Western Australia State Nomination
Western Australia has run one of the largest and most open state nomination programmes in recent years. In 2025-26 it had 3,400 places, 2,000 for the 190 and 1,400 for the 491, and issued more than 1,100 invitations in a single round in January 2026. Its economy runs on mining, resources, construction and health, and it has consistently needed more workers than it can find locally. At the end of August 2026 the state was accepting applications, though its formal 2026-27 settings had not been announced.
How Western Australia selects
The State Nominated Migration Program has two streams.
| Stream | For | Occupation list |
|---|---|---|
| General | Skilled workers, in Western Australia or overseas | The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List, in two schedules |
| Graduate | People who completed at least two years of study in Western Australia | The Graduate Occupation List |
You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect naming Western Australia. The state then ranks candidates and invites in rounds. Its ranking has given priority, in order, to people living in the state, then to occupations in priority industries, then to points.
Priority industries
- Building and construction
- Health and aged care
- Mining and resources
- Engineering
- Hospitality and tourism
- Education
Why Western Australia stands out
- A large allocation relative to its population
- Reduced requirements in past years, including waived application fees and relaxed work experience and contract rules for many invitees. Check whether these still apply.
- Perth counts as regional. A 491 lets you live in a capital city of over two million people.
- High wages in mining, engineering and trades, and lower housing costs than Sydney or Melbourne.
What this means if you are in India
Western Australia is one of the strongest options for engineers, construction professionals and tradespeople, and for nurses and other health staff. The state takes its residency commitment seriously and expects nominees to settle there. Apply only if you mean to.
If your occupation is on Schedule 1 of the list, your chances are best. Schedule 2 occupations face more conditions.
Living in Western Australia
Perth is sunny, spacious and isolated. It is a five-hour flight from Sydney and closer to Singapore than to Canberra. The Indian community is sizeable and growing. Work in mining often means fly-in, fly-out rosters at remote sites, with high pay to match.
Questions people ask us most
Is Western Australia open for state nomination?
It was accepting applications as of the end of August 2026. Confirm the 2026-27 settings before applying.
Can I apply from India?
Yes, through the General stream, if your occupation is on the state’s list.
Is Perth regional?
Yes, for migration purposes.
Do I need a job offer in Western Australia?
Requirements have varied by schedule and year. In several recent rounds, invitees were not required to hold an employment contract.
Check your occupation on the WA list
We will confirm which schedule your occupation is on and what the state currently requires.
Also in this section
Explore this section
New South Wales State Nomination
New South Wales skilled nomination for the 190 and 491 visas: how NSW selects, priority sectors.
Tasmania State Nomination
Tasmania has 2,050 nomination places for 2026-27 and reopened on 17 August 2026. Its overseas 491 pathway is not inviting this year.
Victoria State Nomination
Victoria's skilled nomination for the 190 and 491 visas: the Registration of Interest, how Victoria selects, offshore priorities in health.