South Australia Skilled Migration Invitation Update – May 2026 (Subclass 190 & 491 Visa Insights)
South Australia has released its latest skilled migration invitation data for May 2026 under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
The latest invitation round provides valuable insight into current occupation demand, state nomination priorities, and trends affecting Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa applicants.
For skilled migrants planning Australia PR in 2026, understanding these invitation patterns is extremely important because invitation numbers now depend heavily on occupation demand, workforce shortages, and regional migration priorities.
Total Invitations Issued in May 2026
This invitation round highlights South Australia’s continued focus on healthcare, infrastructure, education, and regional workforce shortages.
In May 2026:
- Subclass 190 invitations: 295
- Subclass 491 invitations: 214
- Total invitations: 509
This reflects steady demand across multiple industries, especially healthcare, engineering, and trades.
Total Invitations Issued So Far (2025–26 Program)
- Subclass 190: 1606
- Subclass 491: 1009
- Total invitations: 2615
The data shows consistent migration activity and growing reliance on both state nomination and regional pathways.
Detailed Invitation Data – May 2026
Below is the complete breakdown of invitations issued by occupation group:
| ANZSCO Sub-major Group | Subclass 190 (May) | Subclass 491 (May) | Total (May) | Subclass 190 (2025–26) | Subclass 491 (2025–26) | Total (2025–26) |
| 13 Specialist Managers | 8 | 3 | 11 | 97 | 35 | 132 |
| 14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 28 |
| 22 Business, HR and Marketing Professionals | 0 | 16 | 16 | 30 | 104 | 134 |
| 23 Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals | 57 | 15 | 72 | 334 | 93 | 427 |
| 24 Education Professionals | 32 | 17 | 49 | 137 | 36 | 173 |
| 25 Health Professionals | 128 | 13 | 141 | 550 | 23 | 573 |
| 26 ICT Professionals | 0 | 28 | 28 | 7 | 230 | 237 |
| 27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals | 8 | 2 | 10 | 59 | 14 | 73 |
| 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians | 4 | 34 | 38 | 40 | 141 | 181 |
| 32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers | 29 | 11 | 40 | 78 | 42 | 120 |
| 33 Construction Trades Workers | 14 | 30 | 44 | 141 | 86 | 227 |
| 34 Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers | 10 | 0 | 10 | 106 | 14 | 120 |
| 35 Food Trades Workers | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| 36 Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 41 Health and Welfare Support Workers | 3 | 19 | 22 | 17 | 98 | 115 |
| 45 Sports and Personal Service Workers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 51 Office Managers and Program Administrators | 0 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 40 | 49 |
| Total | 295 | 214 | 509 | 1606 | 1009 | 2615 |
Key Highlights from May 2026 Invitations
- Health professionals received the highest number of invitations, confirming ongoing shortages in hospitals, aged care, disability support, and community health sectors.
- Engineering, science, and transport professionals continue to experience strong demand due to infrastructure and development projects across South Australia.
- ICT professionals received invitations primarily under Subclass 491, showing that regional migration pathways remain important for technology occupations.
- Construction, automotive, and engineering trade occupations saw strong invitation activity, reflecting labour shortages in infrastructure and housing sectors.
- Education professionals also maintained steady invitation numbers, highlighting continued workforce demand in schools and training institutions.
What This Means for Applicants
This data clearly shows that:
- Healthcare and engineering fields offer the strongest opportunities
- Trade occupations are becoming more important
- Regional visas are increasing in significance
- State nomination remains a key pathway in 2026
Applicants should align their occupation, experience, and strategy with these trends to improve their chances.
Upcoming Invitation Round
South Australia Skilled and Business Migration has indicated that another invitation round may be conducted in mid to late May 2026, depending on nomination availability and program requirements.
How to Improve Your Chances Based on This Update
To stay competitive in 2026:
- Target high-demand occupations
- Improve your English score
- Apply for state nomination
- Consider regional pathways
- Keep your EOI updated regularly
With increasing competition and changing trends, having the right strategy is more important than ever.
Victory Group Australia can help you:
- Analyze your profile based on latest invitation trends
- Choose the right occupation and visa pathway
- Prepare a strong EOI and ROI
- Maximize your chances of receiving an invitation
Book your consultation today and stay ahead in your Australia PR journey.
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How many invitations were issued in May 2026?
A total of 509 invitations were issued across Subclass 190 and 491.
Which occupation received the highest invitations?
Health professionals received the highest number of invitations.
Is Subclass 491 becoming more important?
Yes, regional visas are gaining more importance due to increased demand and availability.
Are ICT professionals still in demand?
Yes, but primarily under regional visa pathways.
When is the next invitation round expected?
Mid to late May 2026.