Western Australia State Nomination 2026: Complete Guide to WA Skilled Migration
Western Australia offers a state nomination program shaped by its unique economy — driven by mining, resources, agriculture, and an increasingly diversified services sector. Perth's reclassification as regional has made WA state nomination more attractive, and the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) provides clear guidance on eligible occupations. Here's your complete guide.
Quick Facts: Western Australia State Nomination 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclasses | 190 (Skilled Nominated), 491 (Skilled Work Regional) |
| Nominating Body | WA Government — Department of Training and Workforce Development |
| Application System | Online through WA Migration Services portal |
| Occupation List | WASMOL (WA Skilled Migration Occupation List) |
| Streams | General, Graduate, SNSR (Skills in Need State Nomination) |
| Perth Regional Status | Perth classified as regional for 491 |
| Processing Time | 6-12 weeks |
How WA State Nomination Works
- Skills assessment: Positive assessment from the relevant authority
- English test: Meet requirements specified on the WASMOL for your occupation
- SkillSelect EOI: Lodge an EOI selecting Western Australia
- WA application: Submit through the WA Migration Services portal
- Assessment: WA assesses against stream requirements and WASMOL conditions
- Nomination decision: WA nominates or declines
- Visa application: Lodge with the Department of Home Affairs
WA Nomination Streams
General Stream
For skilled workers who are either offshore (overseas) or onshore in Australia with no specific WA connection:
- Occupation must be on WASMOL Schedule 1 (General)
- Meet minimum points, English, and work experience requirements
- Some occupations require a job offer from a WA employer
- Must demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in WA
- Financial settlement evidence may be required
Graduate Stream
For international students who graduated from a Western Australian institution:
- Completed a qualification at a WA institution (CRICOS registered)
- Qualification at diploma level or above
- Occupation on WASMOL (broader eligibility for WA graduates)
- Currently living in WA
WA graduates may access occupations not available to general stream applicants and may have reduced work experience requirements.
Employer Sponsored Stream (SNSR)
For applicants with a job offer from a WA employer in a nominated occupation:
- Valid job offer from a WA employer
- Occupation on WASMOL
- Employer meets sponsorship requirements
- Streamlined processing for high-demand occupations
WASMOL: The WA Occupation List
The WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) is divided into schedules:
Schedule 1: General Occupations
Available to all streams. Includes occupations across healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, education, and professional services.
Schedule 2: Graduate/WA-Specific Occupations
Additional occupations available to WA graduates and applicants already working in WA. This schedule is broader than Schedule 1.
How to Check
Visit the WA Migration Services website and search the WASMOL by occupation title or ANZSCO code. The list specifies:
- Which schedule the occupation falls under
- Minimum English requirements
- Whether a job offer is required
- Whether the occupation is available for 190, 491, or both
- Any specific work experience requirements
Perth and Regional WA
Perth (491 Eligible)
Perth is classified as regional for the 491 visa, similar to Adelaide. This means you can live in Perth — a modern city of 2+ million — while on a 491 visa and receive 15 bonus points.
This is a significant advantage. Perth offers:
- City lifestyle with regional visa benefits
- Strong job market, particularly in mining services, engineering, and healthcare
- Growing tech and startup sector
- Lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne
Regional WA (Beyond Perth)
Regional Western Australia includes major centres like:
- Bunbury: Southwest hub, agriculture, construction
- Geraldton: Mid-west, mining services, fishing
- Kalgoorlie: Goldfields, mining
- Karratha/Port Hedland: Pilbara, iron ore mining, LNG
- Broome: Tourism, pearling industry
- Albany: Great Southern, agriculture, forestry
Regional WA positions often come with higher salaries to attract workers to remote areas, particularly in mining and resources.
WA Priority Sectors
Mining and Resources
WA's economy is dominated by mining. Occupations in demand include:
- Mining engineers
- Geologists and geophysicists
- Mechanical and electrical engineers
- Diesel fitters and heavy vehicle mechanics
- Drillers and shot firers
- Metallurgists
Healthcare
Perth's growing population and regional health needs drive demand for:
- Registered nurses (particularly in aged care and mental health)
- Medical practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Allied health professionals
- Paramedics
Construction and Trades
Sustained building activity creates demand for:
- Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters
- Welders and fabricators
- Civil engineers
- Project managers
- Surveyors
Agriculture
WA's agricultural sector needs:
- Agricultural scientists
- Farm managers
- Veterinarians
- Environmental scientists
Points and Competitiveness
Typical Competitive Scores
- 190: 70-85 points depending on occupation
- 491 (Perth): 65-80 points — Perth's regional status provides an advantage
- 491 (Regional WA): 65-75 points — regional areas may accept lower scores for high-demand occupations
Maximising Your Chances
- Take advantage of Perth's regional classification for 491 applications
- If you have mining or resources experience, emphasise this
- WA graduates should apply through the graduate stream for broader occupation access
- Secure a job offer to strengthen your application
- Target high-demand occupations on the WASMOL
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth classified as regional?
Yes. Perth is classified as regional for the purposes of the 491 visa, giving you 15 bonus points while living in a major city.
What is the WASMOL?
The WA Skilled Migration Occupation List — WA's own occupation list that determines which occupations are eligible for state nomination. It's divided into Schedule 1 (general) and Schedule 2 (graduates and WA workers).
Do I need a job offer for WA nomination?
It depends on your occupation and stream. Some WASMOL occupations in the general stream require a job offer, while others don't. The graduate stream may have different requirements.
How does WA nomination compare to other states?
WA is moderately competitive — more accessible than NSW or Victoria, roughly comparable to Queensland. Perth's regional classification makes the 491 pathway particularly attractive. See our comparison guide.
Can I work in mining on a 491 visa?
Yes, provided you live in a designated regional area (all of WA qualifies for 491 purposes, including Perth). Many mining roles are fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) from Perth to remote mine sites.
How long does WA nomination processing take?
Typically 6 to 12 weeks. Complete applications with all required documentation process faster.
