Western Australia Skilled Migration State Nomination – 2025–26 Update
📌Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
Western Australia has officially released its 2025–26 State Nomination criteria! While the Department of Home Affairs has yet to announce the final allocation, WA Migration Services has confirmed that this year’s nomination process remains largely consistent with 2024–25.
If you're considering WA for your skilled migration journey, here's everything you need to know.
Before You Begin: Home Affairs Requirements
Make sure you meet the minimum visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs before applying for state nomination. These include:
Being under 45 years of age
Having Competent English
Holding a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
Achieving at least 65 points, including state nomination points
Two Streams for Nomination
Western Australia nominates applicants under two key streams:
General Stream
Graduate Stream
Your eligibility will depend on factors like your occupation, location, and education history in Western Australia.
General Stream – Schedule 1 (Health & Medical Occupations)
If your occupation is on Schedule 1 of the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List:
You need at least 1 year of work experience in your nominated or closely related occupation (Australia or overseas) in the last 10 years
If applying for a 190 visa, hold a full-time employment contract in Western Australia for at least six months in your nominated or closely related occupation.
General Stream – Schedule 2 (All Other Occupations)
If your occupation is on Schedule 2, the requirements are similar:
You must have a full-time employment contract for at least six months in your nominated or closely related occupation if applying for a 190 visa.
However, there’s an important exception: Applicants in building and construction occupations do not need to have a contract of employment to be considered.
This makes WA a great option for tradespeople and construction workers.
Graduate Stream
This stream is designed for international students who studied in WA. You must:
Have completed a Certificate III or higher qualification in WA
Have completed at least 87 weeks of full-time study at a WA university, higher education provider, TAFE, or registered training provider; and does not need to be one continues period of study
Have your occupation listed on the Graduate Occupation List.
🎓 Graduates are ranked based on the level of qualification, points score, and EOI submission date, with PhD, Master’s, and Honors graduates receiving higher priority.
Priority Industry Sectors
Western Australia continues to give preference to applicants in the following sectors:
Building and Construction – Trades
Building and Construction – Other Occupations
Healthcare and Social Assistance
Hospitality and Tourism
Education and Training
If your occupation falls under one of these sectors, you’ll be ranked higher in the invitation process.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Process
To be considered for nomination:
Submit an EOI on SkillSelect and indicate Western Australia as your preferred state.
Meet Home Affairs visa requirements for either subclass 190 or 491.
Pay the non-refundable $200 application fee once you receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.
🎯 Remember, invitations are issued to the highest-ranking EOIs based on points, occupation, location, and submission date. WA residents are given first priority, followed by applicants in other parts of Australia and overseas.
English Language Requirements
You must meet Competent English standards as defined by Home Affairs.
📌 FAQ Section
You can include these FAQs either in the blog post itself (as an accordion or block) or below the article:
❓ How can we help you with the WA State Nomination?
At Nationwide Migration and Education, we’ll guide you through your eligibility check, skills assessment, Expression of Interest (EOI), and submission to WA Migration Services — whether you’re onshore or offshore.
❓ Is a job offer required for WA nomination?
For most 190 visa applicants, yes — you need a full-time employment contract in WA. However, if your occupation is in the building and construction sector (under Schedule 2), a job offer is not required.
❓ Can I apply under the Graduate Stream if I only studied a short course in WA?
No — you must have completed a Certificate III or higher qualification and studied full-time for at least 87 weeks in WA at a recognized education provider. It can be combination of one or more courses.
❓ When will WA start sending invitations for 2025–26?
Invitations are issued based on ranking (points, occupation, location, EOI submission date). WA residents are prioritized, but interstate and offshore applicants are also considered. First rounds are expected shortly after allocations are confirmed.
❓ What’s the application fee for WA nomination?
Once invited, you’ll need to pay a $200 non-refundable fee to WA Migration Services to complete your nomination application.
Final Thoughts
Western Australia continues to offer strong pathways for skilled professionals, tradespeople, and graduates — especially those with ties to priority industries or WA study experience.
If you're ready to take the next step or need help navigating your visa pathway, Nationwide Migration and Education is here to help.
📞 Book your consultation and let's plan your migration journey with confidence.
⚠️Disclaimer
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is intended as general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, please book a consultation with ourRegistered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859).
