Western Australia Skilled Migration Program Details

TL;DR

• Current Status: Western Australia’s detailed 2026–27 State Nominated Migration Program settings are still pending. The program information in this guide is based on the 2025–26 criteria unless stated otherwise.
• Western Australia’s 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
• 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.

This guide explains Western Australia’s skilled migration pathways, including the subclass 190 and 491 visas, eligibility criteria and the State nomination process. Detailed eligibility information below is based on the 2025–26 program while the 2026–27 settings are pending.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1. Nomination Required: You need to be nominated by the WA Government to apply.
2. 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 provisional visa that lets you live and work in regional areas of WA for up to five years.

1. Nomination Required: Like the subclass 190, you need to be nominated by the WA Government.
2. 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.
3. 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:

Under the 2025–26 program, the General Stream used the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), with different requirements depending on the occupation schedule and visa subclass.

Schedule 1: Applicants needed an occupation listed as available and eligible for their intended visa subclass. They also needed at least one year of relevant Australian or overseas work experience in their nominated or closely related occupation within the previous 10 years.

Schedule 2: Applicants needed an occupation listed as available and eligible for their intended visa subclass. The general one-year work experience requirement that applied to Schedule 1 did not apply to Schedule 2.

For subclass 190 nomination under either schedule, applicants generally needed a full-time employment contract for at least six months in their nominated or closely related occupation in Western Australia. Under the 2025–26 settings, applicants in eligible building and construction occupations were exempt from this employment contract requirement.

Applicants also needed to meet the relevant Department of Home Affairs visa requirements, including English language and skills assessment requirements.

Graduate Stream:

Under the 2025–26 Graduate Stream, applicants needed an occupation listed as available and eligible for their intended visa subclass on the Graduate Occupation List.

Applicants also needed to have completed at least two years of full-time study in Western Australia and gained a Certificate III or higher qualification through an eligible Western Australian university, higher education provider, TAFE, registered training provider or English language provider.

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. Make sure the information in your EOI is accurate and can be supported with evidence if you are invited to apply.

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:

1. Skills assessment for your nominated occupation
2. Proof of English proficiency (for example, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores)
3. Evidence of your work experience (such as employment contracts or pay slips)
4. Your qualifications (degrees, certificates, or transcripts)
5. 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. Eligible EOIs are ranked according to WA’s program priorities and available nomination places. Higher-ranked candidates may 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 WA State nomination application is refused, you may be able to request a review of the outcome through WA Migration Services. Check the current review instructions before submitting a 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.