Western Australia (WA) has just released its latest round of invitations for state nomination – and it’s making waves in the migration community. On 8 May 2025, WA issued 702 invitations under its Skilled Migration Program, but here’s the kicker – only onshore applicants were invited this round.

If you're living in Australia and dreaming of permanent residency through WA, this could be your moment. Let’s dive into the details.

A Quick Breakdown – Subclass 190 & 491

WA has distributed its invitations between two key visa subclasses:

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)

• Total Invitations: 264
• General Stream:
  • Schedule 1: 0
  • Schedule 2: 232
• Graduate Stream:
  • Higher Education Graduates: 11
  • VET Graduates: 21

Schedule 2 occupations clearly dominated the general stream, highlighting where WA's demand lies.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional)

• Total Invitations: 438
• General Stream:
  • Schedule 1: 0
  • Schedule 2: 340
• Graduate Stream:
  • Higher Education Graduates: 39
  • VET Graduates: 59

Subclass 491 continues to lead WA’s regional development strategy. Schedule 2 and VET qualifications are gaining traction.

Key Takeaways

• Zero invitations were issued for Schedule 1 occupations in both streams.
• WA is strategically prioritizing onshore applicants – likely due to retention benefits and immediate availability.
• The Graduate stream still holds promise, especially for VET-qualified applicants under 491.

What This Means for You

WA's migration strategy is clearly targeting critical workforce needs, focusing on Schedule 2 occupations and regional growth. If your occupation is on this list and you're already in Australia, you're in a strong position.

But here's a critical point: WA doesn’t disclose which subclass each occupation received an invitation under. That means your EOI (Expression of Interest) must reflect both subclass preferences to maximize your chances.

Next Steps – Are You Eligible?

This update reinforces a key message:
✅Stay updated.
✅Tailor your EOI strategically.
✅Understand which stream you fit into best – General or Graduate.

If you're unsure about your current status or whether your occupation fits WA's evolving needs, now is the time to act. A migration professional can assess your case, help optimize your EOI, and guide you through the state nomination maze.

Final Word

WA’s latest move underscores its commitment to supporting regional industries and local graduates. With limited time left in the 2024–25 migration year, expect more activity – and potentially more targeted rounds.

📩 Need help understanding your migration options? Reach out now for a personalized eligibility assessment.