HECT Migration & Appeal Experts

WA State Nomination Full Guide 2025-26

WA Skilled Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491) — Updated Policies, Pathway Comparison & Practical Insights

WA State Nomination Overview

Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (WA SNMP) offers skilled professionals a strategic pathway to boost their chances of receiving a skilled visa invitation. Through state nomination, eligible applicants gain a competitive advantage when applying for visas such as the 190 or 491, while WA strengthens its workforce in industries facing genuine skill shortages.

Each program year, Western Australia updates its occupation lists based on labour market demand, priority sectors, and long-term workforce planning. The program operates under two pathways — the General Stream and the Graduate Stream. To qualify, applicants must have an occupation listed on the WA skilled occupation lists, meet the required English level, skills assessment standards, and demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in WA.

State nomination indicates WA’s recognition of an applicant’s skills and potential contribution. While the final visa decision is made by federal immigration authorities, the WA SNMP remains a key pathway for skilled migrants looking to build a long-term future in Western Australia.

WA State Nomination Basic Requirements

Eligibility Overview

To apply for Western Australian nomination (for either the Subclass 190 or 491 visa), applicants must simultaneously meet:

  • The standard visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and

  • The specific requirements for each application stream set by the Western Australian state government.

Nomination is contingent upon satisfying both sets of criteria.

Department of Home Affairs Requirements

CategoryDescription
Nominated OccupationYour occupation must be listed on the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
AgeBe under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
EnglishAchieve at least IELTS 6 in each component or equivalent English proficiency.
PointsReach at least 65 points (based on the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Migration Points Test).
ResidencyMust be living in the ACT, regional New South Wales (within 30 minutes of commuting distance), or overseas.
Skill AssessmentHold a valid Skills Assessment for the nominated occupation.
Character HealthMeet Australia’s character and health requirements (PIC4005/4007).
Category Description
Nominated Occupation Your occupation must be listed on the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
Age Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
English Achieve at least IELTS 6 in each component or equivalent English proficiency.
Points Reach at least 65 points (based on the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Migration Points Test).
Residency Must be living in the ACT, regional New South Wales (within 30 minutes of commuting distance), or overseas.
Skills Assessment Hold a valid Skills Assessment for the nominated occupation.
Character & Health Meet Australia’s character and health requirements (PIC4005/4007).

190 VS 491

ComparisonSubclass 190Subclass 491
Visa TypePermanent Residency (PR)Provisional Visa (valid for 5 years)
Living & Working LocationCan live and work anywhere in the nominated stateRestricted to regional areas of the nominated state (Regional Area)
Pathway to Permanent ResidencyDirect PR upon visa grantEligible to apply for Subclass 191 PR visa after meeting requirements
State Nomination Points+5 points+15 points
Comparison Subclass 190 Subclass 491
Visa Type Permanent Residency (PR) Provisional Visa (valid for 5 years)
Living & Working Location Can live and work anywhere in the nominated state Restricted to regional areas of the nominated state (Regional Area)
Pathway to Permanent Residency Direct PR upon visa grant Eligible to apply for Subclass 191 PR visa after meeting requirements
State Nomination Points +5 points +15 points

WA General Stream

WASMOL Schedule 1(General Stream)

1. Occupation Requirements (WASMOL Schedule 1)
  • Your nominated occupation must appear on WASMOL Schedule 1.
  • Your occupation must align with the visa subclass you are applying for (e.g., Subclass 190 or 491).
  • View WA occupation lists
  • Your skills assessment must match the nominated occupation listed in your EOI.
  • Your skills assessment must remain valid and correspond to the same occupation at the time you are invited by WA.
  • Provisional Skills Assessments (such as those for the Subclass 485 visa) are not accepted.

To meet WA’s nomination requirements, you must demonstrate Competent English through an approved English test. All four components must be achieved in a single sitting. Validity: Test results are valid for three years.

Passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are exempt from providing English test results.

  • At the time of lodging your WA nomination application, you must demonstrate either:
    • At least 1 year of relevant work experience within Australia in the past 10 years; or
    • At least 1 year of relevant overseas experience within the past 10 years.
  • Australian and overseas experience cannot be combined to meet the 1-year minimum.
  • Your work must be in the same occupation or a closely related field (same first four digits of the ANZSCO code).
  • Only paid work counts. A minimum of 20 hours per week is required.
  • Volunteer work, unpaid work, and paid/unpaid internships are not counted.
  • You must provide evidence such as:
    • Payslips with employer details, ABN, tax deductions, and hourly rates; or
    • An employer reference letter detailing duties, work location, hours, and contact information.

Note: Subclass 491 applicants are not required to provide an employment contract.
Subclass 190 applicants must submit a valid full-time employment contract related to their nominated (or closely related) occupation.

  • Full-time work is defined as at least 35 hours per week. Two part-time contracts may be combined to meet this requirement.
  • The contract must include:
    • Employer and employee names;
    • Start date (end date not required for permanent contracts);
    • Job title and relevant ANZSCO code;
    • Detailed job duties;
    • Salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and superannuation, consistent with market standards;
    • Work location;
    • A declaration confirming the employee will perform the duties personally and not outsource the work;
    • Signatures of both employer and employee;
    • The contract must be drafted by the employer (not the employee).

Contractors and self-employed sole traders are generally not eligible for WA nomination.

WASMOL Schedule 2(General Stream)

1. Occupation Requirements (WASMOL Schedule 2)
  • Your nominated occupation must be listed on WASMOL Schedule 2.
  • Your occupation must align with the visa subclass you intend to apply for (Subclass 190 or 491).
  • View the WA occupation lists
  • Your skills assessment must correspond to the same occupation nominated in your EOI.
  • Your skills assessment must still match the nominated occupation at the time you receive an invitation from WA Migration Services.
  • Provisional Skills Assessments for the Subclass 485 visa (PSA) are not accepted.
Applicants for the Subclass 491 visa do not need to provide an employment contract. For Subclass 190 applicants under Schedule 2, a full-time employment contract closely related to your nominated occupation is required and must meet the following criteria:
  • Full-time work is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week.
  • The contract must be signed by both the employer and employee.
  • The contract must clearly state:
    • Names of the employer and employee;
    • Start and end dates (end date not required for permanent contracts);
    • Job title and relevant ANZSCO code;
    • Detailed description of duties;
    • Salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and superannuation;
    • Work location;
    • A statement confirming that the employee will perform the duties personally and not outsource the work;
    • The contract must be drafted by the employer (not the employee).
Contractors, self-employed individuals, and sole traders are generally not accepted.

1. Occupation Requirements (WASMOL Schedule 2)
  • Your nominated occupation must be listed on WASMOL Schedule 2.
  • Your occupation must align with the visa subclass you intend to apply for (Subclass 190 or 491).
  • View the WA occupation lists
2. Skills Assessment Requirements
  • Your skills assessment must correspond to the same occupation nominated in your EOI.
  • Your skills assessment must still match the nominated occupation at the time you receive an invitation from WA Migration Services.
  • Provisional Skills Assessments for the Subclass 485 visa (PSA) are not accepted.
3. Federal Visa Requirements (DoHA)
4. English Language Requirements (Competent English)
You must meet the minimum English standard accepted by the Australian Government, with all components achieved in a single sitting. Below are the requirements for tests taken before 6 August 2025:
Test Type Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS (including OSR) 6 6 6 6
OET B B B B
TOEFL iBT (old format) 12 13 21 18
PTE Academic 50 50 50 50
Cambridge C1 Advanced 169 169 169 169
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:
Test Type Listening Reading Writing Speaking
Cambridge C1 Advanced 163 163 170 179
CELPIP General 7 7 7 7
IELTS Academic 6 6 6 6
IELTS General 6 6 6 6
LanguageCert Academic 57 60 64 70
Michigan Test 56 55 57 48
OET* 290 310 290 330
PTE Academic 47 48 51 54
TOEFL iBT 16 16 19 19
*OET adopts digital scoring from 7 August 2025 onward. UK Overseas Nationals (British National Overseas passport holders) are not accepted as evidence of English proficiency.
5. Employment Contract Requirements
Applicants for the Subclass 491 visa do not need to provide an employment contract. For Subclass 190 applicants under Schedule 2, a full-time employment contract closely related to your nominated occupation is required and must meet the following criteria:
  • Full-time work is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week.
  • The contract must be signed by both the employer and employee.
  • The contract must clearly state:
    • Names of the employer and employee;
    • Start and end dates (end date not required for permanent contracts);
    • Job title and relevant ANZSCO code;
    • Detailed description of duties;
    • Salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and superannuation;
    • Work location;
    • A statement confirming that the employee will perform the duties personally and not outsource the work;
    • The contract must be drafted by the employer (not the employee).
Contractors, self-employed individuals, and sole traders are generally not accepted.

WA Graduate Stream

The WA Graduate Stream is designed for international students who have completed full-time study in Western Australia and obtained an eligible qualification. If your nominated occupation appears on the Graduate Stream occupation list and you meet the skills assessment, English language, and WA two-year study requirements, you may be considered for nomination under the Subclass 190 or 491 visa.

This pathway prioritises graduates who have genuinely studied and lived in WA and who possess skills aligned with the state’s workforce needs, offering them a clearer opportunity to remain in Western Australia and build a long-term future.

1. Occupation Requirements (Graduate Stream List)
For the Graduate Stream, your nominated occupation must appear on the WA Graduate Occupation List. Common occupations include:
  • Accountants
  • Engineers
  • ICT Professionals
  • Health and Medical Professionals
Please ensure your skills assessment aligns with your nominated occupation.
You must hold a valid skills assessment issued by the relevant assessing authority:
  • The assessment must be valid at the time you apply.
  • It must match your nominated occupation.
  • The assessing authority must be recognised by the Australian Government.
You must also meet the federal requirements for skilled migration, including:
  • Being under 45 years of age
  • Meeting the minimum points test (65 points or above)
  • Satisfying health and character requirements
  • Meeting the English language requirement
You must provide valid English test results from one of the accepted tests:
  • IELTS — at least 6.0 in each band
  • PTE Academic — minimum 50 in each component
  • TOEFL iBT — overall score of at least 78
  • OET — minimum Grade B in all components
Results must be valid at the time of application (usually within 3 years).
To qualify for the Graduate Stream, you must:
  • Have completed at least two years of full-time study in Western Australia
  • Hold a CRICOS-registered qualification
  • Have lived in Western Australia for at least two years during your studies
  • Hold a valid visa that allowed you to study in Australia
1. Occupation Requirements (Graduate Stream List)
For the Graduate Stream, your nominated occupation must appear on the WA Graduate Occupation List. Common occupations include:
  • Accountants
  • Engineers
  • ICT Professionals
  • Health and Medical Professionals
Please ensure your skills assessment aligns with your nominated occupation.
2. Skills Assessment
You must hold a valid skills assessment issued by the relevant assessing authority:
  • The assessment must be valid at the time you apply.
  • It must match your nominated occupation.
  • The assessing authority must be recognised by the Australian Government.
3. Federal Visa Requirements (DoHA)
You must also meet the federal requirements for skilled migration, including:
  • Being under 45 years of age
  • Meeting the minimum points test (65 points or above)
  • Satisfying health and character requirements
  • Meeting the English language requirement
4. English Language Requirements (Competent English)
You must provide valid English test results from one of the accepted tests:
  • IELTS — at least 6.0 in each band
  • PTE Academic — minimum 50 in each component
  • TOEFL iBT — overall score of at least 78
  • OET — minimum Grade B in all components
Results must be valid at the time of application (usually within 3 years).
5. Study Requirements
To qualify for the Graduate Stream, you must:
  • Have completed at least two years of full-time study in Western Australia
  • Hold a CRICOS-registered qualification
  • Have lived in Western Australia for at least two years during your studies
  • Hold a valid visa that allowed you to study in Australia

WA State Nomination Ranking System

General Stream

General StreamDescription
Current Residence – Western AustraliaApplicants currently living in Western Australia are given the highest priority.
Current Residence – Other LocationsApplicants residing in other Australian states or overseas are ranked after WA-based applicants.
Priority IndustryApplicants working in WA’s priority industries receive higher ranking. Examples include construction (trades and non-trades), health and community services, hospitality and tourism, and education and training.
Other IndustriesApplicants whose occupations fall outside WA priority sectors are ranked after priority-industry applicants.
EOI PointsHigher Skilled Migration EOI points receive higher ranking.
EOI Lodgement DateAmong applicants with the same points and category, those who lodged their EOI earlier receive priority.
WA State Nomination Ranking System
General Stream Description
Current Residence – Western Australia Applicants currently living in Western Australia are given the highest priority.
Current Residence – Other Locations Applicants residing in other Australian states or overseas are ranked after WA-based applicants.
Priority Industry Applicants working in WA’s priority industries receive higher ranking. Examples include construction (trades and non-trades), health and community services, hospitality and tourism, and education and training.
Other Industries Applicants whose occupations fall outside WA priority sectors are ranked after priority-industry applicants.
EOI Points Higher Skilled Migration EOI points receive higher ranking.
EOI Lodgement Date Among applicants with the same points and category, those who lodged their EOI earlier receive priority.

Graduate Stream

Graduate StreamDescription (Higher Education Graduates & VET Graduates)
Current Residence – Western AustraliaGraduate Stream applicants currently living in WA are given priority, including both higher-education and VET graduates.
Current Residence – Other LocationsApplicants living in other Australian states or overseas are ranked after WA-based applicants.
Priority IndustryApplicants whose occupations fall within WA priority sectors (such as construction trades, other construction occupations, health and community services, hospitality and tourism, education and training) are ranked ahead of those in non-priority industries.
Other IndustriesApplicants whose occupations are outside WA priority sectors are ranked after those in priority industries.
Qualification Level (Higher Education)A higher qualification completed in WA results in a higher ranking. General ordering: PhD / Masters > Honours / Graduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate > Bachelor.
Qualification Level (VET)For VET pathways, the ranking generally follows: Advanced Diploma > Diploma > Certificate III / Certificate IV.
EOI PointsWithin the same stream, applicants with higher EOI points are ranked first.
EOI Lodgement DateFor applicants with the same points and similar conditions, an earlier EOI lodgement date results in higher priority.
Quota AllocationWithin the Graduate Stream quota: up to approximately 75% is allocated to higher-education graduates, and up to approximately 25% is allocated to VET graduates.
Eligibility for Multiple StreamsIf an applicant meets criteria for multiple streams, they may receive multiple invitations. However, only one stream can be selected when submitting the state nomination application.
Selecting Both 190 & 491If both 190 and 491 are selected in the EOI, a 491 invitation is usually issued first, as 491 generally yields a higher points total under the same background.
WA Graduate Stream Ranking System
Graduate Stream Description (Higher Education Graduates & VET Graduates)
Current Residence – Western Australia Graduate Stream applicants currently living in WA are given priority, including both higher-education and VET graduates.
Current Residence – Other Locations Applicants living in other Australian states or overseas are ranked after WA-based applicants.
Priority Industry Applicants whose occupations fall within WA priority sectors (such as construction trades, other construction occupations, health and community services, hospitality and tourism, education and training) are ranked ahead of those in non-priority industries.
Other Industries Applicants whose occupations are outside WA priority sectors are ranked after those in priority industries.
Qualification Level (Higher Education) A higher qualification completed in WA results in a higher ranking. General ordering: PhD / Masters > Honours / Graduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate > Bachelor.
Qualification Level (VET) For VET pathways, the ranking generally follows: Advanced Diploma > Diploma > Certificate III / Certificate IV.
EOI Points Within the same stream, applicants with higher EOI points are ranked first.
EOI Lodgement Date For applicants with the same points and similar conditions, an earlier EOI lodgement date results in higher priority.
Quota Allocation Within the Graduate Stream quota: up to approximately 75% is allocated to higher-education graduates, and up to approximately 25% is allocated to VET graduates.
Eligibility for Multiple Streams If an applicant meets criteria for multiple streams, they may receive multiple invitations. However, only one stream can be selected when submitting the state nomination application.
Selecting Both 190 & 491 If both 190 and 491 are selected in the EOI, a 491 invitation is usually issued first, as 491 generally yields a higher points total under the same background.

Important Information & Application Notes

1. EOI 信息真实性与更新义务

申请西澳州担保前,你必须先在 SkillSelect 递交 EOI,并确保所有信息真实且有证据支持。

  • 若获邀后修改 EOI 导致分数或内容变化,西澳可撤回邀请。
  • 如发现虚假信息,可能影响当前与未来的州担保资格。

声称居住在西澳的申请人,必须提供足够证据证明实际在西澳居住。

  • 文件包括租约、水电账单、工资单、银行账单等。
  • 证据不足可能影响排序或被拒。

技能评估与英语成绩均需在申请时有效,职业需与 EOI 一致。

  • 技能评估必须由指定机构出具。
  • 英语需至少达到 Competent English。
  • 过期成绩不被接受。

部分职业需提供西澳全职雇佣合同。

  • 每周至少 35 小时。
  • 须由雇主起草并双方签字。
  • 需列明职责、薪资、地点等关键条款。

同一 SNMP 年度内,一份 EOI 通常只会被考虑一次邀请。

  • 当年收过邀请,通常不会再次收到。
  • 想在下一年度被重新考虑,需提交新的 EOI。

州提名表示你承诺签证获批后以西澳为首选定居州。

  • 前两年须以西澳为主要居住与工作地点。
  • 需更新联系方式。
  • 应配合问卷或跟进邮件。

州担保不等于职业注册,部分职业需另行申请执照。

  • 医疗、教育、工程等行业需单独注册。

满足最低要求不代表一定获邀。

  • 邀请取决于 stream、优先行业、分数、EOI 时间等。
  • 最终签证由 DoHA 审批。
1. EOI 信息真实性与更新义务

申请西澳州担保前,你必须先在 SkillSelect 递交 EOI,并确保所有信息真实且有证据支持。

  • 若获邀后修改 EOI 导致分数或内容变化,西澳可撤回邀请。
  • 如发现虚假信息,可能影响当前与未来的州担保资格。
2. 西澳居住证明要求

声称居住在西澳的申请人,必须提供足够证据证明实际在西澳居住。

  • 文件包括租约、水电账单、工资单、银行账单等。
  • 证据不足可能影响排序或被拒。
3. 技能评估与英语成绩有效性

技能评估与英语成绩均需在申请时有效,职业需与 EOI 一致。

  • 技能评估必须由指定机构出具。
  • 英语需至少达到 Competent English。
  • 过期成绩不被接受。
4. 雇佣合同要求(部分 General Stream)

部分职业需提供西澳全职雇佣合同。

  • 每周至少 35 小时。
  • 须由雇主起草并双方签字。
  • 需列明职责、薪资、地点等关键条款。
5. 邀请次数与项目年度限制

同一 SNMP 年度内,一份 EOI 通常只会被考虑一次邀请。

  • 当年收过邀请,通常不会再次收到。
  • 想在下一年度被重新考虑,需提交新的 EOI。
6. 州提名后的居住义务

州提名表示你承诺签证获批后以西澳为首选定居州。

  • 前两年须以西澳为主要居住与工作地点。
  • 需更新联系方式。
  • 应配合问卷或跟进邮件。
7. 州担保 ≠ 职业注册或执照

州担保不等于职业注册,部分职业需另行申请执照。

  • 医疗、教育、工程等行业需单独注册。
8. 州担保不保证一定获邀或获签

满足最低要求不代表一定获邀。

  • 邀请取决于 stream、优先行业、分数、EOI 时间等。
  • 最终签证由 DoHA 审批。

Your Next Move

Whether you are currently studying or working in Western Australia, or living in another state or overseas and planning to obtain a WA State Nomination (SNMP) for a 190 / 491 invitation, the key is strategic planning — selecting the right nominated occupation, choosing the most suitable stream (General or Graduate), and positioning your EOI to maximise ranking advantage. WA places strong emphasis on genuine ties to the state, your study or work contribution, and your long-term settlement intention — not just your points.

Recommended Actions

  • Complete a professional eligibility assessment:
    We assess your qualification, occupation, skills assessment, English level and points structure to confirm whether your nominated occupation appears on WASMOL or the Graduate Stream list, and determine whether you fall under the General or Graduate Stream. This helps avoid invalid EOIs and prevents missing critical invitation windows.

  • Identify the optimal stream and ranking strategy:
    Based on factors such as your WA residence status, whether you have completed two years of full-time study in WA, and whether your occupation falls within a priority industry, we design the most advantageous invitation pathway. This may include securing evidence of WA residence, prioritising the higher-ranked Graduate Stream, or deciding whether to target the 190 or 491 first.

  • Prepare decision-ready documents:
    Prepare all required evidence in line with WA nomination criteria, including skills assessments, English test results, study records, rental and employment evidence, utilities, payslips and bank statements. If required, we also help prepare a compliant full-time WA employment contract to ensure your application can be submitted within the limited timeframe after receiving an invitation.

  • Optimise your EOI structure and submission timing:
    We ensure your SkillSelect EOI is structured to reflect the strongest points combination, selects the correct visa subclasses (190 / 491), and is updated at the right time to align with policy movements, occupation list changes and ranking rules — significantly improving your chances of receiving an invitation.

  • Ongoing monitoring and strategic adjustments:
    We track WA invitation rounds, quota progression and occupation list changes, adjusting your strategy as needed. Where beneficial, we help refine your study pathway, employment plans or EOI updates to keep you positioned in the strongest possible ranking category.

Our Commitment

We provide decision-focused migration strategies tailored to WA’s SNMP ranking framework. Every step prioritises compliance, evidence quality and timing, helping you complete the nomination and visa process with lower risk and greater certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not receiving a WA invitation even though my points are higher than others?

WA State Nomination is not based on points alone. WA Migration Services applies a ranking system that considers multiple factors: whether you currently live in WA, whether your occupation is in a priority industry, your qualification level, occupation demand and your EOI submission date. Points are only the foundation — your actual ranking determines the invitation order.

Yes. Across both the General Stream and Graduate Stream, applicants currently residing in WA are always ranked first. Applicants living offshore or in other Australian states fall into the second priority group.

Yes. The Graduate Stream does not require full-time employment. If you have related work experience — even part-time — this will strengthen your ranking. Higher education qualifications (Master’s or PhD) also provide a significant advantage in the Graduate Stream ranking.

WA does not publish a fixed update cycle. The occupation lists are adjusted based on workforce needs and may be updated periodically. Priority industries such as construction, health, education, hospitality and community services remain consistently in demand, while other occupations may open or pause depending on labour trends.

Yes, but you will be placed in the second priority group (Currently residing offshore or in another Australian state). To significantly increase your ranking, you would need to relocate to WA and establish residence.

WA uses a monthly invitation cycle combined with a ranking system. Invitations are issued in order: priority industries → WA residents → higher qualifications → higher EOI points → earlier EOI submissions. Fluctuations in processing speed simply reflect variation in application volume and quota allocation, not rejection.

No. EOIs are not rejected; they continue to remain in the pool. If your occupation does not receive allocation in a given month, or you are ranked lower (e.g., offshore, lower points), you will continue waiting. It is advisable to regularly update your EOI, improve your points or refresh your skills assessment.

Yes — as long as it is within a relevant ANZSCO major group or has closely related duties, and you can provide appropriate employer evidence. WA focuses on whether you can transition into the local labour market, so related experience still carries value.

Yes. Applicants must adhere to WA’s settlement commitment, meaning you are expected to live and work in WA for at least two years after your visa is granted. While not legally enforceable, failing to honour this commitment may affect your credibility for future nominations or government records.

Absolutely. WA’s ranking system allows applicants to improve their competitiveness through measures such as:
– improving English results
– updating a skills assessment
– gaining additional WA study or work experience
– increasing overall EOI points Many borderline cases successfully receive invitations after strategic optimisation.

Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.