Western Australia State Nomination 2026: Who Can Apply for 190 & 491 Visa?

Western Australia State Nomination 2026: 190 vs 491 Invitation Round Analysis 

Points required, occupations invited, and key insights from the February 2026 Western Australia state nomination round.

Any type of visa can be a struggle for those eyeing to settle in Australia. With Australia offering various visa pathways and unexpected policy updates now and then, it can make
the skilled migration process even more stressful and overwhelming.

Here we will cover two of the most sought-after visa pathways – Subclass 190, which grants immediate permanent residency, and Subclass 491, which allows candidates to live and work regionally for 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency. If you are weighing up Subclass 190 vs 491, this breakdown will help you decide.

Starting 2026, there is a continued focus on regional migration, with states like Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia (WA) receiving increased state nomination opportunities. Here, we will be focusing on Western Australia state nomination and what the latest round revealed.

Western Australia State Nomination 2026 Overview

Key Findings from the Western Australia State Nomination – February 2026 Round

1. More 491 invitations were issued than 190 :- 

– WA issued 491 invitations across a broad range of occupations, while 190 invitations were more competitive and selective

2. Which jobs received the most invitations?  :- 

– Four main job categories dominated the invitations.

• Healthcare and Nursing – Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, etc.
• Engineering and construction – Civil Engineers, Draftspersons, etc.
• Hospitality and trades – Chefs, Cooks, Carpenters
• Education and Professional services – Teachers, Architects, etc.

3. How many points do you need for Australian PR?  :- 

– Points requirements varied by occupation. Healthcare roles required around 80–95 points. Engineering roles required around 90–105 points. Hospitality and trades required around 80–100 points. Remember, your points score for skilled migration is calculated based on your age, education, qualifications, and English proficiency

4. Is English proficiency important for Australian skilled migration?  :- 

– Since English proficiency is one of the key factors used to calculate your points, it carries significant weight in the selection process. This round clearly showed that most invited applicants had proficient or superior English scores. Competent English was only occasionally seen in selected profiles.

How to calculate your points for Australian PR  

Your points are assessed under the General Skilled Migration points test. You earn points for age (maximum between 25–32 years), your nominated occupation and qualifications, English language ability, skilled work
experience in Australia and overseas, partner skills, and state nomination itself.
You can use the Australian PR points calculator on the LEAMSS website to check your score before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Where to find the WA Occupation Demand List 

Before submitting your EOI, check whether your occupation is listed on the Western Australia skilled occupation demand list. This is published and updated by Jobs and Skills Australia. Only occupations on this list are considered for state nomination, so confirming your eligibility here is the essential first step. 

What gets you selected for Western Australia state nomination?

•  Your occupation should be on the WA demand list
• Proficient or Superior English score
• The right visa stream (General or Graduate Stream)
• Expression of Interest (EOI) – the earlier you submit the better, if the points are equal.

Points alone won't get you there. The right job, the right stream, and strong English - all three need to work together. If Western Australia is your goal, don't get fixated on the 190. The 491 is currently opening doors across far more occupations, and for many applicants, it may actually be the faster path to planting roots in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.3  How many points do I need for an Australian PR through Western Australia state nomination?

Points requirements vary by occupation. Based on 2026 data, healthcare roles require 80–95 points, engineering roles require 90–105 points, and hospitality and trades require 80–100 points. Use the free points calculator at LEAMSS to check your estimated score.

Q.4 Is English proficiency important for Australia's skilled migration?

Yes, English proficiency plays a significant role in the Australian PR application process. It directly contributes to your points score and affects your competitiveness in state nomination rounds. Aim for a Proficient or Superior English level to strengthen your profile.

Q.5 When should I submit my Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian state nomination?

Submit your EOI as early as possible. When two applicants have equal points, the earlier submission date becomes the deciding factor, so timing can directly impact your chances of receiving an invitation.