WASMOL State Nominated Migration Program 2025–26: Invitation Rounds & Requirements

If you are targeting Western Australia for skilled migration, the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) 2025–26 remains a key pathway to a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa.

The 2025–26 program year has been more complex than usual. WA temporarily paused new state nomination invitations from 1 July 2025 while waiting for its allocation from the Department of Home Affairs, then restarted with interim allocations in late 2025 and full invitation rounds from December 2025.

This guide explains how the WASMOL State Nominated Migration Program 2025–26 operates, what has changed compared with earlier years, how invitation rounds are running in 2025–26, and what you can do to improve your chances in a way that is aligned with current WA Migration Services and Department of Home Affairs policy.

What Is the WA State Nominated Migration Program 2025–26?

The WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) allows the Government of Western Australia to nominate eligible skilled migrants for:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent, points-tested visa. WA nomination usually adds 5 points to your Department of Home Affairs (DHA) points test.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a provisional regional visa that can lead to permanent residence. WA nomination usually adds 15 points to your points test.

Through the 2025–26 SNMP, WA continues to focus on filling skill shortages that cannot be met locally, particularly in priority industries such as:

• Health and medical services
• Building and construction
• Education and training
• Hospitality and tourism
• Resources, engineering and related technical occupations

WA receives a limited nomination allocation from the Commonwealth for each program year. Even if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, invitations are not guaranteed, and WA can adjust its criteria and invitation strategy in response to economic conditions and federal directions.

Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) 2025–26

The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) outlines which occupations are eligible for WA state nomination under the General stream. For 2025–26, WASMOL continues to be organised into two key schedules.

WASMOL Schedule 1 – Health and Priority Occupations

Schedule 1 focuses on critical shortage areas, particularly:

• Registered nurses and other core health professionals
• Medical practitioners and allied health roles
• Certain education, early childhood and care occupations
• Other occupations identified as essential to WA’s priority industries

Applicants in Schedule 1 occupations are often prioritised in invitation rounds, and WA may offer more flexible employment contract settings to attract and retain these skills.

WASMOL Schedule 2 – Other Eligible Occupations

Schedule 2 includes a broader range of occupations across sectors, such as:

• Construction and skilled trades
• Engineering and technical roles
• Hospitality and tourism
• ICT, business and professional services 

Being on Schedule 2 still means your occupation is in demand for WA, but the competitiveness and requirements can differ from Schedule 1, particularly around employment contracts and the likelihood of receiving an invitation in a tight allocation year like 2025–26. 

WA State Nomination Streams (General vs Graduate)

WA operates two main nomination streams under the State Nominated Migration Program:

1. General Stream

• For skilled workers whose occupations appear on WASMOL Schedule 1 or 2 and who may be applying from within Australia or overseas.

2. Graduate Stream

• For eligible international students who have completed WA-based study (at an approved level and institution) and meet specific study, residence and post-study requirements.

Within these streams, you may be considered for:

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) is generally suited to applicants with stronger points, more competitive profiles and, in some cases, stronger ties to WA.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) is often used to support regional development and can be more accessible for some applicants than the 190 pathway.

The exact criteria you must meet, including the occupation list, English, work experience, residence, and employment contracts, can differ significantly between the General and Graduate streams.

WA State Nomination Invitation Rounds 2025–26

WA uses invitation rounds to select candidates from SkillSelect Expressions of Interest (EOIs) that have indicated interest in WA state nomination.

For the 2025–26 program year:

• The SNMP was paused from 1 July 2025 while WA awaited its nomination allocation from the Department of Home Affairs.
• WA then received interim allocations and issued limited invitations in September and November 2025, mainly to finalise applications from the previous program year.
• Following confirmation of the 2025–26 allocation, WA commenced broader invitation rounds from December 2025.

Key features of current invitation rounds include:

• Equal ranking of interstate and overseas applicants – EOIs are ranked together rather than strictly favouring onshore applicants.
• Priority for critical sectors – occupations in sectors such as building and construction, healthcare and social assistance, hospitality and tourism, and education and training may be prioritised.
• Flexibility for some building and construction roles – certain building and construction occupations may have reduced employment requirements and may not require a contract of employment, reflecting urgent workforce needs. Always verify the latest rules for your specific occupation.

The number of invitations issued, the occupations targeted and the points/English levels that are competitive can change from round to round. WA may amend its invitation strategy at any time to align with federal directions and local labour market conditions.

WA State Nomination Requirements for 190 and 491 Visas in 2025–26

Exact criteria differ by stream, occupation and visa subclass, but most applicants for the 2025–26 WA State Nominated Migration Program must generally be able to show:

• A relevant occupation on WASMOL 2025–26 or the applicable Graduate stream list
• A suitable skills assessment in that occupation
• Competent English or higher (and, in practice, often higher English scores in competitive rounds)
• A current EOI in SkillSelect that correctly reflects your circumstances
• Sufficient points on the DHA points test, including state nomination points
• Evidence of work experience and/or WA study, depending on the stream
• Residence and settlement intentions in WA
• An employment contract in WA, where required (this varies by schedule, sector and stream)

Below is a high-level breakdown. Always check the official criteria for full details.

General Stream: WASMOL Schedule 1 (Priority Occupations)

• Occupation listed on WASMOL Schedule 1 (2025–26)
• Skills assessment in the nominated occupation
• Competitive points score after adding WA nomination points
• English and work experience meeting or exceeding WA’s minimum thresholds
• In some cases, an employment contract in WA may be required, but priority health and critical roles can have more flexibility. 

General Stream  WASMOL Schedule 2 (Other Eligible Occupations)

• Occupation listed on WASMOL Schedule 2 (2025–26)
• Skills assessment and competitive points score
• Evidence of recent relevant work experience, often in WA or elsewhere in Australia
• More consistent expectation of a WA employment contract, particularly in non-critical sectors
• Higher competition, especially in popular professional and technical occupations.

Graduate Stream (WA Study Pathway)

• Completion of an eligible WA study at an approved institution (and level)
• Meeting minimum residence requirements in WA
• Occupation aligned with your WA qualification and on the relevant list
• Skills assessment (where required) and a competitive points score
• In some cases, WA-based employment or a job offer may strengthen your profile.

How to Improve Your Chances of Receiving an Invitation in 2025–26

Because allocations are limited and 2025–26 includes a period of paused nominations and staggered rounds, it is important to position your profile strongly. Some practical steps include:

• Strengthen your points score: consider improving English test results, gaining additional skilled work experience or reassessing other points-based factors.
• Target the right occupation and stream: make sure your EOI matches an occupation that is clearly listed on WASMOL 2025–26 or the relevant Graduate list, and that you are applying under the correct stream.
• Align with WA’s priority sectors: if your skills are in building and construction, healthcare, education, or hospitality and tourism, highlight this clearly in your documentation and EOI.
• Review employment options in WA: understand whether your occupation requires a WA employment contract and, if so, what conditions must be met.
• Keep your EOI accurate and up to date: WA can only assess the information that appears in your SkillSelect EOI.

When to Seek Help from a Registered Migration Agent

The 2025–26 WA State Nominated Migration Program combines evolving policy, limited allocations and competitive invitation rounds. You should strongly consider speaking with a registered migration agent if:

• You are unsure whether your occupation is eligible under WASMOL 2025–26
• Your points are marginal and you are competing with applicants in larger states like Sydney or Melbourne
• You have received a previous refusal or are worried about getting your documentation right
• You want help comparing WA state nomination with other skilled migration options

 A registered migration agent can:

• Assess your eligibility and points under current 2025–26 settings
• Explain how recent pauses, interim allocations and invitation rounds may affect you
• Help you prepare a more robust EOI and supporting documents
• Guide you on responding to an invitation within the required timeframes.

Conclusion 

The WASMOL State Nominated Migration Program 2025–26 continues to offer a valuable pathway for skilled migrants who want to build a future in Western Australia, even after a challenging start to the program year.

By understanding how WASMOL, the General and Graduate streams, and the 2025–26 invitation rounds fit together and by aligning your skills and experience with WA’s priority needs, you can put yourself in a stronger position when allocations are limited and competition is high across Australia.

If you are serious about targeting WA for state nomination, it is important to base your decisions on current, official information and, where appropriate, obtain tailored advice.

If you’re planning to apply under the WA State Nominated Migration Program 2025–26, our team can help you understand your options, prepare a stronger EOI and respond confidently to invitations. Book a consultation with our registered migration agents today.

Frequently Asked Questions