Western Australia's invitation Round for Skilled Migrants
Discover Western Australia's State Nominated Migration Program updates. Learn about visa subclasses, EOI profiles, and invitations for skilled workers in 2024.
The State Nominated Migration Program provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live and work in Western Australia. Through this program, eligible applicants can be nominated by the Western Australian Government to boost their chances of obtaining a skilled migration visa.
Program Overview
The Western Australian Migration Services administers the nomination process on behalf of the State Government. Eligible applicants who receive state nomination are awarded additional points on the Department of Home Affairs' points-based immigration system, significantly increasing their chances of securing a visa.
October 2024 Invitations Overview
On 17 October 2024, a series of invitations were issued to applicants in both the general and graduate streams, with specific numbers for each visa subclass. The following table summarizes the number of invitations issued across different visa categories:
Invitations issued on 17 October 2024 for the State nominated migration program
| 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)
The profiles of the last EOIs invited provide valuable insights into the competitive nature of the program, particularly within Western Australia’s priority industry sectors.
General Stream - Priority WA Industry Sectors
Applicants with experience in priority sectors such as Building and Construction, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Hospitality and Tourism, and Education and Training were invited under the following categories:
| 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 higher education or vocational qualifications were also invited, especially those contributing to WA’s industry growth:
| 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
At this time, there were no specific details regarding other occupations on WASMOL (Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List) or GOL (Graduate Occupation List) for the general or graduate streams.
2024–25 Program Year — Invitations Issued to Date
The following table outlines the number of invitations issued by visa type from July to October 2024. This provides a detailed view of how the program is progressing throughout the 2024–25 program 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
Applicants can apply for state nomination under two visa subclasses, each offering a different number of points:
-
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Grants an additional 5 points on the points test. This visa allows for permanent residency in Australia and is suitable for those looking to live and work in any part of Western Australia.
-
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): Provides an additional 15 points. This provisional visa is designed for those intending to live and work in regional areas of Western Australia, with pathways to permanent residency after meeting certain conditions.
Key Benefits of State Nomination
-
Enhanced Points: State nomination provides a significant points boost, improving your chances of being invited to apply for a skilled visa.
-
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Both visa subclasses offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, with subclass 491 leading to permanent residency after living and working in a designated regional area for a specified period.
-
Employment Opportunities: Western Australia offers diverse employment opportunities, particularly in industries such as healthcare, mining, construction, and engineering. State nomination is targeted at skilled professionals whose occupations are in demand, ensuring better job prospects.
-
Regional Development Focus: The subclass 491 visa is tailored to regional development, encouraging skilled workers to contribute to the growth of Western Australia's regional areas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for state nomination, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Holding an occupation that is listed on Western Australia’s State Skilled Migration Occupation List.
- Meeting the minimum points required by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Satisfying other visa-specific requirements, such as work experience, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
Application Process
-
Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating their interest in receiving state nomination from Western Australia.
-
Invitation to Apply: If selected, applicants will receive an invitation to apply for state nomination, after which they must submit relevant documentation and demonstrate their eligibility.
-
Final Visa Application: Once nominated by the state, applicants can then proceed to apply for the relevant visa subclass through the Department of Home Affairs.
Why Choose Western Australia?
Western Australia offers a high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and a thriving economy. The state is committed to supporting skilled migrants, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to its economic development and regional growth.
By participating in the Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program, you can take a significant step toward achieving permanent residency while benefiting from the state’s economic opportunities and lifestyle.
What's Your Reaction?
