We can assist with:

• Skills in Demand (482) visa nominations and visa applications

• Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visa applications

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) visa applications

• DAMA labour agreement applications

• sponsor obligations and compliance

• salary and Annual Market Salary Rate assessments

Book an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers or registered migration agents for assistance with your employer-sponsored visa application. Work Visa Lawyers is one of Australia’s leading immigration law firms, and our team is ready to help you.

Book an Appointment

FAQ: 482 and 186 Visa Income Thresholds 2026-2027

What is the new Core Skills Income Threshold for 2026-2027?

The CSIT increased from $76,515 to $79,423 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%. It applies to the Core Skills stream of the 482 visa and to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.

How much is the Specialist Skills Income Threshold in 2026-2027?

The SSIT increased from $141,210 to $146,576 from 1 July 2026, an increase of about 3.8%.

What is the minimum salary for a 482 visa in 2026-2027?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary for the Specialist Skills is $79,423. For the 482 visa, the minimum salary is $146,576.

What is the minimum salary for the 186 permanent residency visa in 2026-2027?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is $79,423 (186 Transition Pathway or 186 Direct Entry Pathway).

Does the new threshold apply to my existing 482 visa?

No. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against the previous threshold.

What is a DAMA salary concession?

Some DAMAs allow a concession, such as 10%, to the relevant income threshold. With a 10% concession, the reduced threshold is $71,481 from 1 July 2026. Concessions depend on the specific DAMA and occupation.

Does a high salary help with permanent residency after a 482 visa?

It can, in some cases. If a 482 visa holder's income meets the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year for at least two years, they may qualify for an age exemption when applying for the Subclass 186 visa after 45 years old.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help with a 482 or 186 nomination and visa application?

Yes. Contact Work Visa Lawyers to check your nomination meets the current salary requirements before lodging.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Sources:

Department of Home Affairs – Salary requirements to nominate a worker:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/salary-requirements

Department of Home Affairs – Migration Program planning levels:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

The Fair Work High Income Threshold:

https://www.fwc.gov.au/high-income-threshold