Western Australia State & Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program (2025–26)

The Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program is one of the key pathways for skilled migrants to apply for the state-sponsored 190 visa or the state-sponsored regional 491 visa in the 2025–26 financial year. This program allows eligible skilled workers to be nominated by the WA Government based on occupation demand and stream-specific criteria.

Key Updates for the Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program 2025–26

• Equal invitation ranking continues for both interstate and overseas applicants.

• Priority invitations for occupations in critical WA industry sectors, especially building and construction.

• Reduced employment contract requirements apply to building and construction occupations.

• The $200 application fee has been reintroduced.

• Invitations may be issued in stages depending on Federal nomination allocations.

• WASMOL and Graduate Occupation Lists are updated regularly and do not represent employment offers.

Eligibility Overview — Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program

To be considered for nomination through the Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program, applicants must:

• Have a nominated occupation listed on the WASMOL Schedule 1 or 2, or the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet Department of Home Affairs requirements for visa subclass 190 or 491.

• Meet additional eligibility criteria based on their selected stream.

  
  

Overview of Requirements (2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program)

			Stream Requirements	General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1	General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2	Graduate Stream
Visa Type	190	491	190	491	190	491
Meet the Department of Home Affairs' eligibility requirements for the intended visa subclass.	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The nominated occupation is on the relevant list.	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Meet minimum English requirements.	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
At least one year of Australian or one year of overseas work experience in a nominated (or closely related) occupation	✓	✓	–	–	–	–
Full-time employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation*	✓	–	✓	–	–	–
Have obtained a Certificate III level or above qualification from an accredited WA educational institution	–	–	–	–	✓	✓
Meet all of the Graduate stream study requirements.	–	–	–	–	✓	✓

* 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.

Stream-Specific Requirements in the Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program

General Stream — WASMOL Schedule 1

• Occupation must be listed on WASMOL Schedule 1.

• Valid skills assessment (not a provisional 485 assessment).

• Competent English

  • IELTS 6

  • PTE Listening 47; Reading 48; Writing 51; Speaking 54

  • or equivalent test

• At least 1 year of Australian or overseas work experience in the last 10 years (cannot be combined).

• Employment contract (190 visa only):

  • Full-time (35+ hours per week) for at least 6 months in WA.

  • Two part-time contracts may be combined.

  • Not required for 491 visa applicants.

• Self-employment is generally not accepted (except in limited sole trader arrangements where the applicant is not the sole trader).

General Stream — WASMOL Schedule 2

• Occupation must be on WASMOL Schedule 2.

• Valid skills assessment.

• Competent English.

  • IELTS 6

  • PTE Listening 47; Reading 48; Writing 51; Speaking 54

  • or equivalent test

• Employment contract:

  • Not required for 491 visa applicants.

  • Not required for candidates invited under a WA building and construction occupation.

  • Otherwise, a 6-month full-time WA employment contract (35+ hours/week) is required.

Graduate Stream

• Occupation must be listed on the Graduate Occupation List.

• Valid skills assessment (not 485 provisional).

• Meet Home Affairs’ 190 or 491 visa requirements.

• Competent English or an eligible passport.

  • IELTS 6

  • PTE Listening 47; Reading 48; Writing 51; Speaking 54

  • or equivalent test

• Must meet all five WA study requirements:

  • Completed a qualification in WA (minimum Certificate III or above).

  • Studied at a CRICOS-registered WA education provider.

  • Full-time, face-to-face delivery (at least 75% on-campus unless exempt).

  • Minimum 2 academic years (87 weeks) of study in WA.

  • Provide certificate, transcript, provider letter(s), and COEs if applicable.

• The institution must be an accredited WA education provider at the time of study.

Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program — Book A Consultation

The Western Australia State and Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Program provides valuable pathways to skilled migration through the 190 and 491 visas. With priority given to critical sectors and updated employment requirements, applicants must ensure they meet both Home Affairs and WA state nomination criteria. 

Book a consultation with a registered migration agent if you want professional guidance on eligibility, skills assessments, or visa application preparation for the WA migration program.

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