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Western Australia Migration

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Western Australia Migration

Western Australia Migration

2025-26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) Paused

As of 1 July 2025, Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) is temporarily paused pending the allocation of new nomination places for 2025-26 by the Department of Home Affairs.

  • No new invitations for state nomination (190/491) will be issued until the pause is lifted.
  • WA Migration Services will still assess all existing and incoming applications.
  • Successful applications will be nominated as soon as the new quota is confirmed (typically mid to late July).

Source: WA Government – SNMP paused, July 2025

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Why Migrate to Western Australia?

Western Australia (WA) remains a powerhouse for skilled migration, jobs, and lifestyle:

  • Highest median wage in Australia (A$2,220/week, ABS 2025)
  • Massive skills demand: mining, energy, trades, construction, healthcare, education, tech
  • All of WA is regional for 491/191 and study/PR bonuses (including Perth)
  • DAMA + WA-specific employer sponsorships for over 300 occupations
  • Affordable regional centres: Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Broome 
  • Perth = international student hub with clear pathways to PR
1. State Nomination – 190/491 (Paused)

Visa

Key facts

PR outcome

190 Skilled Nominated

Direct PR, +5 state points, requires WA nomination

PR grant

491 Skilled Work Regional

5-year provisional, +15 points, regional residence for 3 yrs

PR via 191 after 3 yrs

SNMP paused:

  • No new 190/491 invitations will be issued until the 2025-26 quota is confirmed.
  • If you already applied, your application stays in the queue for assessment; nomination will be granted as soon as new places are released.

2. WA DAMA & Regional Migration

  • WA DAMA:
    • Covers all of WA (Perth + regional)
    • 300+ occupations, including non-ANZSCO, semi-skilled, hydrogen/renewables, trades, mining
    • Concessions: English (IELTS 4.5~5.0), salary 90% TSMIT, age up to 55, clear PR pathways via 186/191 after 3 yrs
    • Visa streams: 482, 494, direct 186
  • Regional bonuses:
    • All of WA is classified as “regional” for GSM, DAMA, and post-study work rights

3. Employer-Sponsored & Labour Agreement Migration

Stream

Typical WA Use-Case

PR options

482 Skills in Demand – Labour Agreement

Mining, trades, healthcare, renewables, hospitality

PR after 2-3 yrs (186/191)

494 Labour Agreement

Regional WA employers

PR via subclass 191

186 Labour Agreement

Direct PR for key skilled roles

Immediate PR

4. Study-to-PR Pathways in WA

  • 3–4 year post-study work visas for graduates outside Sydney/Melbourne
  • Extra points for regional WA study and employment
  • Perth and regional universities offer direct pathways to state nomination, DAMA or employer sponsorship

5. Offshore, Graduate & Regional Streams

  • Offshore: WA frequently invites skilled professionals overseas for state nomination in high-demand occupations
  • Graduate: International graduates from WA institutions get lower points and work requirements for 190/491
  • Regional: Applicants living/working in regional WA (outside Perth) receive nomination priority

Application Steps (When SNMP Resumes)

  1. Check if your occupation is on the WA Skilled Migration or DAMA list
  2. Submit EOI in SkillSelect (WA as first preference)
  3. Register on the WA Migration portal
  4. Wait for state invitation (pause lifted → invitations resume)
  5. Lodge nomination application with documents and fee
  6. After approval, apply for visa with Home Affairs within 60 days

Need help with WA nomination?

Our migration lawyers guide you through WA skilled visas, DAMA, labour agreements and PR strategies—from skills assessment to final grant.

🚀 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Migration services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us. 

When will new 190/491 invitations open?

As soon as Home Affairs allocates the 2025-26 quota—Monitor migration.wa.gov.au for updates.

Does WA require settlement funds?

No fixed fund requirement, but a realistic settlement plan is expected.

Can I get PR through DAMA or employer sponsorship?

Yes—WA DAMA and employer-sponsored streams provide 186/191 PR pathways.