Western Australian State Program

With the allocated 5000 places for the 2024-25 financial year, the Western Australia State government has conducted its first invitation round on 16^th August 2024 with future invitations rounds to be anticipated in the first week of each month through the current financial year.

The state government issued total 600 invitations in the first round, with 300 places under the subclass 190 visa stream and 300 places under the subclass 491 visa stream.

Based on the published information for the first invitation round, it appears that the state government has only considered occupations in priority WA industry sectors, no invitations have been issued to candidates in other sectors in the first invitation round.

• Features of state nomination program:
  • $200 application fees are waived
  • Registration of Interest (ROI) is not required, the state government issues invitations to candidates selected from the SkillSelect pool
  • 382 available occupations for state nomination
  • Equal invitation ranking for Interstate and Overseas candidates
  • Prioritize invitations for candidates with an occupation in a WA industry sector with critical demand for skilled workers
  • Reduce employment requirements for candidates invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation

• Priority WA industry sectors:
  • Building and Construction
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Education and Training

• WA State Nomination Streams:
  • General Stream: candidates must have an occupation listed in the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2.
    
    Apart from the standard skilled visa application requirements from the Department, the following additional requirements are for applicants under each Schedule:
    
    Schedule 1 applicants:
    Applicants must have at least one year post qualification employment experience in or outside of Australia in the last 10 years; for applicants under s/c 190 visa stream, a contract of employment in the nominated occupation for full time employment in Western Australia, for at least 6 months is required; there is no contract of employment requirement for subclass 491 visa candidates.
    
    Schedule 2 applicants:
    Applicants must present a contract of employment in the nominated occupation for full time employment in Western Australia, for at least 6 months, unless the applicants are for visa subclass 491 or applicants whw are invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation.
    
  • Graduate Stream: candidates under this stream must nominate an occupation in the relevant WA occupation list, must meet the study requirements by showing at least one qualification studied in Western Australia, at an accredited WA educational institution, full time, face to face learning and for a period of at least two academic years. Qualifications must be awarded by a University or higher education provider with a Bachelor or higher degree or by a vocational education provider with a qualification at Certificate III or above.  

• Ranking System:
  Ranking system for General Stream: candidates eligible for the General stream are ranked in accordance with the following:
  • Currently residing in Western Australia
  • Currently residing offshore or in another Australian state or territory
  • Occupations in priority WA Industry sectors
  • Occupations in all other WA industry sectors
  • Highest EOI points score
  • Oldest EOI submission date

Ranking system for Graduate Stream: candidates eligible for the Graduate stream will be ranked in accordance with the table below:

Summary

If you’re considering applying for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) through WA, focusing on priority sectors and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria is crucial. Given the competitiveness, it’s wise to consider alternative pathways and seek professional advice to maximise your chances of success.

How Migration Downunder Can Assist You

We believe in straightforward advice, to get you the results.  We will be honest with you about your prospects and what you need to do to improve your chance of selection and eventually achieve your visa.

Let us guide you to achieve your goal of living and working in Australia by finding the best pathway that suits your individual circumstances.

For more detailed information and updates, get in touch with one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents. You can also visit the Migration WA website.