Western Australia State Nomination for 190 and 491

Overview of the WA Skilled Migration program

Western Australia (WA) is Australia’s largest state by area, known for mining, oil and gas, agriculture and construction. Perth — the capital of WA — is the most isolated major city in the world, more than 4,000 km from Sydney by air.

The WA Skilled Migration program manages nominations for the 190 and 491 visas. Due to its distinctive geography and a strong economy built on mining and resources, WA has very high demand for skilled labour, especially in the trades, engineering and health sectors.

The administering authority

The program is managed by the Government of Western Australia — Department of Training and Workforce Development (Jobs and Skills WA). The entire registration process takes place through the WA Skilled Migration portal.

WA Link — the mandatory connection requirement

This is the most important feature when registering for nomination with WA. WA applies a WA Link requirement — a genuine connection to the state — as an almost mandatory condition.

Recognised forms of WA Link:

Employment connection:

Currently having a job in WA in an occupation on the list
Having a job offer from an employer based in WA

Residence connection:

Currently living in WA (at least 3-6 months recently)
Having previously lived in WA and planning to return

Education connection:

Studying or recently graduating from a WA education provider
Holding a WA university degree awarded within the last 2 years

Family connection:

Having a spouse or immediate relative living and working in WA

Important note: WA usually does not accept applications from offshore applicants with no connection to WA at all. This is a major difference from some other states. People interested in WA should consider moving to WA first to build a WA Link before registering.

Visa 190 in WA

The WA 190 visa grants permanent residence to people nominated by WA who commit to living in WA.

Priority occupations for the WA 190 visa reflect the state’s economic needs:

Trades: This is WA’s number-one priority group. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, boilermakers, welders, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, heavy diesel mechanics — all are consistently on WA’s shortage list.
Health: Doctors, registered nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, especially for areas outside Perth
Engineering: Mining engineers, oil and gas engineers, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, geological engineers
Agriculture: Agricultural technicians, agronomists for rural WA
Information technology: Software developers, IT project managers
Education: Teachers for rural WA

Visa 491 in WA

The WA 491 visa is for regional Western Australia — all of WA except Greater Perth.

Regional WA is very large and diverse, including:

Peel region: Mandurah and surrounds (postcodes need to be checked)
South West WA: Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River
Great Southern: Albany
Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid West, Gascoyne, Pilbara, Kimberley: Rural and remote areas

Features of the WA 491:

The mining industry in the Pilbara (Karratha, Port Hedland) and the Goldfields (Kalgoorlie) creates very high labour demand
Remote-area health and education are top priorities
A WA Link is still required, but it can be more flexible if you have a job offer from an employer in regional WA

The registration process

Step 1: Build a WA Link first

If you don’t yet have a WA Link, consider moving to WA, finding work, or enrolling to study in WA before lodging a nomination application.

Step 2: Check the occupation list

Go to the WA Skilled Migration portal and download the current occupation list. WA usually updates the list from one opening to the next.

Step 3: Prepare an EOI on SkillSelect

Maintain an active EOI with complete and accurate information.

Step 4: Register through the WA Skilled Migration portal

When WA opens registration, submit your application online with full WA Link evidence and occupation details.

Step 5: Assessment and nomination

WA reviews applications. Those selected receive a nomination from WA and wait for an ITA from DHA.

Special points about WA

WA has one of the most active trade-skills labour markets in Australia due to demand from the mining and construction industries
The cost of living in Perth is higher than Adelaide and Brisbane but lower than Sydney
Average wages in WA — especially in the mining and trades sectors — are usually higher than the national average
WA often experiences serious labour shortages, creating good opportunities for people with suitable occupations
People with a WA Link and an occupation on the shortage list have a relatively higher success rate than in competitive states such as NSW or Victoria