WA (Western Australia)
WA (Western Australia) State Nomination Overview
The Western Australia (WA) state nomination program is available for applicants seeking the Australian 190 visa (state-sponsored permanent residency) and 491 visa (regional provisional residency), offering additional immigration points to eligible applicants. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Western Australia’s state nomination allocation is significantly increased, with 3,000 slots for the 190 visa and 2,000 slots for the 491 visa.
Application Conditions
Occupation Requirements:
- Applicants must have an occupation listed on the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) or Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
- Occupations are divided into two streams: General Stream and Graduate Stream.
English Requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum language proficiency as required by the Australian immigration department.
Work Experience:
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience (certain industries, such as construction, may be exempt).
- Employment contract: A full-time contract of at least 6 months is required for certain occupations, although some sectors may have exemptions.
Residence Priority:
Applicants living in Western Australia or in regional areas will be given priority.
Application Process
- Submit EOI:：
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system, selecting Western Australia as your nominated state.
- Wait for Invitation:
- Invitations are issued based on EOI scores, occupational demand, and the submission order.
- Prepare Application Materials:
- Gather documents such as skill assessments, language test results, and employment contracts.
- Submit State Nomination Application：
- After receiving an invitation, submit a complete state nomination application.
- Assessment and Result：The state government typically processes applications within 28 business days.
- Submit Visa Application：Once the state nomination is approved, applicants must submit a visa application to the Australian Immigration Department.
- Visa Types and Priority
- 190 Visa:Grants 5 points for state nomination and is suitable for those with full-time employment.
- 491 Visa:Grants 15 points for regional work, and applicants for the 491 visa are usually prioritized due to the higher points allocation.
Processing Times
- State Nomination Application: Typically takes 28 business days.
- Visa Approval: Processing time depends on the immigration department’s workload but generally takes several months.
Application Fees
State Nomination: No fee for the Western Australia state nomination.
Visa Application: Separate fees apply, which can be checked on the Australian Immigration Department’s website.
Special Notes
- Industry Priority: Western Australia prioritizes applicants from industries such as construction, healthcare, tourism, and education.
- Graduate Preference: International students who graduate from Western Australia have a higher chance of receiving state nomination.
For more details, please refer to official resources or consult with our professional team.