The Western Australia Graduate Nomination is a promising pathway to get permanent residency in Australia. In other words, the WA Graduate Nomination for skilled migration means you can help grow WA’s economy whilst at the same time allowing you to forge a pathway for Australian PR.

After completing a course in Western Australia, you can apply for the Skilled Regional (Subclass 491) or State Nominated (Subclass 190), depending on your occupation. Apparently, not every state offers this kind of pathway. Hence, taking advantage of this opportunity should be on top of your considerations.

Let’s take a detailed look at how game-changing this pathway is.

What is Western Australia Graduate Nomination

This process enables the state government to qualify skilled migrants to meet WA skills requirements.

In 2018 the Government of Western Australia introduced a new Graduate stream to its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). As a consequence of it, this stream provides a pathway to skilled migration for international students who graduate from institutions in Western Australia.

Aside from having more time to enjoy the country’s lifestyle and jobs opportunities. The Western Australia graduate nomination can also give you extra points towards Federal points tests for the 491 and 190 visas. Thus, giving you a high priority in processing your visa application.

Nomination Options

As stated earlier, you have the option to apply for either Skilled Regional (Subclass 491) or State Nominated (Subclass 190). Let’s take a closer look at each opportunity.

Skilled Regional (Subclass 491): This is a nominated provisional visa for highly skilled migrants, giving you permission to reside and work in WA for up to five years. This option is a good stepping stone in having your Australian PR.

State Nominated (Subclass 190): This is a nominated permanent visa for skilled migrants, giving you automatic permanent residency to live, study work in WA.

Steps to Consider:

Technically, there are three steps that you need to consider to take advantage of to maximize the Western Australia Graduate Nomination pathway.

Step 1: Complete a Course.

By taking the WA Graduate nomination path, you can study a course in Western Australia. However, there are specific requirements that you need to adhere to in taking courses for the nomination. Check out the list below for the requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for International Graduates of Western Australia:

• Have occupation on the Graduate occupation list: Visit the occupation lists page for available occupations: WA Graduate Occupation List
• Live in Australia: Only applicants currently residing in Australia are eligible for Western Australian State nomination
• Meet English requirements: You need to show proficient English) if your occupation is an ANZSCO Major Occupation Group 1 (Managers) or Group 2 (Professionals) occupation. All other occupations require competent English.
• Meet Western Australian study requirements: You must have studied at an accredited Western Australian educational institution, full-time and face-to-face, for at least two years. You can use study from different qualifications to make up the two years, including: University/higher education, VET (Certificate III level); and/or English language programs.
• Meet the work experience or employment contract requirement: You must have at least six months Australian work experience in your nominated (or closely related) occupation or have a six-month contract of employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in Western Australia.
• Pass a Skill Assessment: Whether this is based on your completed course in WA or previous education and work experience, you should successfully complete your skills assessment.

Step 2: Apply for Western Australia Graduate Nomination:

Once you have completed all the requirements, you can now lodge an EOI through the Skillselect. From there, you can select and apply for a Western Australian Government state nomination.

Step 3: Receive invitation:

Once a graduate receives an invitation to apply for Western Australian State nomination, the application can be submitted. Successful applicants are nominated by the Government of Western Australia in Skill Select. As follow, the person is then invited by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to apply for a visa which could be either the Skilled Regional (Subclass 491) or State Nominated (Subclass 190).

Key Takeaway

Taking advantage of WA Graduate Nomination is a suitable pathway in getting an Australian PR or an excellent stepping stone. WA Government is all for encouraging international students to choose Western Australia as a destination for study and work, to take advantage of their excellent institutions and the amazing weather and lifestyle. At the same time rewarding graduates with a pathway to Australian PR.

If there are still questions regarding WA Graduate Nomination, Ask the Migration Agent, is a platform dedicated to answering all your questions regarding all kinds of immigration pathways in Australia.

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Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.