South Australia EOI & ROI Application Fees (2025 Update)
- Leon L.
- Apr 12
- 6 min read
Are you struggling to navigate through South Australia's skilled migration fee structure? The complex web of EOI, ROI, and application fees often creates confusion, leading many applicants to make costly mistakes during their migration journey.
This comprehensive guide will clarify everything you need to know about South Australia's EOI and ROI application fees, payment processes, and common fee-related questions, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses and application rejections.
Understanding EOI vs ROI: What's the Difference?
Before diving into the fee structure, it's essential to understand the fundamental difference between EOI (Expression of Interest) and ROI (Registration of Interest) in the South Australian migration context.
Key facts about EOI:
It is submitted through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system
EOI submission is completely free of charge
You must select South Australia as your state of interest
EOIs remain active for 2 years and don't need to be submitted each program year
You should select both 491 and 190 visa subclasses in your EOI as you may be invited for either
As the South Australian government explains: "An EOI is the 'Expression of Interest' you will submit to the Commonwealth Government Department of Home Affairs, through their 'Skillselect' system, to indicate your interest in submitting a visa."
What is an ROI?
ROI stands for Registration of Interest, which is unique to the South Australian state nomination process. This step is managed by South Australia's Skilled & Business Migration department.
Key facts about ROI:
It is submitted through the South Australian Skilled & Business Migration portal
ROI submission is also free of charge
You can only submit one ROI at a time
You must select your preferred visa subclass (though you may be invited for a different subclass)
Importantly, offshore candidates do not need to submit an ROI
According to the official South Australian migration portal: "An ROI is the 'Registration of Interest' you will submit to Skilled & Business Migration through our apply site to let us know you are interested in and eligible for state nomination."
Many applicants get confused between these two processes, but understanding their differences is crucial for a successful application.
South Australia State Nomination Application Fees
While EOI and ROI submissions are free, you will need to pay a fee when you submit your actual state nomination application after receiving an invitation from South Australia.

Current Fee Structure (2025)
According to the official South Australian application fees page, the current fees for skilled migrants are:
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): $370 AUD
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): $370 AUD
It's important to note that these fees are subject to additional charges:
A credit card processing surcharge of 1.17% is applied to all payments
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is payable by all onshore applicants
All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD)
These fees are non-refundable administrative charges and don't guarantee approval of your application for nomination.
Payment Methods and Timing
When it comes to paying your application fee, there are specific requirements you must follow:
Payment must be made at the time of application submission
Only VISA and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
The fee must be paid within 48 hours of submitting your application
If payment is not received within 48 hours, your application will be automatically deleted
As specified in the application fees FAQ: "You will be asked to pay the fee at time of application submission with your credit card."
South Australia Nomination Application Process
Understanding the complete application process helps put the fee structure in context. Here's the typical journey for a South Australian state nomination:
Create and submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system
If you're residing in South Australia, submit an ROI through the SA Skilled & Business Migration portal
Wait to receive an invitation to apply for state nomination
Once invited, you have 14 days to submit your full nomination application and pay the applicable fee
If your nomination is approved, you'll receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your visa

It's worth noting that the South Australian government uses the ROI system to manage the limited nomination places available against high demand from candidates, and to prioritize candidates appropriately.
Common Fee-Related Questions
Many applicants have questions about the fee structure and payment process. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Are application fees refundable?
No. As stated in the official application fees FAQ: "Processing fees are non-refundable. The processing fee is the charge applied for Skilled & Business Migration to accept your application."
This applies even if:
Your personal circumstances change
You change your mind about applying
Your nomination is not approved
Will I be charged multiple times if I submit more than one application?
Yes. You will be charged an application fee for each application you submit. This is why it's crucial to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.
How will I know if my payment was successful?
Upon successful payment, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted. You can access your invoice/receipt through this email and through the 'My Application' page in your account.
Can I provide additional documents after submission without paying a new fee?
No. All required documents must be submitted with your application at the time of lodgment. As the FAQ page states: "You cannot submit additional documents. If you need to submit additional information, you will need to submit a new application and pay a new application fee."
Why Fee Information Is Crucial for Applicants
Many migration journeys are delayed or even derailed due to misunderstandings about application fees and payment processes. These challenges are where specialized guidance can make a significant difference.
The complexity of South Australia's migration system has led many successful applicants to seek personalized assistance rather than trying to navigate the process alone. The stakes are simply too high to risk mistakes in your application process, especially when fees are non-refundable.
For example, one applicant with a strong engineering background was initially confused about the various fees and submission requirements. The official website information was comprehensive but spread across multiple pages.
After using NovenAI's personalized assessment tool, he received a clear, step-by-step roadmap that outlined exactly which fees applied at each stage of his application. This comprehensive guidance helped him avoid common pitfalls and ultimately receive his South Australian state nomination.
How to Strategically Approach South Australia's EOI and ROI System
Successfully navigating South Australia's nomination system requires more than just understanding the fees. You need a strategic approach to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation.
A thorough understanding of the occupation list requirements is essential, as South Australia prioritizes certain occupations based on local workforce needs. Additionally, knowing how to optimize your points score and creating a compelling application can significantly increase your chances of success.
With limited nomination places available, South Australia considers a range of factors when determining who is invited to apply. Meeting the published requirements doesn't guarantee an invitation, which is why a strategic approach is critical.
Planning Your South Australia Migration Journey
When planning your migration to South Australia, the application fee is just one of many costs you'll need to consider. Other expenses include:
Skills assessment fees (varies by occupation)
English language test fees (approximately $350 AUD)
Medical examination costs ($400 AUD per adult)
Police clearance certificates
Visa application charges
Document translation costs (if applicable)
Developing a comprehensive budget and timeline is essential for a successful migration journey.
Latest Updates on South Australia's Application Process
South Australia's skilled migration program is constantly evolving to meet the state's economic needs. Recent updates include changes to occupation lists and application requirements, making it crucial to stay informed about the latest developments.
The recent changes to Australia's Core Skills occupation list have impacted many applicants' eligibility for state nomination. Understanding how these changes affect your specific occupation and application is essential for success.
Conclusion: Navigating South Australia's Application Fees Successfully
Understanding South Australia's EOI and ROI application fees is a crucial step in your migration journey. By knowing exactly what fees apply, when they're due, and how to pay them, you can avoid unnecessary complications and focus on preparing a strong application.
Remember these key points:
EOI and ROI submissions are free
State nomination application fees are $370 AUD for both 190 and 491 visas
Fees must be paid at the time of application submission
All fees are non-refundable
Only VISA and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
While official government websites provide necessary information, many successful applicants find that personalized guidance helps them navigate the complex migration landscape more efficiently.
📊 Don't let confusion about application fees derail your Australian migration dreams
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