TL;DR
- Western Australia’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program offers skilled workers the opportunity to migrate with two key visa options: Subclass 190 (permanent residency) and Subclass 491 (provisional visa).
- Eligibility criteria include a relevant occupation listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), work experience, English proficiency, and sometimes an employment contract in WA.
- Application Process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), followed by preparing necessary documents, receiving an invitation, and submitting your State Nomination application.
- WA invitations are sent monthly, and applicants must meet requirements such as minimum work experience and occupation eligibility to be selected.
- After receiving WA nomination, apply for the visa within 60 days, undergo assessment, and register your arrival once your visa is granted.
Are you thinking of moving to Western Australia and contributing your skills to one of the country’s most exciting and fast-growing regions? With its dynamic economy, diverse industries, and a strong demand for skilled workers, Western Australia (WA) offers numerous opportunities for skilled migrants like you. Whether you’re looking to settle in Perth, the vibrant capital city, or other parts of the state, the Western Australia Skilled Migration Program could be your pathway to making WA your home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 2025-26 WA Skilled Migration Program, highlighting eligibility criteria, the application process, and everything you need to know to get started on your migration journey.
Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Also Note:
- Each visa under the Skilled Occupation List has specific requirements, such as certain qualifications, relevant skills, and sometimes even location preferences, depending on the role and demand in different regions.
- Although there is a generic website hosted by the Australian government for SOL that lists out all the occupations that are in available/demand, in reality, there are visa subclasses and each subclass has its own specific occupation list.
- The Skilled Occupation List is frequently updated to align with the state’s labour market needs, and navigating these changes can be complex. Consulting with a Registered Migration Agent like Knowbal ensures you choose the most appropriate visa for your occupation and personal circumstances.
What is Western Australia’s Skilled Migration Program?
The Western Australia Skilled Migration Program is designed to help the state address its skills shortages by inviting skilled workers from around the world to live and work in Western Australia (WA). The program is part of the State Nominated Migration Program, which allows the WA Government to nominate skilled workers for two key visa types:
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
This is a permanent residency visa that lets you live and work in WA for an indefinite period.
- Nomination Required: You need to be nominated by the WA Government to apply.
- Extra Points: With this visa, you get five additional points in the Department of Home Affairs points test, which increases your chances of being invited to apply for the visa.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
This is a temporary visa that lets you live and work in regional areas of WA for up to five years.
- Nomination Required: Like the subclass 190, you need to be nominated by the WA Government.
- Extra Points: This visa gives you 15 additional points in the points test, improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After living and working in WA for a certain period, you may become eligible for permanent residency.
Important Considerations
While receiving state nomination from Western Australia is a crucial first step in the migration process, it’s important to understand that nomination does not guarantee a visa grant. Your application will still need to meet the Department of Home Affairs’ specific visa requirements, such as English proficiency, a valid skills assessment, and the necessary work experience in an occupation listed on the relevant occupation lists.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for nomination under the WA Skilled Migration Program, you need to meet particular eligibility requirements for the specific visa you are applying for. There are two key streams under the program:
General Stream:
1. Occupation
Your occupation must be listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL). You’ve covered this well, but it might be useful to mention that some occupations may have caps on the number of nominations available. Applicants should also ensure that their occupation aligns with the requirements of the specific visa subclass they are applying for (subclass 190 or subclass 491).
2. Work Experience
You’ve mentioned at least one year of relevant work experience, but it would be beneficial to clarify that this experience needs to be paid work experience and should be within the last 10 years (to match the Department of Home Affairs’ guidelines for work experience relevance). Additionally, this work experience must be related to the nominated occupation.
3. English Proficiency
The IELTS score of 6 or equivalent is well noted, but be sure to highlight that this requirement applies unless the applicant is a citizen of one of the English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland).
4. Skills Assessment
You’ve covered this well, but it could be helpful to specify that the skills assessment must be done by a relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation and should align with the visa subclass being applied for.
5. Employment Contract
The requirement for a six-month employment contract in WA is specific to the subclass 190 visa. It’s worth clarifying that for subclass 491 applicants, this employment contract requirement is typically not mandatory unless specified by the stream.
Graduate Stream:
1. Qualification
You have clearly mentioned the need for an accredited WA educational institution, but it could be helpful to further explain that the qualification must meet the level specified on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL).
2. English Language
You’ve correctly pointed out the same English language requirements as in the General Stream. Just a reminder that IELTS or equivalent tests should be taken and the score should meet the minimum for skilled migration.
3. Employment
It’s mentioned that relevant work experience in the nominated occupation is needed, but it’s worth clarifying that this experience should be full-time and, ideally, post-qualification.
4. Study Requirements
For the Graduate Stream, it’s good that you’ve included the two years of full-time study. Ensure to highlight that the study must be conducted at a CRICOS-registered institution and be on-campus unless specific exemptions apply, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Skills Assessment
You’ve correctly included the need for a skills assessment, but it’s important to mention that this assessment should be directly aligned with the qualification obtained and the occupation being nominated.
Additional Points to Consider:
1. Occupation List Caps
For both streams, there may be caps on the number of people that can be nominated for certain occupations. You can mention that applicants should ensure their occupation is not only listed but that there are still available nomination places for that occupation.
2. Residence Requirement
In some instances, applicants may need to reside in WA for a certain period (e.g., three to six months) for the Graduate Stream, or if they are applying for the subclass 491, they may need to work in a regional area.
3. Spouse/Partner Points
For both streams, if your partner/spouse is included in the application, their qualifications and English proficiency may also be taken into account for the points test. This could be worth mentioning if relevant.
You can view the full list of eligible occupations here: WA Skilled Migration Occupation List
How to Apply for WA Skilled Migration
The process for applying for the WA Skilled Migration program involves a series of steps. Follow these instructions to make sure you’re on the right track:
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Your journey begins by lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, managed by the Department of Home Affairs. This is where you’ll indicate that Western Australia is your preferred state for migration. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete details, including your nominated occupation, work experience, and qualifications. The more complete your information, the better your chances of being selected.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
After submitting your EOI, it’s time to collect and prepare all necessary documents that will support your application. These documents usually include:
- Skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Proof of English proficiency (for example, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores)
- Evidence of your work experience (such as employment contracts or pay slips)
- Your qualifications (degrees, certificates, or transcripts)
- Any other documents required based on your specific visa subclass
Make sure everything is current and complete before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Wait for an Invitation
Once your EOI is submitted, your details will be assessed by WA Migration Services. Based on your score and the available nomination places, they will send invitations to those who meet the eligibility criteria. If your application is ranked highly, you will receive an invitation to apply for WA State nomination.
Step 4: Submit Your State Nomination Application
Once you receive an invitation, you can proceed to lodge your application for WA State Nomination through the WA Migration Services portal. At this point, make sure to upload all your required documents such as skills assessments, English test results, work experience proof, and qualification certificates.
Step 5: Wait for Your Application to Be Assessed
WA Migration Services will review your nomination application and supporting documents to determine if you meet the criteria for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). This is the key step where your application is thoroughly checked to ensure everything is in order.
Step 6: Nomination in SkillSelect
Once your application is approved, WA Migration Services will update your details in the SkillSelect system, which notifies the Department of Home Affairs. This triggers an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, allowing you to apply for your visa.
Step 7: Apply for Your Visa
You will have 60 days to submit your visa application after receiving your WA nomination. In this step, you’ll need to complete your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring that you meet all the visa requirements.
Step 8: Visa Application Assessment
After submitting your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will assess it based on the criteria for the subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa. If all goes well and your application is approved, you will receive your visa to live and work in WA.
Step 9: Register Your Arrival
Once your visa is granted, you’ll need to register your arrival if you’re coming from overseas. Additionally, you may need to complete settlement surveys and keep the authorities informed about your settlement progress.
Requesting a Review
If your application for WA State nomination is refused or you face difficulties, you can request a review of the decision. You’ll need to provide an explanation of your situation, along with supporting documentation, to back up your request.
Applying for WA Skilled Migration is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to meet all the requirements and follow the necessary steps.
Ready to start your application or need help navigating the process? Get in touch with Knowbal today and let us guide you through each step to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Final Thoughts
Western Australia’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program offers skilled workers a great opportunity to contribute to the state’s growing economy and lifestyle. Whether you’re applying through the General Stream or Graduate Stream, there are clear pathways to help you achieve your goal of living and working in WA.
Before starting your application, ensure that you carefully review the eligibility requirements for the relevant visa subclass (Subclass 190 or 491). By following the program’s requirements and steps, you can improve your chances of a successful nomination and get closer to calling Western Australia your new home.
Start your WA migration journey today! Book a consultation with Knowbal to ensure you’re on the right track with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the $10,000 incentive to move to WA?
The WA Government offers a $10,000 relocation incentive to eligible skilled workers who move to WA and contribute to the state’s economy.
2. What skills are in demand in Western Australia?
Western Australia currently has high demand for workers in industries like mining, engineering, healthcare, and IT. Refer to the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) for detailed occupation requirements.
3. Who is eligible for skilled migration to Australia?
To be eligible for skilled migration to Australia, you must meet specific criteria, including a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list, sufficient work experience, and language proficiency.
4. Is Western Australia looking for immigrants?
Yes, Western Australia actively seeks skilled migrants to fill labour shortages in key sectors. The WA Skilled Migration Program offers a variety of pathways for qualified workers.
5. Can I apply for WA migration without a job offer?
Yes, it’s possible to apply for WA migration without a job offer, but having one increases your chances. You must still meet the eligibility criteria for the visa subclass and occupation.
6. How often are invitations issued for WA migration?
Invitations are issued monthly, with the number of invitations based on the number of applications received and the available nomination places.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
