If you are tracking the WA invitation round, the WA migration invitation round, or the WA 491 invitation round 2026, this guide covers everything in one place. Western Australia runs its own state nomination program for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). Below, we explain how the program works, using simple language and clear tables based on the latest official figures.
What Is the WA Invitation Round?
Before Western Australia can nominate you for a visa, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs‘ online system. WA Migration Services then reviews eligible EOIs and issues invitations in rounds. Being invited means you can apply for WA State nomination, not that your visa is guaranteed.
State nomination adds valuable points to your visa application. In Western Australia, subclass 190 nomination adds 5 points, and subclass 491 nomination adds 15 points.
WA Migration Invitation Round: How It Works
To be considered in a WA migration invitation round, you generally need to:
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect nominating Western Australia
- Be under 45 years of age
- Score at least 65 points on the Home Affairs points test
- Hold a valid skills assessment matching your nominated occupation
- Nominate an occupation listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) or Graduate Occupation List
- Meet the minimum English language requirement for your stream
If you have a passport from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, or Ireland, you are not required to sit an English test for WA State nomination.
WA Streams Explained
| Stream | Who It’s For | Visa Types |
|---|---|---|
| General stream – WASMOL Schedule 1 | Applicants with at least one year of relevant work experience | 190, 491 |
| General stream – WASMOL Schedule 2 | A broader occupation list, with an employment contract usually required for 190 | 190, 491 |
| Graduate stream – Higher Education | International graduates of WA universities | 190, 491 |
| Graduate stream – VET | International graduates of WA vocational (VET) courses | 190, 491 |
Latest WA Invitation Round Figures
WA Migration Services generally issues invitations each month, though numbers vary depending on how many applications are being processed. Here is a snapshot of invitations issued across the 2025–26 program year (July 2025 to June 2026), based on official figures published on the Migration WA website:
| Stream & Visa | Total Invitations (2025–26 to date) |
|---|---|
| General – WASMOL Schedule 1 (190) | 706 |
| General – WASMOL Schedule 1 (491) | 383 |
| General – WASMOL Schedule 2 (190) | 2,735 |
| General – WASMOL Schedule 2 (491) | 2,966 |
| Graduate – Higher Education (190) | 649 |
| Graduate – Higher Education (491) | 332 |
| Graduate – VET (190) | 245 |
| Graduate – VET (491) | 146 |
| Total (all streams) | 8,162 |
Across the program year, WASMOL Schedule 2 clearly received the highest number of invitations for both visa subclasses, showing strong demand for the broader occupation list.
How WA Ranks EOIs
WA does not simply invite the highest points score first. Applicants are ranked using this order:
- Applicants currently residing in Western Australia
- Applicants residing outside Western Australia (interstate or overseas)
- Priority occupations, including building and construction trades, healthcare, hospitality, and education
- Occupations in all other sectors
- Highest EOI points score
- Oldest EOI submission date, if points are tied
This means two applicants with identical points can receive different outcomes depending on where they live and which sector their occupation falls under.
WA 491 Invitation Round 2026: What You Need to Know
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Western Australia. In WA’s system, 491 nomination is often prioritised over 190 for applicants with the same EOI, because 491 requires a slightly different points profile.
Key points for the WA 491 invitation round in 2026:
- No employment contract is required for most 491 applicants, unlike some 190 pathways
- You need at least one year of relevant work experience (General stream) or to meet Graduate stream study requirements
- If your EOI shows interest in both 190 and 491, you will usually be invited for 491 first, since it typically needs a lower points score
- WASMOL Schedule 2 has issued the largest number of 491 invitations this program year, with almost 3,000 places filled so far
A recent invitation round for priority trade occupations, issued in May 2026, showed a WASMOL Schedule 2 subclass 190 invitation going to an applicant with 65 points who was already residing in Western Australia. This shows how residency and occupation priority can matter just as much as your points score.
Step-by-Step: How to Receive a WA Invitation
- Lodge your EOI: Submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, nominating Western Australia and the correct occupation.
- Wait for review: WA Migration Services reviews eligible EOIs each month based on the ranking system above.
- Receive an invitation: If invited, you will get an email with a link to the State nomination application form.
- Apply within 28 days: You must lodge your State nomination application, along with a non-refundable AUD $200 fee, within 28 calendar days.
- Get nominated: If approved, WA nominates you in SkillSelect, and Home Affairs invites you to lodge your visa application.
- Lodge your visa application: You then have 60 days to submit your full visa application through Home Affairs.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
A few practical steps can strengthen your position in a future WA invitation round:
- Keep your EOI accurate and updated, since WA invites based on your most recent SkillSelect details
- Check that your occupation is currently listed on WASMOL or the Graduate Occupation List before relying on it
- Where possible, gain recent residency or work experience in Western Australia, as this significantly improves your ranking
- Consider occupations in priority sectors, such as building and construction trades, healthcare, hospitality, and education
- Aim for a stronger English test result, since higher English levels can boost your overall points
- Apply promptly once invited, as your State nomination application must be lodged within 28 days
Conclusion
The WA invitation round, the WA migration invitation round, and the WA 491 invitation round 2026 all follow a structured process built around points, occupation lists, and residency priority. Allocations and occupation lists can change from one program year to the next, so it always pays to check the latest official figures before you plan your next step. Because WA’s ranking system weighs points, residency, and occupation demand together, it is wise to speak with a registered migration agent Perth before lodging or updating your EOI. A migration agent can review your profile against the current WA criteria, help you target the right stream, and guide you through each stage of the invitation and nomination process.
