How to Get State Nomination in Western Australia

Getting a state nomination in Western Australia can be an important step for skilled workers who want to live and work in Perth or other parts of WA. The Western Australian State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) allows eligible applicants to seek nomination for certain skilled visas, including the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

However, meeting the basic visa requirements does not guarantee nomination. Applicants must check their occupation, work experience, qualifications and other eligibility conditions against the rules that apply to their chosen pathway. In this guide, we explain how to get state nomination in Western Australia in 2026 and what skilled migrants should prepare before applying.

What Is Western Australian State Nomination?

Western Australian state nomination is a process through which the WA government nominates eligible skilled workers for certain Australian skilled migration visas. The programme aims to attract workers whose skills match the state's workforce needs.

For people planning to move to Perth, state nomination may provide a pathway to skilled migration, depending on their occupation and personal circumstances.

The program generally includes two main streams:

• General stream: For eligible skilled workers whose occupations meet the relevant requirements.

• Graduate stream: For eligible international students who have completed qualifying studies in Western Australia.

The available occupations, eligibility conditions and nomination arrangements can change between program years. Applicants should therefore review the current criteria published by WA Migration Services before starting the process.

Which Visas Can You Apply for Through WA State Nomination?

Two major visa options are available through the Western Australian State Nominated Migration Program.

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The subclass 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa for eligible applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory. Successful applicants can live and work in Australia as permanent residents, subject to the visa grant and applicable conditions.

For applicants seeking a Skilled Visa Perth pathway, this option may be suitable if their occupation and profile meet the WA nomination criteria and the Department of Home Affairs requirements.

2. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who intend to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. State nomination is one way to qualify for this visa.

Although Perth is included in the regional migration framework for certain visa purposes, applicants must still check the specific conditions of their visa and nomination pathway. The subclass 491 visa is not a permanent visa, but eligible holders may later qualify for permanent residence through the relevant pathway.

Choosing between subclass 190 and subclass 491 depends on your occupation, eligibility, employment situation and long-term plans.

Step-by-Step Process to Get State Nomination in Western Australia in 2026

Step 1: Check Your Occupation

Start by checking whether your nominated occupation is listed as eligible for the relevant WA state nomination stream and visa subclass.

Western Australia publishes occupation lists for its skilled migration programme. These lists may be organised by occupation groups or schedules, and eligibility can differ between visa subclasses.

Before proceeding, confirm:

• Your occupation matches the relevant occupation classification.

• Your occupation is available for your intended visa pathway.

• You meet any additional conditions linked to that occupation.

• Your qualifications and experience are relevant to the nominated occupation.

Do not assume that an occupation is eligible simply because it appears on a general Australian skilled occupation list.

Step 2: Check the Eligibility Requirements

The next step is to review the current WA nomination criteria and the federal visa requirements.

Depending on your chosen stream, you may need to meet conditions relating to your occupation, skilled employment, qualifications, English language ability and employment in Western Australia.

For example, the WA criteria published for the 2025–26 programme included work experience requirements for some general stream applicants. Certain applicants seeking subclass 190 nomination also needed a qualifying full-time employment contract in WA. Building and construction occupations had specific provisions.

These are examples of pathway-specific rules, not a guarantee that the same requirements apply to every applicant in 2026–27. Check the criteria for the programme year in which you intend to apply.

Step 3: Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment

A skills assessment checks whether your qualifications and work experience meet the standards for your nominated occupation. It is generally required for the relevant skilled visa pathway.

The assessing authority depends on your occupation. Different professions have different assessment bodies, application procedures and document requirements.

You may need to provide qualification certificates, academic transcripts, employment references and other supporting documents. Some assessing authorities also require evidence of professional registration or specific work experience.

Start this process early because assessment requirements and processing times vary. Also check how long your assessment remains valid for your intended visa pathway.

Step 4: Meet the English Language Requirements

English language results can affect your eligibility and skilled migration points. The accepted tests, required scores and applicable rules depend on the visa and your circumstances.

Check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements before booking an English test. Make sure your test results will remain valid when required and that your scores meet the applicable standard.

A stronger English result may improve your points score, but it does not guarantee an invitation or state nomination.

Step 5: Calculate Your Skilled Migration Points

Both subclass 190 and subclass 491 are points-tested visa pathways. Points may be awarded for factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment, educational qualifications and other eligible circumstances.

The general minimum points threshold for these skilled visas is 65 points, including applicable nomination points. However, meeting this threshold does not guarantee an invitation.

Calculate your score carefully and ensure that you can provide evidence for every claim. Do not claim points for work experience, qualifications or English results unless you meet the relevant rules.

Step 6: Submit an Expression of Interest Through SkillSelect

Once you have reviewed the requirements and prepared your details, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Your EOI should contain accurate information about your nominated occupation, qualifications, work experience, English language results and points claims. You must also indicate your interest in the relevant state-nominated visa pathway.

An EOI is not a visa application, and submitting one does not guarantee that Western Australia will nominate you.

Keep your EOI updated if your circumstances change or you become eligible to claim additional points. WA authorities may consider eligible EOIs when identifying potential candidates for nomination.

Step 7: Follow the WA Nomination Process

After submitting your EOI, follow the current instructions published by WA Migration Services. Depending on the applicable program arrangements, you may need to complete further state nomination steps or provide additional information when requested.

Make sure you understand whether your selected pathway requires an employment contract, proof of WA study or other supporting evidence.

Keep copies of your documents and check your email regularly for official correspondence. Selection depends on the applicable criteria, available nomination places and the state's priorities.

Step 8: Apply for the Visa After Receiving an Invitation

If WA nominates you and you receive an invitation to apply, carefully review the invitation and the Department of Home Affairs requirements.

You will need to lodge the visa application within the specified period and provide evidence supporting your claims. For SkillSelect invitations, the general application period is 60 days, but always follow the deadline stated in your invitation.

Receiving a nomination or invitation does not automatically mean the visa will be granted. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the visa application against the relevant legal requirements.

Documents You May Need for WA State Nomination

The exact documents depend on your occupation and nomination stream. Common examples include:

• Passport and identity documents.

• English language test results.

• Skills assessment outcome.

• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts.

• Employment references and evidence of work experience.

• Employment contract, if required for your pathway.

• Evidence of the WA study, if applying through an eligible graduate pathway.

• Documents supporting your EOI point claims.

Check the official document requirements before submitting any application. Incomplete or inconsistent information can cause delays or affect your eligibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can create problems for themselves by using outdated occupation lists, misunderstanding the difference between nomination and a visa grant, or submitting incorrect information in their EOI.

Other mistakes include claiming unsupported points, overlooking employment conditions, failing to check skills assessment validity and relying on old migration advice.

Review the latest WA criteria and federal visa rules before taking action. If your case involves complicated employment history, qualifications or visa conditions, consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent or qualified Australian legal practitioner.

Final Thoughts

Getting state nomination in Western Australia in 2026 requires careful planning, accurate documents and a clear understanding of the relevant skilled migration pathway. Start by checking your occupation, reviewing the latest nomination criteria, arranging your skills assessment and calculating your points. Then follow the applicable SkillSelect and WA nomination process.

If you are planning to move to Perth, reviewing your eligibility before submitting an EOI can help you understand which options may be available and what you need to prepare next.

For official information, visit WA Migration Services and the Department of Home Affairs.