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Skilled Migration Perth & Western Australia — Subclass 190 & 491 State Nomination 2026

If Perth is your target, Subclass 190 is your primary pathway — permanent residency with the right to live and work anywhere in Western Australia, including metropolitan Perth.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Regional WA unlocks Subclass 491 — a lower base points threshold with a pathway to PR after three years. Most of WA outside the Perth metropolitan area qualifies as regional.

WA’s nomination program is one of the more structured in Australia — but also one of the most conditional. The key traps: most 190 applicants need a full-time WA employment contract with at least six months remaining, WA residents are prioritised over interstate and offshore applicants, and the program was paused from July 2025 before resuming invitation rounds in December 2025. Strategy and timing matter here more than most states.

✓ Program Status — Western Australia 2025–26 (Last verified: May 2026) — WA's 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) is OPEN and issuing invitations. The program was paused from 1 July 2025, then reopened with interim allocations in October and November 2025. Ordinary invitation rounds commenced in December 2025. Most recent invitation rounds: 5 December 2025 (all occupations), 3 March 2026 (priority trade occupations), 5 March 2026 (priority non-trade occupations). Total 2025–26 allocation: 3,400 places. WA invitation rounds are not on a fixed monthly schedule — check migration.wa.gov.au for the latest. Nomination application fee: AUD 200.

Quick Visa Facts — Western Australia 2025–26

Compare Visa Options — WA State Nomination

Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491

Visa typePermanent residencyProvisional (5 yrs) → PR via Subclass 191
2025–26 WA allocationPart of 3,400 total placesPart of 3,400 total places
Minimum points65 total (60 base + 5 nomination)65 total (50 base + 15 nomination)
AgeUnder 45 at nominationUnder 45 at nomination
EnglishCompetent English — valid at SNMP lodgementCompetent English — valid at application
Employment (S1)Full-time WA contract, 6+ months remainingFull-time WA contract OR construction (no contract)
Employment (S2)Full-time WA contract, 6+ months remainingFull-time WA contract, 6+ months remaining
Graduate StreamNot required — WA study replaces thisNot required — WA study replaces this
Work experienceMin 1 year (last 10 years)Min 1 year (last 10 years)
WA studyCert III+ & 2 yrs WA studyCert III+ & 2 yrs WA study
PriorityWA → Interstate → OffshoreWA → Interstate → Offshore
Nomination feeAUD 200AUD 200
Invitation roundsNot monthly — check siteNot monthly — check site
Program status ● Open — invitation rounds active ● Open — invitation rounds active

Perth and Western Australia Cities — Which Visa Applies to Your City?

Understanding where in WA you want to live determines which pathway is available to you. The 190 visa covers all of Western Australia. For the 491 visa, the answer depends on both the federal DHA regional definition and WA Migration Services’ own program rules.

⚠ Important: Two different regional definitions apply — verify your postcode officially — Under the Department of Home Affairs designated regional areas framework, Perth is classified as a Category 2 regional area — meaning it qualifies for the federal 491 visa pathway. However, WA Migration Services runs its own state nomination program with specific eligibility requirements, and their program page links directly to the DHA postcode list for 491 eligibility. Before applying for any 491 pathway through WA state nomination, verify whether your specific Perth postcode qualifies at official postcode list → . Do not rely on general statements — check your postcode directly.

WA Cities — 190 & 491 Eligibility Overview

Check eligibility by location

City / Area190 eligible?491 (DHA regional)?Notes
Perth (metro)✓ Yes — live anywhere in WA✓ Category 2 under DHA — verify postcode for WA SNMPKey difference from QLD/NSW: Perth is Category 2 regional under federal DHA rules. Verify for WA state nomination specifically at migration.wa.gov.au
Fremantle✓ Yes✓ Category 2 — verify postcodePart of greater Perth area. Confirm specific postcode at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Mandurah✓ Yes✓ Category 2 — verify postcodeSouth of Perth. Confirm specific postcode.
Bunbury✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WASouth West hub. Agriculture, construction, healthcare.
Geraldton✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAMid-West. Mining services, fishing, agriculture.
Albany✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAGreat Southern. Agriculture, forestry, healthcare.
Kalgoorlie✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAGoldfields. Gold and nickel mining, engineering.
Karratha✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAPilbara. Iron ore, LNG, engineering, construction.
Port Hedland✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAPilbara. Major iron ore export hub.
Broome✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WAKimberley. Tourism, healthcare.
Esperance✓ Yes✓ Yes — regional WASouth Coast. Agriculture, fishing, tourism.

🎯 Targeting Perth for Subclass 190? — Subclass 190 gives you permanent residency and the right to live and work anywhere in Western Australia — including metropolitan Perth. This is the clearest pathway if Perth is your target city. You will generally need a full-time WA employment contract unless your occupation is in building and construction.

🌏 Targeting regional WA — Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Broome? — These cities are clearly designated as regional WA under both DHA and WA Migration Services rules. The 491 visa pathway is available here, subject to occupation and employment contract requirements. Regional WA often offers higher salaries — particularly in the Pilbara (Karratha, Port Hedland) — driven by mining, LNG, and resources. Always verify your specific employer postcode at official postcode list → before applying.

WA Skilled Visa Subclasses

🏷️ Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa

Permanent residency through WA state nomination. Live and work anywhere in Western Australia, including Perth, from day of grant.

  • Occupation must be on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL)
  • Employment contract: Full-time in nominated or closely related occupation for 6+ months remaining — except building and construction occupations which do not require a contract
  • Work experience: Minimum 1 year in nominated or closely related occupation in the last 10 years
  • Graduate Stream alternative: Replaces the employment contract — requires Certificate III or higher and 2+ years full-time WA study
  • Nomination fee: AUD 200

→ Full requirements

🌏 Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa

Five-year provisional visa for regional Western Australia. Lower base points threshold. Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after three years. Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome, and Karratha all qualify.

  • Occupation must be on WASMOL and eligible for 491
  • Employment contract: Full-time in regional WA for 6+ months remaining — except building and construction occupations which do not require a contract
  • Work experience: Minimum 1 year in nominated or closely related occupation in the last 10 years
  • Graduate Stream alternative: Certificate III or higher and 2+ years full-time WA study
  • Nomination fee: AUD 200

→ Full requirements

⭐ Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa

No state nomination required. Federal invitation only through SkillSelect — WA Migration Services is not involved. Highly competitive. Best for applicants with a strong points score who do not want to rely on state nomination.

→ Full requirements

Compare Visa Types — 189, 190, 491

Visa Comparison Summary

Quick overview of key visa pathways

SubclassPR outcomeNominationLocation fitPoints test
189Direct PRNoneAustralia-wideFederal invitation
190Direct PRWA GovernmentPerth + all Western AustraliaYes — incl. 5 nomination pts
491Provisional → PR via 191WA regionalDesignated regional WA — Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome etc.Yes — incl. 15 nomination pts
191PR (transition)Not applicableAfter 491 regional conditions metNo
887PR (legacy)Not applicableLegacy regional holdersNo

WA Nomination Streams — General and Graduate

WA operates two nomination streams. Understanding which applies to you is critical before submitting your EOI.

WA State Nomination Streams

Eligibility overview by stream

StreamWho it is forKey requirements
General Stream — Schedule 1 Skilled workers with occupation on WASMOL Schedule 1 Occupation on WASMOL S1 | 1 yr work experience in last 10 yrs | Full-time WA employment contract 6+ months (except building & construction) | Competent English | 65+ points
General Stream — Schedule 2 Skilled workers with occupation on WASMOL Schedule 2 Occupation on WASMOL S2 | 1 yr work experience in last 10 yrs | Full-time WA employment contract 6+ months | Competent English | 65+ points
Graduate Stream International graduates of WA institutions Occupation on WA Graduate Occupation List (GOL) | Certificate III or higher | Min 2 yrs full-time WA study at CRICOS-registered provider | Competent English | 65+ points | Higher degrees (Masters/PhD) rank higher

🎓 Graduate Stream — the employment contract alternative — If you studied full-time in Western Australia for at least two years at a CRICOS-registered provider and hold a Certificate III or higher qualification, you may qualify for the Graduate Stream. This stream does not require a WA employment contract — making it accessible for recent graduates who have not yet secured full-time employment. Higher-level qualifications (Masters, PhD) rank more favourably in selection.

Eligibility Requirements — Western Australia

You must satisfy both the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria and WA Migration Services nomination criteria.

WA State Nomination Requirements

Key eligibility criteria overview

RequirementDetail
AgeUnder 45 at time of nomination
Points — Subclass 19065 total = 60 base + 5 nomination points
Points — Subclass 49165 total = 50 base + 15 nomination points
Occupation Must be listed on WASMOL (General Stream) or Graduate Occupation List (Graduate Stream) for your chosen visa subclass
Skills assessment Valid, positive, occupation must match EOI — provisional skills assessments (e.g. for 485 visa) not accepted
English language Competent English minimum — test results must be valid at the time of SNMP application lodgement (not at EOI submission)
Work experience Min 1 year in nominated or closely related occupation in last 10 years (General Stream)
Employment contract (General) Full-time WA contract, 6+ months remaining in nominated or closely related occupation — except building & construction occupations
WA study (Graduate) Certificate III or higher + min 2 years full-time study at CRICOS-registered WA provider — replaces employment contract requirement
Commitment to WA Must intend to live and work in WA — WA residents are prioritised over interstate and offshore applicants in invitation selection
EOI in SkillSelect Must be current and accurate — WA does NOT operate an ROI system. WA selects from SkillSelect EOIs directly.

⚠ Important: WA does not use an ROI system — Unlike Victoria and Queensland, Western Australia does NOT require a separate Registration of Interest. WA Migration Services selects applicants directly from SkillSelect EOIs. Your EOI must be current, accurate, and competitive. WA cannot invite you if your EOI is out of date or if your occupation is incorrect.

How WA Prioritises Invitations — What Actually Affects Selection

WA does not use a ranking score like the ACT Canberra Matrix. Instead, WA issues invitations based on a priority sequence applied to all current SkillSelect EOIs.

WA Invitation Priority Factors

How WA ranks applicants

1. Residency — WA residents first
Applicants currently living and working in WA are the highest priority. Demonstrating WA ties significantly improves your chances of invitation.
2. Interstate applicants
Applicants living in other Australian states rank second. An employment contract with a WA employer helps demonstrate genuine WA commitment.
3. Offshore applicants
Applicants overseas rank third. Competition is stronger — having a WA job offer or study background strengthens your profile considerably.
4. Priority occupation sectors
Construction and building, healthcare, education, and hospitality are priority industries. Applicants in these sectors may be invited at lower points thresholds than lower-priority occupations.
5. Higher WA qualifications
Masters and PhD graduates from WA institutions rank more favourably in the Graduate Stream. Higher degrees create a competitive advantage over Certificate III and IV holders.
6. EOI points score
Higher points scores rank you higher within the same residency tier and occupation group. Every additional point matters — especially above the 65-point minimum.
7. English proficiency
Test results must be valid at lodgement — expired results mean WA cannot process your nomination application even if you have been invited.

How to Apply — WA State Nomination

  1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your occupation is on WASMOL (General Stream) or the Graduate Occupation List (Graduate Stream) for your chosen subclass. Verify you meet both DHA visa criteria and WA Migration Services nomination criteria — two separate requirement sets.
  2. Prepare Documentation: Obtain a valid skills assessment, a current English test result, and — for General Stream — a full-time WA employment contract with at least six months remaining. Building and construction applicants do not need an employment contract.
  3. Submit or Update your EOI in SkillSelect: WA selects directly from SkillSelect — there is no separate ROI. Keep your EOI accurate and current: correct occupation, current residency status, up-to-date qualifications and work experience.
  4. Receive Invitation from WA Migration Services: WA issues invitations in rounds — not on a fixed monthly schedule. Check migration.wa.gov.au for current round timing. When invited, you typically have a set window to lodge your nomination application and pay the AUD 200 fee.
  5. Lodge Nomination then Visa Application: Submit your nomination application through the Migration WA Portal with all supporting documents. If nomination is approved, WA nominates you in SkillSelect and DHA issues your visa invitation. Lodge your visa application with DHA within the required timeframe.

Common Mistakes — WA Skilled Migration

⚠ Most WA applications fail for very predictable reasons — No WA employment contract for General Stream. EOI out of date when invited. Occupation not on WASMOL or GOL. English test expired at lodgement. Assuming WA uses an ROI system.

  • Submitting an EOI without a WA employment contract for General Stream — WA cannot nominate you without one (except building and construction)
  • EOI not updated when WA issues an invitation — your occupation, residency status, or qualifications may have changed. WA invites based on what is in your EOI at the time of invitation.
  • Using a provisional skills assessment (e.g. issued for a 485 visa application) — WA does not accept these
  • Assuming WA has an ROI system like Victoria or Queensland — it does not. WA invites directly from SkillSelect EOIs. There is nothing additional to submit.
  • English test expired at SNMP application lodgement — the test must be valid when you lodge your nomination application, not just when you submitted your EOI
  • Applying for 491 planning to live in metropolitan Perth — Perth metro does not qualify for regional visa conditions
  • Not monitoring migration.wa.gov.au for invitation round announcements — WA does not issue invitations on a fixed schedule and rounds can be occupation-specific.

Related Visas and Resources

  •  State Nomination Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination
  •  Skilled Migration Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration
  •  Subclass 190 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-190
  •  Subclass 491 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-491
  •  Subclass 189 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-189
  •  Victoria Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/victoria-subclass-190-491
  •  Queensland Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/queensland-subclass-190-491
  •  Points Calculator — visaadvisor.com.au/tools/points-calculator

WA-specific programs worth knowing — official sources

Construction Visa Subsidy Program: WA Government grants of up to $10,000 to help construction businesses cover migration agent fees, visa application charges, and relocation costs for skilled workers — migration.wa.gov.au/our-services-support/construction-visa-subsidy-program. Skilled Migration Job Connect: Free WA Government initiative with subsidies of up to $7,500 for skills assessments, gap training, and occupational licensing — migration.wa.gov.au/our-services-support/skilled-migration-job-connect. WA DAMA: The WA Designated Area Migration Agreement (established July 2024) provides additional employer-sponsored pathways for regional WA — migration.wa.gov.au/our-services-support/designated-area-migration-agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. WA’s 2025–26 SNMP is open and issuing invitations as of May 2026. The program was paused from July 2025 before reopening with interim rounds in October and November 2025. Ordinary rounds commenced in December 2025, with the most recent rounds in March 2026. Check migration.wa.gov.au for the current invitation round status. Last verified: May 2026.

For most applicants — yes. The General Stream requires a full-time WA employment contract in your nominated or closely related occupation with at least six months remaining. The exception is building and construction occupations, which do not require a contract. The Graduate Stream also does not require an employment contract — it substitutes WA study instead.

Yes. WA accepts offshore applicants. However, WA residents are prioritised over interstate and offshore applicants in invitation selection. Having a WA employment contract or WA study background significantly strengthens an offshore application.

No. WA does not use a separate Registration of Interest system. WA Migration Services selects applicants directly from SkillSelect EOIs. There is nothing additional to submit beyond keeping your EOI current and accurate.

No. Metropolitan Perth does not qualify as a regional area for Subclass 491. Regional WA includes areas such as Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Albany. Always verify your specific postcode at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

The WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) is the official list of occupations eligible for WA state nomination under the General Stream. It is divided into Schedule 1 (priority occupations with specific requirements) and Schedule 2 (broader eligible occupations). The Graduate Occupation List (GOL) is the equivalent list for the Graduate Stream. Both lists are updated regularly. Check the current WASMOL and GOL at migration.wa.gov.au before submitting your EOI.

The Graduate Stream is for international graduates who studied full-time in Western Australia for at least two years at a CRICOS-registered provider and hold a Certificate III or higher qualification. It does not require a WA employment contract. Applicants with Masters or PhD qualifications rank more favourably. The Graduate Stream has a broader occupation list (GOL) and often features lower competitive points thresholds than the General Stream.

WA invitation rounds are not on a fixed monthly schedule. Rounds are issued when WA Migration Services determines it is appropriate, and some rounds target specific priority occupations. In 2025–26, WA issued rounds in October, November, December 2025, and March 2026. Monitor migration.wa.gov.au for announcement of upcoming rounds.

The minimum is 65 points including nomination points. WA prioritises residency tier and occupation first — a WA resident in a priority occupation at 65 points may be selected over an offshore applicant at 90 points. Being in a priority sector (construction, healthcare, education) matters significantly. Speak with a registered migration agent about what threshold is realistic for your occupation and residency situation.

Ready to Start Your WA Skilled Migration?

Whether you are checking your occupation against WASMOL, securing a WA employment contract, deciding between Perth and regional WA, or preparing your EOI — Visa Advisor can help you build a strategy that is realistic and avoids the WA-specific mistakes that delay or prevent nomination.

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Disclaimer — Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. WA nomination criteria, occupation lists, and program allocations change regularly. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and migration.wa.gov.au before making decisions. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent. Visa Advisor Pty Ltd — MARA 0852408. Last reviewed: May 2026.