Western Australia State Nomination Round: Key Trends from February 2026 Invitations
- Leading Edge
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
The February 2026 invitation round for the Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) has officially concluded, sending a clear message to skilled migrants: strategy and sector priority now outweigh high points alone.
As Leading Edge Migration monitors these trends, it is evident that Western Australia (WA) remains a "surprise star" of the 2025–2026 migration year. With a total allocation of 3,400 places (2,000 for Subclass 190 and 1,400 for Subclass 491), the February results reveal critical shifts in how the state is selecting its future residents.
1. Building & Construction: The "Golden Ticket" Sector
The most significant trend from the February 2026 round is the continued dominance of the Building and Construction sector. To combat the housing shortage, WA has slashed barriers for these trades.
Low Points Thresholds: Offshore candidates in trades like Bricklaying, Carpentry, and Plumbing were invited with as few as 65 points.
Concessions: For the 190 visa, the standard 6-month employment contract requirement is currently waived for building and construction occupations.
Ranking Priority: These occupations are being pulled from the pool before higher-scoring candidates in non-priority sectors.
2. Offshore vs. Onshore: An Equal Playing Field
Unlike some states that strictly favour local residents, WA’s February round confirms its Equal Invitation Ranking policy.
Offshore candidates and interstate applicants are being treated with the same priority as those already in WA, provided they fall into a priority industry sector.
Trend Alert: We are seeing a high volume of invitations for offshore trades and healthcare professionals, making WA the most accessible state for those currently outside Australia.
3. The Rise of the Subclass 491 (Regional) Visa
With the 190 (Permanent) allocation being highly competitive, WA is steering a larger volume of invitations toward the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
Observation: Applicants who selected "both 190 and 491" in their EOI often received the 491 invitation first.
Benefit: The 491 offers a lower points entry and does not require an employment contract for the General Stream Schedule 2.
February 2026: Western Australia State Nomination Invitation Snapshot by Occupation
Occupation Group | Visa Subclass | Location | Minimum Points |
Construction Trades | 190 / 491 | Offshore | 65 |
Nursing & Healthcare | 190 | Onshore/Offshore | 75 |
Engineering (Civil/Mech) | 190 | Onshore | 80+ |
ICT Professionals | 491 | Offshore | 85 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the next WA invitation round expected?
Following the February 2026 round, the state is expected to maintain its monthly cadence. We anticipate the next round to occur in mid-March 2026.
What are the priority sectors for WA Migration in 2026?
The current priority sectors are:
Building and Construction
Healthcare and Social Assistance
Hospitality and Tourism
Education and Training
Do I need an employment contract for WA nomination?
It depends on your stream. General Stream Schedule 1 usually requires a 1-year contract. Schedule 2 requires a 6-month contract for the 190 visa, but this is waived for building/construction trades. No contract is required for the 491 visa under Schedule 2.
Is the Graduate Stream still competitive?
Yes. The Graduate Stream remains a top priority for WA international students. In February, we saw invitations go to VET graduates in trades with points as low as 65, while Higher Education graduates in popular fields like Accounting or Business required 85+ points.
How Leading Edge Migration Can Help
The 2025–2026 program is fast-moving and data-driven. At Leading Edge Migration, we help you navigate these trends by:
EOI Optimisation: Ensuring your profile is ranked in the highest possible tier.
Sector Strategy: Advising on whether the 190 or 491 pathway offers you the fastest route to PR based on current "floor" points.
Contract Reviews: Ensuring your employment offers meet the strict WA legislative requirements.
Ready to secure your spot in the next round? Contact Leading Edge Migration today for a professional assessment of your Western Australia State Nomination prospects.
📞 Call us: +61 08 9221 8472
📍 Perth Office: Unit 3, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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