WA Skilled Regional Provisional Visa 491

Updated 01 Mar 2025

This is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).

This visa allows you to live in regional Australia. Currently all of Western Australia is considered regional. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information on the subclass 491 visa.

For occupations which require licensing or registration before being permitted to work in Western Australia, a positive skills assessment and State nomination does not guarantee you will meet the licensing or registration requirements of the relevant licensing or registration authority. Those considering applying for Western Australian nomination are advised to check with the appropriate licensing or registration authority to verify their suitability for licensing or registration.

State Nomination Streams

You can be nominated through one of two streams.

• General stream — A skilled migration pathway for a range of occupations and industry categories. Eligible occupations are listed on the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2.  
• Graduate stream — A skilled migration pathway for eligible international students who are completing vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualifications in WA. Eligible occupations are listed on the Graduate occupation list (GOL).

Requirements: 

491 Visa requirements	WASMOL Schedule 1	WASMOL Schedule 2	Graduate stream
Work Experience	At least one year of work experience onshore or overseas in the nominated (or closely related) occupation	N	N
Contract	N	N	N
Evidence of two years Western Australian study	N	N	Y

 ^{Applicants invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation (as per the WA State nomination occupation lists) do not need to have a contract of employment.} 

2025-26 Invitation Rounds

Invitations for WA State nomination are anticipated to be issued each month. The number of invitations issued each month may vary depending on the number of applications being processed by WA Migration Services. If you are invited, WA Migration Services will contact you via email with a link to the State nomination application form. 

Future invitations

Having an eligible EOI does not guarantee you will receive an invitation for State nomination. 

To receive an invitation in a future round, please ensure that:

• your nominated occupation is currently available on the Eligible occupations list; and
• your EOI meets all requirements outlined in the How to apply for State nomination section.

Contact Details:

Migration Services
Department of Training and Workforce Development
1 Prospect Place
West Perth WA 6005

Open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm (except public holidays).

Email:

Phone: [phone]