Western Australia has implemented key changes to WA State Nominated Migration Program

With effect from applications submitted after July 1, 2023, the Western Australian (WA) Government has enacted a few key changes to the requirements governing the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). These amendments are an extension of the current easing of criteria, which aims to simplify the pathway for skilled migrants to explore and avail the employment opportunities in the state of Western Australia. 

Key changes to WA State Nominated Migration Program

The key adjustments includes the following:

• Same or equal invitation ranking for Interstate and Overseas candidates;
• prioritised invitations for applicants with an occupation deemed critical in a WA industry sector (as per the WA State nomination invitation ranking system); and
• reduced employment requirements for applicants invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation (as classified on the WA State nomination Occupation lists). 

The much awaited Invitation rounds for the program year 2023-24 are anticipated to start in August 2023. 

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State Nominated Migration Program 

In order to secure particular skilled migration visas for residency and employment in WA (Western Australia), an Australian state or territory need to extend a nomination (invitation) via the State Nominated Migration Program. Acting on behalf of the State Government, Western Australia Migration Services grants WA State nomination upon capable candidates for two distinct visa subclasses. This nomination grants extra points on the points test conducted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australia:

• the Skilled nominated visa (subclass 190)— an extra five points; or

• the Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491)— an extra 15 points.

2023-24 Eligibility requirements

In order to receive an invitation for State nomination, your occupation will need to be eligible under the below streams.

• General stream — A skilled migration pathway for a range of occupations and industry categories. Eligible occupations are listed on the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2.  
• Graduate stream — A skilled migration pathway for eligible foreign students who are completing vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualifications in WA. Eligible occupations are listed on the Graduate occupation list (GOL).

These occupation lists recognise occupations that are considered a primacy for WA and are therefore eligible for skilled migrants through State nomination.

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To know more and apply for relevant skilled visa in Australia this year you may get in touch with qualified Australia Immigration Advisor and expert at Visas Avenue on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar