Learn about improvements to Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program. Find information about 2024 skilled worker invitations, EOI profiles, and visa subclasses.
Skilled workers can reside and work in Western Australia through the State Nominated Migration Program. The Western Australian Government may submit qualified candidates under this program to increase their chances of being granted a skilled migration visa.
Program Overview
On behalf of the State Government, the nomination procedure is managed by the Western Australian Migration Services. The Department of Home Affairs’ points-based immigration system gives eligible applicants who obtain state nomination extra points, which greatly improves their prospects of being granted a visa.
October 2024 Invitations Overview
Applicants in the general and graduate streams received a series of invitations on October 17, 2024, with a different number for each visa subclass. The number of invites sent out for each of the many visa categories is summarized in the following table:
Invitations to the State-nominated migration program were sent out on October 17, 2024.
| Intending Visa Subclass | General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1 | General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2 | Graduate Stream (Higher Education) | Graduate Stream (Vocational Education &Training) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Subclass 190 | 125 | 150 | 75 | 50 |
| Visa Subclass 491 | 125 | 150 | 75 | 50 |
Profiles of Last Invited Expressions of Interest (EOI)
Particularly in Western Australia’s key industry sectors, the profiles of the most recent EOIs invited offer insightful information on the program’s competitive nature.
General Stream – Priority WA Industry Sectors
The following categories were used to welcome applicants with experience in priority sectors, including education and training, healthcare and social assistance, hospitality and tourism, and building and construction:
| WASMOL Schedule | Visa Subclass | State of Residence | EOI Points | Submission Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WASMOL Schedule 1 | 190 | Western Australia | 80 | 13/08/2024 |
| WASMOL Schedule 1 | 491 | Western Australia | 80 | 12/03/2024 |
| WASMOL Schedule 2 | 190 | Western Australia | 85 | 18/03/2024 |
| WASMOL Schedule 2 | 491 | Western Australia | 95 | 04/04/2024 |
Graduate Stream – Priority WA Industry Sectors
Graduates with advanced degrees or professional training were also encouraged to apply, particularly those who have helped WA’s industry flourish:
| Graduate Stream | Visa Subclass | State of Residence | Qualification Level | EOI Points | Submission Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Education | 190 | Western Australia | PhD or Masters | 75 | 12/11/2023 |
| Higher Education | 491 | Western Australia | Bachelors | 80 | 13/09/2024 |
| Vocational Education & Training | 190 | Western Australia | Advanced Diploma | 75 | 13/03/2024 |
| Vocational Education & Training | 491 | Western Australia | Advanced Diploma | 85 | 04/01/2024 |
All Other Occupations on WASMOL and GOL
As of right now, neither the general nor graduate streams’ WASMOL (Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List) or GOL (Graduate Occupation List) contained any detailed information on other occupations.
2024–25 Program Year — Invitations Issued to Date
The number of invitations sent out each visa category during July and October of 2024 is shown in the following table. This is a thorough overview of the program’s development during the course of the 2024–2025 academic year.
| Visa Type | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1 | 100 | 100 | 125 | 325 | |||
| Visa Subclass 491 | 100 | 100 | 125 | 325 | |||
| General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2 | 100 | 100 | 150 | 350 | |||
| Visa Subclass 491 | 100 | 100 | 150 | 350 | |||
| Graduate Stream — Higher Education | 75 | 125 | 75 | 275 | |||
| Visa Subclass 491 | 75 | 125 | 75 | 275 | |||
| Graduate Stream — Vocational Education | 25 | 46 | 50 | 121 | |||
| Visa Subclass 491 | 25 | 100 | 50 | 175 | |||
| Total to Date | 600 | 796 | 800 | 2,196 |
Visa Subclasses Available for Nomination
There are two visa categories under which applicants can petition for state nomination, and each one offers a distinct number of points:
– Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190):
Gives five more points on the points exam. This visa is appropriate for people who want to live and work anywhere in Western Australia and grants permanent residency in the country.
– Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491):
gives you fifteen more points. With pathways to permanent residency upon fulfilling specific requirements, this provisional visa is intended for individuals who plan to live and work in Western Australia’s remote areas.
Key Benefits of State Nomination
1. Enhanced Points:
A state nomination increases your chances of being invited to apply for a skilled visa by giving you a substantial point boost.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
Both visa subclasses provide a route to permanent residency in Australia; subclass 491 grants permanent residency following a predetermined amount of time spent living and working in a designated regional area.
3. Employment Opportunities:
There are many different job options in Western Australia, especially in sectors like engineering, mining, healthcare, and construction. Better career prospects are ensured by state nominations, which are directed at qualified experts in in-demand occupations.
4. Regional Development Focus:
With its emphasis on regional development, the subclass 491 visa encourages skilled individuals to support the expansion of Western Australia’s regional districts.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must fulfil specific requirements in order to be considered for state nomination, such as:
– Having a job that is on the State Skilled Migration Occupation List for Western Australia.
– Reaching the Department of Home Affairs’ minimal point requirements.
– Meeting other requirements related to the visa, like work experience, credentials, and fluency in English.
Application Process
1.Expression of Interest (EOI):
In order to be considered for a Western Australian state nomination, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the SkillSelect system.
2. Invitation to Apply:
After being chosen, candidates will be invited to apply for state nomination, where they will need to provide the necessary paperwork and prove their eligibility.
3. Final Visa Application:
Applicants can then apply for the appropriate visa subclass through the Department of Home Affairs after the state has nominated them.
Why Choose Western Australia?
Western Australia has a flourishing economy, beautiful natural scenery, and a high standard of living. The state is dedicated to helping skilled migrants by giving them the chance to boost regional and national economic development.
You can take a big step towards obtaining permanent residency and taking advantage of the lifestyle and economic prospects in Western Australia by enrolling in the State Nominated Migration Program.