Western Australia State Nomination – Eligibility Overview (2025)

Skilled visa State Nomination Eligibility Guide (subclass 190 & 491)

Western Australia State Nomination

Important Update: SNMP Paused

⚠️ As of 1 July 2025, WA has paused issuing new invitations for Subclass 190 and 491 nominations. With the government’s numbers now confirmed, WA may soon update their nomination program.

No new invitations will be issued during this period.

Applications can still be lodged and will be assessed. Successful applicants will receive nomination once allocations resume.

👉 Read the official announcement here

Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) offers skilled workers valuable nomination opportunities for both permanent and provisional visas.

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) — permanent residency, +5 points

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) — provisional regional visa with a pathway to permanent residency, +15 points

  
  

👉 Official WA SNMP page

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the Department of Home Affairs’ eligibility criteria, applicants must also satisfy Western Australia’s state-specific nomination requirements. Think of this as a second layer of eligibility.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated – Permanent)

• Residency:  Applicants already living in WA are prioritised for invitations, but offshore applicants can also apply if their occupation is on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL).

• Work Experience:  In many cases, 190 applicants need a full-time employment contract (minimum 6 months) with a WA employer, unless applying under specific priority occupations (e.g., construction sector, where contract requirements are relaxed).  Work experience requirements are generally stricter for 190 than 491 because the visa leads directly to permanent residency.

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)

• Residency: Applicants can apply from onshore (anywhere in Australia) or offshore. WA residents still receive higher ranking in the invitation process, but 491 has broader accessibility.

• Work Experience:

  • Requirements are more flexible compared to 190.

  • Some 491 applicants may not need a WA employment contract, depending on the occupation and stream.

  • Offshore applicants often rely on WASMOL-listed roles and may not need prior WA employment.

  • For Graduate Stream applicants, completing study in WA and holding a skills assessment in an eligible occupation can be enough without additional work experience.

How can we help?

At Fineberg Migration Services, we simplify the State's complex nomination rules:

• Confirming your eligibility for either stream.

• Preparing strong EOIs and documents that meet WA’s strict standards.

• Advising on timing while the current pause is in effect, so you’re ready when allocations reopen.

Book a free consultation with a migration agent today: Book here.