Western Australia nomination for the 190 and 491 visas

As checked on 9 November 2026, WA Migration Services says:

• invitations for WA State nomination are expected each month, and numbers vary with the applications being processed;
• its 2026–27 table shows invitations issued in September and October 2026;
• having an eligible EOI does not guarantee an invitation, and WA does not give feedback on EOIs that are not invited.

We could not confirm: WA's 2026–27 place numbers.

Some streams need a contract of employment in WA in your nominated or a closely related occupation. The contract must be full time (an average of at least 35 hours a week) and run for at least six months from the date you apply for nomination. WA says a contract is not required for 491 applicants or for building and construction occupations.

WA gives priority to some applicants living in WA. They must show they have lived in WA continuously for at least three months immediately before the invitation.

• General stream: occupations on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.
• Defence industry stream: occupations on WASMOL Schedule 3.
• Graduate stream: for people who completed at least two years of study in WA.

Both the 190 and the 491 need a SkillSelect EOI, at least 65 points, age under 45 when invited, competent English, a suitable skills assessment and an eligible occupation. WA says that if your EOI seeks both visas, you will generally be invited for the 491 first, because your 491 points are usually higher.

1. Check WASMOL and the stream that fits you.
2. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect selecting WA. See our EOI guide.
3. Wait for a monthly invitation. WA emails invited applicants a link to the application form.
4. Apply for WA nomination. If approved, WA nominates you in SkillSelect and Home Affairs invites you to lodge your visa.

WA may suit construction workers, defence industry workers, WA graduates, and skilled workers with a WA job contract.

• Skills assessment: make sure it is for the occupation you will nominate and is still valid on the day you are invited.
• English test: make sure your result is current and meets the level you are claiming points for.
• Points: every points claim in your EOI must be backed by documents. Claims you cannot prove can lead to refusal.
• Evidence for Western Australia: collect proof of where you live and work, such as a lease, payslips and an employment contract, if Western Australia asks for it.
• Visa expiry: know when your current visa ends, so you can plan a bridging visa or another option if the nomination takes longer than expected.

• Relying on one state only, when another state or visa may suit you better.
• Lodging an EOI that does not match your documents, such as different dates of employment.
• Missing the deadline to apply after an invitation. A state invitation and a Home Affairs invitation each have their own time limit.
• Assuming a registration or EOI keeps you lawful in Australia. It does not. Only a valid visa or bridging visa does.