Western Australia State Nomination Guide for Subclass 190 Visa (2026)

Western Australia (WA) continues to be one of Australia's most attractive destinations for skilled migrants in 2026, offering strong employment opportunities across diverse industries. The WA state nomination program for the Subclass 190 visa provides an additional pathway for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency while contributing to the state's economic growth.

Current Occupation Priorities

Western Australia's 2026 skilled occupation list reflects the state's ongoing economic needs, particularly in resources, healthcare, technology, and construction sectors. Priority occupations include:

High Priority: - Engineering professionals (Mining, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) - Healthcare professionals (Registered Nurses, Medical Practitioners, Allied Health) - ICT professionals (Software Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, Data Analysts) - Trades workers (Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Boilermakers)

Medium Priority: - Education professionals (Secondary Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers) - Finance and Accounting professionals - Construction professionals (Architects, Quantity Surveyors) - Agriculture and Environmental specialists

The state regularly updates its occupation list based on labor market testing and industry feedback. It's crucial to check the most current list before applying, as occupation priorities can change throughout the year.

Key Requirements for WA State Nomination

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for WA state nomination, applicants must:

• Submit a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
• Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on WA's skilled migration occupation list
• Achieve competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each component) or higher
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Meet the points test requirement (currently 65 points including state nomination)
• Demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in Western Australia

Additional WA-Specific Requirements

Work Experience: Applicants typically need at least one year of skilled work experience in their nominated occupation within the last three years, though requirements vary by occupation.

Connection to WA: Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate strong ties to Western Australia through: - Previous study in WA - Current employment or job offers in WA - Family connections in the state - Previous residence in WA

Regional Commitment: For certain occupations, applicants may need to commit to working in regional WA areas for a specified period.

Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment and EOI Before applying for state nomination, ensure you have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, selecting Western Australia as your preferred state.

Step 2: State Nomination Application If your EOI meets WA's criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for state nomination. The application includes:

• Completed state nomination application form
• Supporting documents (qualifications, work experience, English test results)
• Evidence of connection to WA
• Character documents
• Health insurance evidence

Step 3: Assessment and Decision WA Government processes applications based on: - Occupation priority level - Points score - Strength of connection to WA - Current labor market needs

Processing times typically range from 6-12 weeks, though this can vary during peak periods.

Step 4: Visa Application Upon receiving state nomination approval, you have 60 days to submit your Subclass 190 visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Strategic Tips for Success

Maximize Your Points Score While 65 points (including state nomination) is the minimum, higher scores improve your chances. Consider: - Improving English test results for additional points - Gaining additional work experience - Pursuing further qualifications - Having your partner's skills assessed if applicable

Strengthen Your WA Connection Demonstrate genuine commitment to Western Australia by: - Researching job opportunities and including evidence in your application - Highlighting any previous WA study or work experience - Showing understanding of WA's economy and your occupation's prospects - Providing a detailed settlement plan

Choose the Right Timing Monitor WA's invitation rounds and occupation ceiling updates. Some occupations may have limited places, so applying early in the program year often increases success rates.

Professional Guidance Given the complexity of state nomination requirements and frequent policy changes, many applicants benefit from professional guidance. Consider using services like Visafold's pathway checker to assess your eligibility and identify the best migration strategy for your circumstances.

Looking Ahead

Western Australia's migration program continues evolving to meet changing economic needs. The state's focus on sustainable population growth, combined with ongoing infrastructure projects and resource sector expansion, suggests continued opportunities for skilled migrants in 2026 and beyond.

For personalized guidance and up-to-date information on your specific circumstances, platforms like Visafold can provide tailored advice and keep you informed of program changes throughout your migration journey.

Success in obtaining WA state nomination requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and thorough documentation of your connection to the state. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, the WA nomination pathway can be an excellent route to Australian permanent residency.

--- *Information only, not migration advice