Western Australia Skilled Migration Program: First Invitation Round Expected Within this Month

Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) has entered a period of recalibration, with the first invitation round for 190 and 491 visas now expected later than originally anticipated. According to internal industry briefings, the postponement to December 2025 appears to be linked to ongoing technical issues within the WA Migration Portal. These system adjustments are reportedly necessary to ensure all applicants; new and existing have equal opportunity to register, update their submissions, and accept invitations at the moment rounds resume.

What This Means for Skilled Applicants

The next invitation round is now expected within the coming weeks, once the portal stabilisation is complete and WA confirms its initial nomination schedule. Early signals suggest that the first round is likely to focus heavily on priority occupations, particularly those aligned with essential industries and regional workforce shortages. Applicants whose skills fall within engineering, health, construction, education, or technical trade sectors may see earlier movement as WA reactivates its nomination pipeline.

Given this environment, it is critical for prospective migrants to maintain an active, accurate, and fully documented Expression of Interest (EOI). With priority occupations expected to be at the forefront of the initial rounds, an updated EOI ensures eligibility is recognised immediately once invitations commence.

The Importance of Timely Preparation

The evolving structure of WA’s migration pathways highlights the increasing value of preparation. Whether positioning yourself within a priority occupation, strengthening your points profile, or understanding the new procedural expectations, proactive readiness reduces the risk of missing a narrow invitation window.

Applicants who wish to explore accelerated entry options may also consider fast-track or high-demand qualification pathways, particularly in fields where WA continues to experience acute labour shortages. Similarly, those planning for longer-term settlement in Western Australia should familiarise themselves with the WA 190 and 491 pathways, including occupation-specific requirements, regional incentives, and potential post-study or post-employment avenues.

While the delay may be disappointing for some, it is not a signal of program contraction. Rather, it reflects WA’s intention to ensure fairness, data accuracy, and technical stability before releasing invitations. Historically, when technical or administrative pauses occur, they are often followed by concentrated rounds once systems reopen.

The next few weeks are therefore pivotal. Skilled applicants who remain prepared, informed, and aligned with priority sectors are likely to be best positioned for early nomination consideration once WA’s invitation cycle restarts.

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.