Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program
To be granted skilled migration visas such as subclass 190 and subclass 491 and to be able to live and work in Western Australia, you must be nominated (invited) by an Australian state or territory through the State Nominated Migration Program.
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Western Australia (WA) continues to attract skilled professionals from across the globe through its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). This program provides a pathway for eligible skilled workers and international graduates to settle in WA by receiving state nomination for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa). With the 2025-26 program year approaching, many applicants are eagerly awaiting updates on allocation numbers, eligibility criteria, and invitation rounds.
Upcoming 2025-26 Allocations
WA has been allocated a very small interim number of places for the 25-26 program year. The full allocations are unlikely to be given until after the state and federal government's meeting on the 12th of September.
​Based on recent years, WA is likely to receive one of the highest allocations among states as it was the case in the last financial year. 5000 places were allocated to Western Australia, joint highest with Victoria and New South Wales for the 2024-25 program along with 5000 additional DAMA places. Metro City Perth can also be now considered within the DAMA program.
Priority is expected to remain for occupations in building and construction, healthcare, education, hospitality, and tourism. Applicants are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in SkillSelect now, so they are ready once the new allocation is released.
Eligibility Streams
Western Australia offers two main pathways for skilled migration under SNMP:
1. General Stream
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Occupation must be listed on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL).
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Divided into Schedule 1 and Schedule 2, with certain industries given higher priority.
2. Graduate Stream
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For international students who have recently graduated from a WA institution.
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Occupations must be listed on the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
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Provides a streamlined pathway for WA-trained graduates.
Eligibility Streams
Western Australia offers two main pathways for skilled migration under SNMP:
1. General Stream
-
Occupation must be listed on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL).
-
Divided into Schedule 1 and Schedule 2, with certain industries given higher priority.
2. Graduate Stream
-
For international students who have recently graduated from a WA institution.
-
Occupations must be listed on the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
-
Provides a streamlined pathway for WA-trained graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for WA State nomination, applicants generally must:
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Have an occupation on the WASMOL or GOL.
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Meet Department of Home Affairs visa criteria, including skills assessment and minimum 65 points.
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Provide evidence of a full-time employment contract in WA (not required for some priority construction roles).
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Demonstrate English language proficiency.
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Intend to live and work in WA for at least two years.
1. General Stream
The General Stream is open to skilled professionals whose occupations are listed on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL). This stream is divided into two schedules
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Schedule 1:
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Includes high-demand occupations in critical industries such as healthcare, construction, education, engineering, and trades.
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Applicants with occupations on this list often receive priority in invitation rounds because these roles address WA’s most urgent workforce shortages.
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Some occupations in Schedule 1 may require evidence of a full-time employment contract from a WA employer to be eligible for nomination.
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Schedule 2:
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Contains a broader range of skilled occupations across industries where WA is also seeking workers, though demand may not be as critical as Schedule 1.
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While applicants on Schedule 2 are still eligible, they may be ranked lower in the invitation process compared to those on Schedule 1.
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Key features of the General Stream:
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Applicants may apply from within WA, another Australian state, or overseas.
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Meeting the minimum Home Affairs criteria (skills assessment, English, 65+ points) is essential.
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Applicants with ties to WA (such as residency, job offers, or family) are generally ranked higher.
This stream is ideal for experienced skilled workers who want to migrate to WA to contribute their professional expertise directly to the state’s economy.
2. Graduate Stream
The Graduate Stream is specifically tailored for international students who have completed their studies in Western Australia. WA has introduced this stream to encourage graduates to remain in the state and help fill ongoing skill shortages.
Graduate Occupation List (GOL):
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Only graduates whose qualifications align with occupations listed on the Graduate Occupation List are eligible.
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The GOL is broader than the WASMOL and includes occupations in both professional and trade fields, giving graduates more opportunities to qualify.
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Additional details:
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Graduates must have completed a CRICOS-registered course at an accredited WA institution.
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Minimum study requirements usually include two years of full-time study in WA.
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Higher qualifications, such as a Master’s or PhD, are often ranked more favorably during invitation rounds.
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Graduate Stream applicants may have a lower threshold for requirements compared to the General Stream, making it a more accessible pathway.
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Why this stream is attractive:
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It provides a streamlined pathway to state nomination for international students already living and contributing in WA.
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Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a second Work visa (TR 485)
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Oftentimes, for same nominated occupation, cut-off points for PR invitation for Graduate stream is lower than that of the ones applying through General stream.
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Graduates are already familiar with WA’s job market and community, which increases their chances of long-term settlement and employment success.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for WA State nomination, applicants generally must:
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Have an occupation on the WASMOL or GOL.
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Meet Department of Home Affairs visa criteria, including skills assessment and minimum 65 points.
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Provide evidence of a full-time employment contract in WA (not required for some priority construction roles).
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Demonstrate English language proficiency.
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Intend to live and work in WA for at least two years.
How Invitations are Ranked?
Invitations are issued monthly (when the program is open) and are ranked using the following priorities:
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Applicants residing in WA.
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Applicants living in other Australian states.
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Applicants overseas.
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Occupations in priority industries (construction, health, education, hospitality).
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Higher-level WA qualifications (e.g., Master’s, PhD).
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EOI score and submission date.
Support Services for Skilled Migrants in WA
While the program is temporarily paused, prospective migrants can take key steps now:
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Lodge or update your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
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Review the WASMOL and GOL lists to ensure your occupation is eligible.
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Prepare supporting documents, including employment contracts and skills assessments.
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Stay updated via the Migration WA website for the official 2025–26 allocation announcement.
Preparing for the 2025-26 Program Year
While the program is temporarily paused, prospective migrants can take key steps now:
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Lodge or update your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
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Review the WASMOL and GOL lists to ensure your occupation is eligible.
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Prepare supporting documents, including employment contracts and skills assessments.
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Follow us and stay updated via the Migration WA website for the official 2025-26 allocation announcement.
Western Australia State Nomination Program:
Priority Occupations & Invitation Round
Among all states, Western Australia is among the most consistent in terms of consistent invitation rounds without much fluctuations. Multiple priority occupations as well as some niche occupations have been consistently receiving invitations through the WA state nomination program. Along with Trade occupations, Community Services, Nursing, Teaching as well as some niche generic occupations remain in strong demand with consistent PR invitations.
If you need help with your migration skills assessment or, want to explore your pathway with existing background or, want to explore new pathways, book a Free Phone Consultation with us. There are also streamlined PR pathway which you may opt to pursue. Check out some in-demand study options which can be completed within 12-16 months. This can be done whilst holding a Student visa or a, Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
Don't know where to start? Just say "Hi" (Sms/WhatsApp: +61410478759).
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