If you are a skilled worker and graduate looking to settle in Western Australia, here is some big news for you!
The Commonwealth Government Department of Home Affairs has allotted Western Australia 5,000 state-nominated migration places for the 2024-25 program year.
So, undoubtedly this state nomination can significantly increase your chances of getting a visa, allowing you to live and work in Western Australia. However, not everyone who lodges an application for state nomination gets visa approval. This is because many applicants don’t have proper knowledge and guidance about the state nomination application process.
Therefore, if you want to get a 2024-25 WA state nomination, it is important to understand the basics steps involved. Continue reading this blog post as it provides a comprehensive overview of the steps to lodge an application for WA state nomination.
How to Apply for 2024-25 WA State Nomination?
Before beginning your application, make sure your occupation is listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2 or the Graduate occupation list. Moreover, to be eligible for an invitation to the WA State Nominated Migration Program, you must meet the following conditions:
- The Department of Home Affairs criteria for the nominated visa.
- The WA criteria for State nomination.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can lodge an application for WA state nomination. Follow these steps to apply for the 2024-25 WA State Nomination:
- Step 1: Lodge an Expression of Interest
- Step 2: Prepare your documents
- Step 3: Receive an invitation
- Step 4: Lodge your state nomination application
- Step 5: Assessment and outcome of your application
- Step 6: Nomination in SkillSelect
- Step 7: Lodge your Visa Application
- Step 8: Visa Assessment and Outcome
- Step 9: Register your arrival or visa approval
Let’s discuss each step one by one in detail for better understanding.
Step 1: Lodge an Expression of Interest
The first step is to lodge an Expression of interest (EOI) via SkillSelect website. Your EOI must demonstrate that the state you are seeking nomination for. Apart from this, it must include the following details:
- Your age (must be lower than 45).
- Your obtained points score (must have at least 65 points).
- Proof of skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Your nomination of an occupation is mentioned in WASMOL Schedule 1 or 2 or the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
- In the case of the graduate stream, mention all the details of your qualifications in WA.
- Evidence of English proficiency.
Keep in mind that the data you put in your EOI on SkillSelect is accurate. Your application for a state nomination may be rejected if you provide inaccurate or deceptive information.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
In order to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for WA State nomination, you will be required to submit supporting documents with your application.
WA residency evidence
Applicants must submit documents to support their claims that they reside in Western Australia. These documents include:
- Residential property lease agreement.
- Bank or mortgage statement.
- Insurance policies.
- Registration notice.
- Driver’s license renewal notice.
Remember that the documents that you submit during the application and evaluation process will be verified. This involves contacting organizations and companies directly to make sure the data and papers provided are accurate.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation
After reviewing EOIs, you will be invited to apply for State nomination in accordance with the requirements outlined in the WA State nomination criteria. Here are some of the key points you need to consider when receiving a state invitation.
- If you meet the requirements for multiple streams, you will receive invitations for each stream. However, you can only use one application for state nomination via your selected visa stream.
- In case you submit more than one EOI and all of them are ranked at the same level, the Department will issue invitations based on the EOI submission date.
- If your Expression of Interest (EOI) demonstrates that you’re interested in both 190 and 491 visas, you’ll get an invitation for subclass 491 first. The reason for this is that your point score will be high for a 491 visa.
- You will not get more than one invitation from the same EOI regarding WA State Nomination. If your invitation expires, is withdrawn, or is denied you will need to submit a new EOI to be considered for another invitation.
Step 4: Lodge your State Nomination Application
You will receive an email with a link to the application form if WA Migration Services invites you to apply for State nomination. Click on that link, fill out the application form, and submit it. However, before submitting your application, make sure to read and accept the terms and conditions. Always keep in mind that if you submit an application for WA State nomination, you consent to live, work, and settle in Western Australia.
Important Note: You will be provided with 28 days to complete your application. So, make sure to submit your application within the 28 days.
Step 5: Assessment and Outcome of Your Application
Your application must fulfill the WA State nomination criteria, which vary based on the stream you plan to apply for. If you satisfy the state nomination criteria, your application will be approved. The outcome of your application will be sent to you through email. If a candidate has been previously nominated for any skilled subclass (190 or 491), he will not be eligible to be nominated again in the same program year.
Step 6: Nomination in SkillSelect
WA Migration Services will nominate you in SkillSelect if your application for State nomination is accepted. Then, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to submit an application for your selected visa. Please be aware that being nominated by the state does not ensure that your visa application will be approved.
Step 7: Lodge your Visa Application
If you receive an invitation to apply for your desired visa, you may submit your application via the ImmiAccount website. Create an online account and download the application form. Fill out the form correctly and attach all the required documents. Pay the visa fee and submit your application form.
Remember that you will have only 60 days to complete your visa application.
Step 8: Visa Assessment and Outcome
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your visa application against specific requirements. If you satisfy all the requirements, the Department will grant you a visa. In case your application is refused, you will be notified about the reasons for rejection.
Step 9: Register your Arrival or Visa Approval
If your visa is approved, you will have to fulfill your long-term obligations to reside and work in Western Australia.
For people not yet residing in WA
For people who are not the residents of Western Australia, these commitments include the following:
- Moving to WA within three months of obtaining your visa, as well as adhering to any relevant border regulations at the time.
- Registering with WA Migration Services upon arrival.
- Living and working in Australia for two years and filling out surveys for this two-year period upon request.
For people already residing in WA
For people who are the residents of Western Australia, these commitments include the following:
- Registering the date of your visa grant with WA Migration Services
- Residing and working in Western Australia for two years after receiving your visa.
- Responding to surveys sent to you during this time period (two years).
What is the Processing Time for the 2024-25 WA State Nomination?
The current processing time for 2024-25 WA State Nomination applications is 28 working days. However, it can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness, accuracy, and volume of the applications being processed by the state.
How to Request a Review for the WA State Nomination Outcome?
Applicants can request a review of the outcome of their WA State nomination. To do this, they must fill out the Request for Review of Decision form and email it to migration@dtwd.wa.gov.au. After receiving an email detailing the outcome of your WA State nomination, you have 14 calendar days to submit any review requests to WA Migration Services.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the WA state nomination application process. No doubt, applying for an Australian visa can be quite complex and challenging but with proper knowledge and understanding you can overcome the challenges. It is important to follow each step carefully and provide accurate information to increase your chances of success.
Apart from this, seeking professional advice is the best way to deal with visa refusals in Australia.
Related Articles
WASMOL State Nominated Migration Program 2024-25
FAQs
How long does it take for a state nomination to be approved in WA?
The current processing time for WA state nomination is 28 working days (four weeks).
How do you get a state nomination for Australia?
Follow these steps to get a state nomination for Australia:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for the state or territory.
- Your occupation must be listed on the state Skilled Occupation List.
- Receive an invitation from the state or territory to apply for nomination.
- Lodge your state nomination application and provide all required documents.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.