Boost Your Australian Visa Chances with the WA State Nomination Program – 2024 Guide

The State Nominated Migration Program allows skilled workers to apply for migration to Western Australia (WA). Through this program, applicants are nominated by the WA State Government to apply for specific skilled migration visas. Successful applicants can earn additional points towards their eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs points test, improving their chances of a successful application.

Key Features of the 2024-25 Program

• No Application Fee: Applicants will not incur any fees to apply for WA State nomination.
• Equal Invitation Ranking: Both interstate and overseas candidates will be ranked equally for invitations.
• Prioritized Occupations: Candidates in occupations related to critical industry sectors in WA will be given priority.
• Employment Flexibility: Reduced employment requirements for candidates in the WA building and construction sector.
• General Stream Employment Contracts: Additional contract arrangements for applicants in certain sectors.

Eligibility Requirements for 2024-25

To be considered for state nomination, applicants must meet the following criteria based on the stream they are applying under:

General Stream

This stream is for a wide range of occupations and industries. Applicants must ensure their occupation is listed in one of the WA Skilled Migration Occupation Lists (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2.

Graduate Stream

This pathway is for international students who have completed a vocational education or higher education qualification in WA. Eligible graduates are listed on the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).

Please note, occupations listed in these streams reflect critical needs in the WA workforce and do not guarantee job availability. Lists are periodically updated to align with WA’s changing industry demands.

2024-25 Stream-Specific Requirements

General Stream

Applicants under the General Stream must meet certain conditions, including work experience in their nominated occupation and proficiency in English. Additionally, they may need a full-time employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated field.

Graduate Stream

For the Graduate Stream, applicants must have completed their studies at an accredited WA educational institution and fulfill the specific study and work experience requirements outlined in the Graduate Stream eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for WA State Nomination

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure your occupation is listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) or Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
2. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an EOI to indicate their interest in being considered for state nomination.
3. Meet Department of Home Affairs Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant visa subclass.

After submitting an EOI, if invited, applicants will receive instructions on how to proceed with the nomination application.

2024-25 Eligible Occupations

Eligible occupations are categorized by WA industry sectors, which include fields such as:

• Building and Construction
• Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Education and Training

You can use the filters on the WA Migration website to narrow down occupations by sector, stream type, and visa subclass.

Invitation Rounds and Ranking System

Invitations for state nomination are issued monthly. The number of invitations may vary based on application volumes and processing times.

EOI Ranking:

• General Stream: Priority is given to those residing in WA or in occupations aligned with priority sectors. Candidates with higher points and older EOI submission dates are ranked higher.
• Graduate Stream: Graduate applicants will be ranked based on their qualifications and EOI points. Those residing in WA, with higher qualifications, are given preference.

Recent Invitation Rounds

In the latest round, the following number of invitations were issued:

• General Stream (WASMOL Schedule 1)

  • Subclass 190: 200
  • Subclass 491: 200

• Graduate Stream

  • Higher Education: 150
  • Vocational Education & Training: 48

It’s important to note that an eligible EOI does not guarantee an invitation. For future rounds, applicants must ensure their EOI meets all eligibility criteria, including having an eligible occupation.

Conclusion

The State Nominated Migration Program for 2024-25 provides skilled workers and graduates with an exciting opportunity to migrate to WA. With clear eligibility criteria, priority occupations, and regular invitation rounds, the program is designed to meet WA's critical workforce needs while offering skilled individuals a pathway to permanent residence in Australia.