Updated: Western Australia State Nomination 2025-26 Requirements
Western Australia’s state nomination program remains one of the most accessible and strategic options for skilled migrants aiming to boost their points for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
For the 2025-26 migration year, the WA Government continues to prioritise attracting skilled workers in key sectors while introducing a few critical adjustments that you must be aware of:
What Changed in 2025-26 WA State Nomination Program
1. Priority invitations for building and construction trades
In line with the WA’s urgent need for construction professionals, the state nomination program now prioritises building and construction trade occupations, ensuring faster invitation turnaround times for these roles.
It’s also in line with the Construction Visa Subsidy program, which is specified for businesses and skilled migrants working in the construction field. This program aims to attract more skilled construction workers and ease the migration process by providing subsidies for companies and skilled migrants. These subsidies can help cover some of the costs associated with the migration process, making it more affordable for skilled migrants to move to WA.
2. Reintroduction of the AUD200 state nomination application fee
Previously, the state nomination application fee was free for the last two consecutive years. From the 2025-26 program year, the WA Government has reintroduced the AUD200 nomination application fee. This fee applies to both the 190 and 491 Visa nomination applications. Please note that this fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to consider this in your financial planning.
What Remains in 2025-26 WA State Nomination program
1. Equal invitation ranking
Both interstate and overseas candidates will still receive equal ranking for invitations. This means if you’re outside Australia, you will have the same chance of being invited as those already living in the country.
2. Priority for critical-demand occupations
The WA Government continue to prioritise the invitations for candidates whose occupations fall within industry sectors facing critical skills shortages, such as health, hospitality, education and construction.
3. Reduced employment requirements
If you work in building and construction occupations listed on the WA State Nomination Occupation Lists (WASMOL), you will still get reduced employment requirements, making it easier to qualify for the state nomination.
4. Employment contract options for WASMOL Schedule 1 applicants
The requirement to provide an employment contract under WASMOL Schedule 1 remains in place. So, if you’re applying under this stream, ensure you have the employment contract in hand.
Learn more: Australian Government Increases TSMIT, CSIT and SSIT from July 2025
What about the state nomination allocation?
The WA Government hasn’t announced the allocation for its state nomination program, even for the interim numbers, yet.
Although the nomination allocation numbers are still pending, the updated program shows that WA remains committed to attracting skilled professionals, especially in key sectors critical to its economic recovery and growth.
For you, this means now is the perfect time to prepare:
1. Review your occupation’s position on the WASMOL or Graduate Occupation List.
Check whether your occupation is on the priority list.
If it’s on the priority list, it’s time to prepare all the necessary documents and evidence to avoid any delays.
If it’s not, it’s worth considering other migration pathways or states that may prioritise your occupation. If you need assistance with this, don’t hesitate to contact our Work Visa consultant to discuss this further.
2. Gather required employment and skills assessment evidence early
The earlier you’re prepared, the better. This proactive action will help you avoid unnecessary delays during the application process.
3. Strengthen your English proficiency and professional experience
If you haven’t reached the Proficient or Superior English, take another test and aim for these English proficiency levels for higher points. Also, ensure to update your professional experience if you have any.
Once the official invitation round begins, you will be in the strongest position, as you’re well-prepared to receive it.
You can find the detailed requirements for each WA state nomination program stream here.
What it means for you
The updates to Western Australia’s state nomination program indicate a strategic shift toward filling critical workforce gaps while maintaining inclusivity for overseas applicants. This strategic shift is designed to keep you, the skilled migrant, informed about the program’s direction and how it aligns with your goals.
Here’s what it means for you:
1. Stronger pathways for construction and trade professionals
With the reduced employment requirements and prioritised invitations, construction workers, engineers, and trade professionals will find it easier and faster to secure a state nomination in WA. This could significantly shorten the timeline to Australian PR, especially if you aim for the 491 Visa pathway.
2. Early preparation is now a key advantage
Although the nomination allocations haven’t been announced yet, the introduction of the new features gives you a clear window to prepare early. You can update your skills assessment, verify the employment contracts, improve your English score, etc. This early preparation will empower you to be proactive when the following invitation round opens.
3. WA’s state nomination program reflects long-term stability
The consistency of WA’s state nomination structure over recent years shows the Government’s ongoing demand for skilled workers and its commitment to regional development.
If you plan to apply for the WA State Nomination in 2025-26, here’s how you can start:
- Check your occupation on the latest WASMOL or Graduate Occupation List
- Gather employment evidence and ensure it meets the latest requirements
- Secure a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Enhance your English test results to maximise points
- Update your EOI with accurate and current details
- Prepare financially for the AUD 200 nomination application fee.
If you need further assistance in preparing yourself for the WA state nomination program, talk to our Registered Migration Agent today:
ONE derland Consulting is ready to assist you with your migration to Western Australia!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you if you want to migrate to Western Australia. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
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