Published on 19 July  2024

 



 2024-25 WA State Nomination Migration Program


Overview of the 2024-25 Western Australian State Nominated Migration Program 


The Western Australian State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for the 2024-25 program year is now open.


Key Highlights


    

  1. No application fee.
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  2. Equal invitation ranking for interstate and overseas candidates.
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  3. Prioritized invitations for candidates in WA industry sectors with critical demand for skilled workers. Occupations in priority WA Industry sectors (in no particular order):

      

    • building and construction;
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    • healthcare and social assistance;
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    • hospitality and tourism; and
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    • education and training.
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  4. Applicants invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation (as per the WA State nomination Occupation lists) do not need to have a contract of employment.
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  5. Additional employment contract arrangements for General Stream, WASMOL Schedule 1.
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What is the WA State Nominated Migration Program?


The State Nominated Migration Program allows the WA Government to nominate eligible skilled migrants for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) for priority occupations.


This program targets skilled jobs that cannot be filled locally and genuinely require overseas workers. It complements other workforce development initiatives to ensure employers have access to necessary skills.


How Many Places Are Available in the Program?


Based on the 2024-25 state and territory nomination allocations, the total number of places available for Western Australia (WA) are as follows:


    

  • Total for WA – 5,000 places

      

    • Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
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    • Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 2,000 places
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Is There a Fee Waiver?


The $200 application fee will continue to be waived for this program year.


When Are the Invitation Rounds Held?


Invitation rounds are expected to be held in the first week of each month, starting from August 2024.


What Are the New Features?


Additional employment contract arrangements are now available for candidates invited through the General Stream – WASMOL – Schedule 1. Candidates can now submit multiple contracts of employment to meet the requirement for full-time work. This means that if you are employed in multiple part-time roles, you can combine these contracts to demonstrate an average of at least 35 hours of work per week.


What Visa Options Are Available?


To be granted certain skilled migration visas to live and work in Western Australia, you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory through the SNMP. WA Migration Services, on behalf of the WA State Government, provides nominations for eligible applicants for two visa subclasses, which offer extra points on the Department of Home Affairs points test:


    

  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): an extra five points.

      

    • This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
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  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): an extra 15 points.

      

    • This visa allows you to stay in Australia for 5 years and live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
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    • You may apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.
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What Are the Eligibility Requirements?


To be considered for State nomination, your occupation must be eligible under one of the following streams:


    

  • General Stream: A skilled migration pathway for a range of occupations and industry categories. Eligible occupations are listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2.

      

    • WASMOL Schedule 1: Health and Medical Occupations
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    • WASMOL Schedule 2: All other occupations
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  • Graduate Stream: A skilled migration pathway for eligible international students completing vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualifications in WA. Eligible occupations are listed on the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
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These occupation lists identify priority occupations for WA and are eligible for skilled migrants through State nomination.


How to Submit an EOI for State Nomination


Use SkillSelect to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for state nomination.


SkillSelect is the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform that allows skilled workers to express their interest in applying for a skilled migration visa to live and work in Australia. If you want to be considered by the WA Government, you need to submit an EOI via SkillSelect.


Please note that to be eligible for an invitation in the WA State Nominated Migration Program, you must meet both:


    

  • The Department of Home Affairs criteria for your nominated visa
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  • The WA criteria for State nomination
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Interested in detailed criteria, program requirements, and application procedures for WA State Nomination?


Talk to the friendly team at Right Visa Network to discover how we can help you achieve your career and migration goals. For more information on your visa options, please call us at +61 8 6557 6779.


Visa regulations and policies can change, so it’s important to stay up to date with official government sources for the most accurate and current information.