Western Australia (WA) released the results of its latest State Nomination invitation round on 3 March 2026, offering skilled-migration pathways under Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. The 3 March tranche targeted priority trade roles listed on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 2. Invitations went to carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and refrigeration mechanics at points scores as low as 65—well below the thresholds seen in many eastern states.
![Western Australia issues 3 March state-nomination invites for trade occupations]()
For applicants mapping out their migration journey, VisaHQ can simplify the process. Its online portal provides tailored checklists, digital document submission and real-time support for both Subclass 190 and 491 visa pathways; visit https://www.visahq.com/australia/ to see how the service can help turn a WA state nomination into a successful visa grant.
Candidates located overseas and in other Australian jurisdictions shared in the invites, underscoring WA’s willingness to court interstate talent amid record infrastructure spending and a tight resources-sector labour market. A second release on 5 March covered priority non-trade and health professions, but the 3 March trade round is notable for employers struggling to fill construction and maintenance roles tied to green-energy and defence projects. WA migration agents report a surge in Expressions of Interest since the state reinstated application fees in February. For corporations, the lower points cut-offs mean employer sponsorship may no longer be necessary for some trade staff, potentially reducing labour-market testing costs. However, successful nominees must live and work in WA for at least two years—HR teams should include retention clauses to mitigate the risk of east-coast poaching. WA expects further monthly rounds through June. Prospective applicants should update EOIs with recent English-test scores and employment history; many invitations went to EOIs lodged or amended in February 2026.
For applicants mapping out their migration journey, VisaHQ can simplify the process. Its online portal provides tailored checklists, digital document submission and real-time support for both Subclass 190 and 491 visa pathways; visit https://www.visahq.com/australia/ to see how the service can help turn a WA state nomination into a successful visa grant.
Candidates located overseas and in other Australian jurisdictions shared in the invites, underscoring WA’s willingness to court interstate talent amid record infrastructure spending and a tight resources-sector labour market. A second release on 5 March covered priority non-trade and health professions, but the 3 March trade round is notable for employers struggling to fill construction and maintenance roles tied to green-energy and defence projects. WA migration agents report a surge in Expressions of Interest since the state reinstated application fees in February. For corporations, the lower points cut-offs mean employer sponsorship may no longer be necessary for some trade staff, potentially reducing labour-market testing costs. However, successful nominees must live and work in WA for at least two years—HR teams should include retention clauses to mitigate the risk of east-coast poaching. WA expects further monthly rounds through June. Prospective applicants should update EOIs with recent English-test scores and employment history; many invitations went to EOIs lodged or amended in February 2026.
