Everything You Need To Know About The High Percentage Of Visa Applicants Wa State Nominations

If you’re exploring Australia’s state nomination pathways for the 190 or 491 visa, you’ve likely heard that Western Australia (WA) is one of the most active and promising states — especially in 2025. With a high percentage of invitations being issued to both onshore and offshore visa applicants, WA is fast becoming a go-to destination for skilled migrants looking to secure permanent residency.

But why is WA so popular? What makes it more accessible than other states? And what exactly do you need to qualify?

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about WA’s high nomination rates, and how you can position yourself to be part of it.

Why Is WA Issuing So Many State Nominations?

Western Australia is experiencing critical skills shortages across key industries — from construction and healthcare to engineering, trades, and IT. In response, the WA Government has significantly expanded its Skilled Migration Program, making it one of the most offshore-friendly states in 2025.

Reasons for the high nomination activity:

• A growing economy with major infrastructure projects
• Strong demand for skilled workers across metro and regional areas
• A broad and regularly updated Skilled Occupation List
• Clear pathways for graduates, tradespeople, and professionals

WA’s focus is on filling immediate labour gaps, which is why it’s nominating at a higher rate than most other states.

Offshore Applicants Are Being Prioritised

Unlike many other states that focus almost exclusively on onshore applicants, WA remains one of the few states actively nominating overseas candidates — provided they meet occupation and eligibility criteria.

For offshore applicants, this means:

• You don’t need to be in Australia to be invited
• You can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be selected if your occupation is in demand
• You’ll be supported to migrate directly with either a 190 (PR) or 491 (provisional regional) visa

This makes WA one of the most accessible PR pathways for skilled migrants abroad in 2025.

Strong Support for International Graduates

WA also runs a highly accessible Graduate Stream for international students who’ve completed studies at a WA institution.

This includes:

• A lower English language requirement (in some cases)
• No work experience required for certain qualifications
• Priority nomination for high-performing graduates in target fields
• Eligibility for both 190 and 491 visas

If you’ve recently studied in Perth or another WA regional centre, you may already meet nomination requirements — even with limited work history.

What WA Looks for in Applicants

To secure WA state nomination, you’ll generally need:

• A valid skills assessment for an eligible occupation
• Competent English (or higher)
• A suitable EOI in SkillSelect
• Commitment to live and work in WA
• For the Graduate Stream: a WA qualification at Certificate III or above

Some streams require proof of job offer or evidence of employability, particularly for certain 491 applications.

Tips to Improve Your Chances in WA

1. Check WA’s current Skilled Occupation List regularly
2. Submit a strong EOI with accurate, updated documents
3. Consider regional locations for higher success with 491
4. If you’re offshore, highlight relevant experience and ties to WA industries
5. If you’re a graduate, ensure your qualification is on WA’s eligible course list

Why Work With a Registered Migration Agent

Navigating WA’s nomination process can be complex — especially if you're offshore or unsure whether your occupation qualifies.

At GovLinked, our Registered Migration Agents stay up-to-date on WA’s frequent nomination changes and guide skilled applicants through every step — from skills assessments and EOIs to final visa lodgement.

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