Skilled Occupation List & Visa Pathways: Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia continues to be an attractive location for skilled migrants seeking to address critical workforce shortages across sectors including mining, construction, health, and hospitality. The following information is based on the Department of Home Affairs’ Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report, which is current to 31 March 2025 and is subject to change. This report shows consistent growth in Western Australia’s skilled visa grants, clearly identifying areas of significant demand for workers applying for state-nominated permanent and provisional visas.

Western Australia’s Skilled Migration Snapshot: Growth and Demand

By 31 March 2025, Western Australia had granted 8,560 primary skilled visa applications, an increase of 41.6% compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the state’s commitment to attracting skilled workers to support its resource sector, major projects, and regional communities. The results also show the effectiveness of the state-nominated migration program in meeting workforce needs and strengthening the state’s economy.

Where Are the Jobs? Key Employment Sectors in Western Australia

According to the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report, demand remains high across these key industries:

• Health Care and Social Assistance: 1,280 grants (+31.7%)
• Construction: 1,130 grants (+78.3%)
• Mining: 1,050 grants (steady at -0.1%)
• Accommodation and Food Services: 1,030 grants (+178.9%)
• Other Services: 1,030 grants (+45.8%)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 830 grants (+15.6%)
• Manufacturing: 740 grants (+59.8%)

In-Demand Occupations in Western Australia

Top nominated occupations in the 2024–2025 program year include:

• Resident Medical Officer: 580 grants (+17.6%)
• Chef: 520 grants (+285.2%)
• Mechanical Engineering Technician: 430 grants (+33.9%)
• Diesel Motor Mechanic: 290 grants (-17.1%)
• Motor Mechanic (General): 290 grants (+129.8%)
• Fitter (General): 250 grants (-10.7%)
• Cook: 220 grants (+126.3%)
• Metal Fabricator: 210 grants (+53.3%)

Leading Source Countries for Skilled Migrants to Western Australia

The top citizenship countries for skilled visa grants in Western Australia are:

• Philippines: 2,150 grants (+71.5%)
• United Kingdom: 1,040 grants (+19.1%)
• Ireland, Republic of: 700 grants (+25%)
• India: 790 grants (+74.1%)
• South Africa: 290 grants (-26.6%)
• Malaysia: 250 grants (+25.7%)
• Italy: 220 grants (+114.4%)
• France: 190 grants (+114.8%)

This diversity reflects the global appeal of Western Australia’s skilled migration program, attracting both onshore and offshore applicants.

Skilled Visa Pathways in Western Australia

For prospective visa applicants, aligning your occupation, skills, and personal goals with the right visa stream can significantly improve your chances of securing a nomination and achieving permanent residency.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who receive a nomination from the Western Australian government. To be eligible, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation featured on Western Australia’s current nomination list and satisfy all other eligibility criteria, including a valid skills assessment and meeting competent English language requirements.

Australian Migration Lawyers can help assess your eligibility for this visa subclass 190 and guide you through the visa nomination process, including the Australian Government's points test. This pathway is particularly appealing for those who wish to live in Perth or other major Western Australian cities.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

This is a five-year provisional visa designed for skilled workers who are prepared to live and work in designated regional areas of Western Australia. This pathway offers a clear route to permanent residency after fulfilling specific regional work and residence requirements. It provides an excellent opportunity for offshore applicants and those seeking opportunities outside of major metropolitan centres.

The 491 visa also offers a pathway to permanent residency, which can be an attractive option for many skilled migrants. Australian Migration Lawyers can provide further information on securing a Western Australian visa nomination under this provisional visa stream.

Understanding the Points Test and Skills Assessment

The Australian government's points test is a crucial part of the skilled visa application process. Your total score depends on factors like your age, English language ability, work experience, and educational qualifications. You might be able to claim additional points for a state or territory nomination or if your partner has certain skills.

A valid skills assessment is a core requirement for subclasses 190 and 491, as it proves that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. This assessment is conducted by a relevant assessing authority, which is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers can help you navigate this complex process and assist with all aspects of your skilled visa nomination application.

Navigating Your Application to Western Australia

With ongoing demand across mining, construction, health, and hospitality, Western Australia offers strong migration opportunities. To be eligible for state nomination, applicants generally need a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation and must provide evidence that they meet all criteria, including for competent English.

A successful application for a skilled or work visa requires careful attention to all legal requirements and supporting documentation. Australian Migration Lawyers offers expert assistance to ensure your application is prepared accurately and comprehensively, strengthening your case for a favourable outcome and helping you take the first steps toward building your future in Western Australia.

Employer Sponsored Visa Pathways

It is important to note that the data in this report also highlights the significance of employer sponsorship. In fact, the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report shows that Employer Sponsored visas are the most common pathway for skilled workers transitioning from temporary visas. If you have a job offer in the state, Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert assistance with these applications in addition to state nomination pathways.

What About Other Visa Options?

To provide a complete picture of skilled migration, it is useful to consider all available pathways. Although this page details opportunities for state nomination, the report confirms that Employer Sponsored visas are the most frequently used pathway for skilled workers. Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers can help you assess your eligibility for all skilled visa streams, including employer sponsorship.

Western Australia offers several state-nominated visa pathways for skilled workers. These generally fall into two main categories:

• Permanent Visas: These pathways offer skilled workers who receive a nomination from the Western Australian Government a direct route to permanent residency.
• Provisional Visas: These are designed for skilled professionals willing to live and work in regional Western Australia. This pathway offers a clear route to permanent residency after fulfilling specific regional work and residence requirements.

Strategising Your Western Australian Skilled Migration Journey

Contact Australian Migration Lawyers today for tailored support for your Western Australian visa nomination and take the next crucial step towards securing a permanent visa and building your future in Australia. Whether you are applying from within Australia or overseas, our team can provide comprehensive advice on eligible occupations, points criteria, and nomination processes. We are well-versed in the intricacies of state and territory nominations and can offer clarity on various visa subclasses and other requirements.