Occupying the entire west coast of Australia, Western Australia is a big state with big ambitions. Rich in natural resources and with endless possibilities for future growth and development, the State Government has recently reopened its skilled migration program for nominations.
Western Australia State nomination is available for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. The 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa while the subclass 491 visa is a 5-year provisional skilled visa with a pathway to permanent residency. Both visas require nomination from a state or territory of Australia and applicants are asked to commit two years to remain in the nominating state.
Why Migrate to Western Australia
Western Australia is famous for both its natural beauty as well as being the heart of the Australian natural resources industry. The State however has moved on since years yonder and now possesses a well-diversified economy with opportunities in almost every industry available in the State. Live in Western Australia and enjoy:
- equal opportunity in the workplace,
- safe working conditions,
- the world’s highest minimum wage (OECD 2019)
- a range of entitlements – including public holidays and paid leave
- the city of Perth, the ‘Fun Capital of Australia, is 4th largest city and named the 6th ‘Most Livable City in the World according to ‘The Global Livability Index 2021’
- varying climates and regions, each having their own spectacular scenery
- enjoy snorkeling in Ningaloo Reef Marine Park & Turquoise Bay, playing with Quokkas on Rottnest Island, surfing the Margaret River Beaches, and exploring the countless pristine national parks
- endless coastline and white sandy beaches
- laidback lifestyle
- family-friendly – a great place to bring up a family
Who is eligible for the Western Australian nomination?
While Western Australia largely closed its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic, the State government is now actively seeking migrants to come and fill the many labor gaps holding the State’s economy back. The Western Australian nomination program is broken up into 3 separate categories, these being:
- The general stream WA SMOL Schedule 1
- The general stream WA SMOL Schedule 2
- The graduate stream
General Stream WA SMOL Schedule 1
This stream is for people who have an occupation on the WA skilled migration occupation list schedule 1 for the particular visa they wish to apply for and can meet the additional requirements.
| WASMOL Schedule 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher on the skilled migration points test inclusive of state nomination points (5 points) | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher inclusive of state nomination points (15 points) | |
| Employment | Must have one year of experience either in Australia or overseas in the nominated (or a closely related) occupation after you completed your qualification | Same as for the 190 visas* | |
| English | Must have competent English | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Location | Can be onshore or offshore | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Employment Agreement | Must have an employment agreement for at least 6 months from the date of your Western Australia nomination. This must be full-time which is defined as at least 35 hours per week. | Not applicable | |
| Occupation | Must have an occupation on schedule 1 of the WASMOL | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| General | Must meet general requirements set by Home Affairs for visa | Must meet the general requirement set by Home Affairs for visa | |
General Stream WA SMOL Schedule 2
This stream is for applicants who have an occupation on schedule 2 of the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List:
| WASMOL Schedule 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher on the skilled migration points test inclusive of state nomination points (5 points) | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher inclusive of state nomination points (15 points) | |
| Employment | Not required | Not required | |
| English | Must have competent English | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Location | Can be onshore or offshore | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Employment Agreement | Must have an employment agreement for at least 6 months from the date of your Western Australia nomination. This must be full-time which is defined as at least 35 hours per week. | Not applicable | |
| Occupation | Must have an occupation on schedule 2 of the WASMOL | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| General | Must meet the general requirements set by Home Affairs for visa | Must meet the general requirement set by Home Affairs for visa | |
General Stream WA SMOL Schedule 2
This stream is for applicants who have an occupation on schedule 2 of the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List:
| WASMOL Schedule 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher on the skilled migration points test inclusive of state nomination points (5 points) | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher inclusive of state nomination points (15 points) | |
| Employment | Not required | Not required | |
| English | Must have competent English | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Location | Can be onshore or offshore | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Employment Agreement | Must have an employment agreement for at least 6 months from the date of your Western Australia nomination. This must be full-time which is defined as at least 35 hours per week. | Not applicable | |
| Occupation | Must have an occupation on schedule 2 of the WASMOL | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| General | Must meet the general requirement set by Home Affairs for visa | Must meet the general requirement set by Home Affairs for visa | |
Graduate Stream
Western Australia also values its many international students and has created a special stream to assist these students to stay in the state. The requirements for a graduate are as follows:
| Requirements for Western Australian Graduates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Applicants must have a point test result of 65 points or higher | Applicants must have a point test result of 65 points or higher | |
| WA Study* | Have a Certificate III level or higher level qualification from an accredited WA educational institution. Must meet the two-year study requirement | Have a Certificate III level or higher level qualification from an accredited WA educational institution. Must meet the two-year study requirements | |
| Occupation | Applicants must have an occupation on the WA Graduate Occupation List(GOL) | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| English | Applicants must have Competent English or higher* | At least 35 hours per week over the last 3 months at a skilled level in the nominated occupation immediately before submitting the EOI | |
| Work experience or contract employment | Not required | Not required | |
*Graduate can use study from different qualifications to make up the two years, including university/higher education; VET (Certificate III level or above); and/or English language program (please note that this only applies for State migration purposes, not general migration requirements).
How do I apply for Western Australian Nomination?
Step 1. Make sure you meet the English requirements
Step 2. If you haven’t undertaken a skills assessment, get started on it immediately
Step 3. Check that your passport is still valid for at least 6 months
Step 4. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect to Western Australia
Step 5. Wait for an invitation from Western Australia to submit your nomination application
Step 6. Apply for and gain a Western Australian Nomination
Step 7. Apply for your subclass 190 or 491 visa within 60 days of the invitation
Not Eligible for Western Australian Nomination?
If you are offshore and not eligible for Queensland nomination, you might qualify for another State which has fewer restrictions in place. Currently, Victoria and NSW have also opened their programs with more States and Territories set to open their programs imminently. Contact us for more information.
How we can help
As registered MARA migration agents with a combined experience of over 30 years in the field, we have an abundance of experience helping skilled migrants call Australia home. We can assist you in all parts of your Australian visa journey by providing you with:
- A comprehensive review of your eligibility
- Permanent residency strategy planning
- Preparation and submission of your skills assessment
- Assessment of your eligibility for state nomination
- Preparation of flaw-free EOI and state nomination applications
- Seamless processing of your visa application reduces the stress of the process
- Acting as your liaison to the Department of Home Affairs
- General advice throughout
