WA Construction Visa Subsidy Program: Up to $10,000 for Skilled Migrants (2026 Update)

Last Updated: 23 March 2026

The Western Australian Government launched the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) — a grant scheme that pays skilled construction migrants and their employers up to $10,000 to cover visa fees, migration agent costs, and relocation expenses.

If you work in construction and you're planning to move to Western Australia, this program puts real money back in your pocket before you even start the job.

What Is the WA Construction Visa Subsidy Program?

The Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) is a Western Australian State Government grant that supports skilled migration into the construction industry.

It runs across two streams:

• Employer Sponsored Stream — for WA construction businesses sponsoring overseas workers

• State Nominated Stream — for independent skilled migrants coming through WA state nomination

Payments cover migration agent fees, visa application charges, and relocation costs.

How Much Does the CVSP Pay?

Who	Maximum Grant	How It's Paid
Offshore skilled migrant	$10,000	$5,000 + $5,000 (2 milestones)
Onshore skilled migrant	$5,000	$2,500 + $2,500 (2 milestones)
WA employer (per migrant)	$10,000	$2,000 + $4,000 + $4,000 (3 milestones)

Milestone payments trigger at key stages — registration, visa grant, and employment commencement.

Which Visas Qualify for the CVSP?

Employer Sponsored Stream:

• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand

• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme

State Nominated Stream:

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Who Is Eligible?

Skilled migrants must:

• Hold a 190 or 491 visa granted through WA's State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP)

• Work for a WA building and construction business

• Work in a CVSP-eligible occupation

Employers must:

• Sponsor a worker on a 482, 494, or 186 visa

• Operate a construction business in Western Australia

• Fill a CVSP-eligible occupation

Check the full eligible occupation list in the table below.

How to Claim the CVSP Grant

For skilled migrants:

1. Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect for WA State Nomination

2. Connect with an eligible WA construction employer

3. Register your visa approval with Migration Services WA

4. Lodge Milestone 1 claim once you start work

5. Lodge Milestone 2 claim after six months of employment

For employers:

1. Lodge a Milestone 1 claim and declare intent to sponsor

2. Find and nominate a skilled migrant

3. Apply for sponsorship approval with Department of Home Affairs

4. Assist your migrant to lodge the visa

5. Lodge Milestone 2 claim when visa is granted

6. Lodge Milestone 3 claim when the worker starts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim the CVSP if I'm already in Australia?

Yes. Onshore applicants receive up to $5,000. Offshore applicants receive the full $10,000 — the difference reflects lower relocation costs for onshore workers.

Does the CVSP cover all construction jobs?

No. Only occupations on the official CVSP Eligible Occupations list qualify. Download the list from the WA Migration website to check your trade or role.

Can employers claim for multiple migrants?

Yes. Employers receive up to $10,000 per eligible migrant sponsored.

Do I need a migration agent to apply?

You don't have to, but engaging a registered migration agent significantly improves your chances of a successful visa outcome — and the CVSP grant covers agent fees as part of what it reimburses.

How RACC Can Help

The Construction Visa Subsidy Program covers multiple visa pathways — and choosing the wrong one means missing out on the grant entirely.

Our registered migration agents (MARN 1572962 | MARN 1172003) work with construction workers and WA employers to identify the right visa pathway and maximise every benefit available under the CVSP.

We can assist with:

• Confirming whether your occupation appears on the CVSP eligible list

• Identifying the right visa subclass for your situation , 482, 494, 186, 190, or 491

• Lodging a strong visa application that supports your CVSP grant claim

• Guiding you through each milestone payment stage so nothing gets missed

• Advising employers on sponsorship obligations and CVSP compliance

• Connecting interstate or overseas construction workers with WA employers through the program

Book your consultation today to discuss your CVSP eligibility with our experienced migration team.

Registered Migration Agents: MARN 1572962 | MARN 1172003

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