Western Australia (WA) is rolling out one of the most flexible and favourable state nomination programs for 2024-25. Alongside New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, WA offers generous program numbers and streamlined requirements, making it an attractive destination for skilled migrants.
Program Numbers
For the 2024/25 period, WA has allocated the following places for skilled migration visas:
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: 3000 places
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: 2000 places
For detailed information on migration program planning levels, visit the link here
Key Features
WA’s state nomination program includes several key features:
- Interstate applicants are eligible to apply.
- A ranking system that favours WA residents.
- Limited additional requirements beyond those set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Contract of employment exemptions for construction workers and 491 visa candidates.
Costs
There is no application fee for WA nomination.
Eligibility Streams
WA offers three streams for state nomination:
General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2 (Other Occupations)
- Occupation must be listed on the WASMOL Schedule 2 occupation list (not all occupations are eligible for the 190 visa).
- For the 190 visa: A full-time employment contract (at least 35 hours per week) in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation is required (not applicable to building and construction industry sector occupations).
- For the 491 visa: No contract is required.
Graduate Stream
- Occupation must be listed on the WASMOL Graduate stream occupation list.
- Qualification requirements:
- Gained from an accredited WA educational institution.
- At PhD, Masters, Bachelor (including Honours), Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Trade Certificate III level or higher.
- Achieved through full-time study and face-to-face learning.
- At least two academic years’ duration. English study, study at multiple WA institutions, or courses can be combined to meet the two-year study requirement. Credit and advanced standing cannot be used.
General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1 (Health and Medical Occupations)
- Occupation must be listed on the WASMOL Schedule 1 occupation list.
- At least one year of Australian or overseas work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation in the last 10 years (only post-qualification experience and must be at least 20 hours per week).
- For the 190 visa: A full-time employment contract (at least 35 hours per week) in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation is required (not applicable to building and construction industry sector occupations).
- For the 491 visa: No contract is required.
Ranking Criteria
Candidates eligible for the General streams will be ranked based on:
- Current residence in WA.
- Current residence offshore or in another Australian state or territory.
- Occupations in priority WA industry sectors (building and construction, healthcare and social assistance, hospitality and tourism, and education and training).
- Occupations in all other WA industry sectors.
- Highest Expression of Interest (EOI) points score.
- Oldest EOI submission date.
Graduate stream applicants will be ranked similarly, with graduates of higher qualifications being ranked above those with lower qualifications.
WA Residency Evidence
Applicants receiving a prioritised invitation based on residing in WA must provide evidence such as a residential property lease agreement, bank or mortgage statement, insurance policies, or a driver’s licence renewal notice.
The information provided here offers a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please contact Hammond Migration for an assessment
