Western Australia State Nomination Round: Key Trends from February 2026 Invitations
- Leading Edge
- Feb 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 11
The February 2026 invitation round for the Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) has officially concluded, and the results send a clear message to skilled migrants across Australia and overseas: a high points score alone is no longer enough. In the current migration landscape, strategic occupation selection, alignment with Western Australia’s priority sectors, and a well-prepared Expression of Interest (EOI) are now far more influential in securing an invitation for state nomination.
For many applicants hoping to achieve Australian Permanent Residency (PR) through state nomination, this latest round highlights the growing importance of professional migration planning. Increasingly, applicants are turning to an experienced migration agent Perth or trusted visa agent Perth to understand how the invitation system works and how to structure their application competitively. With state governments becoming more selective, guidance from the best migration agent Perth can help ensure that your profile aligns with current migration priorities and avoids costly mistakes.
At Leading Edge Migration, a leading migration consultancy in Perth, we continuously monitor invitation rounds, policy updates, and migration data released by the Western Australian government. Our analysis of the February 2026 SNMP round shows that Western Australia has emerged as one of the strongest pathways to PR for skilled migrants during the 2025–2026 migration year. While some states have reduced invitations or tightened eligibility criteria, WA has maintained an active and targeted selection approach designed to attract professionals who can support the state’s economic growth.
For the 2025–2026 program year, Western Australia received a total allocation of 3,400 state nomination places, including 2,000 places for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and 1,400 places for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). These visas remain two of the most popular pathways for skilled migrants seeking PR visa Australia, as they allow candidates with in-demand occupations to gain state sponsorship and improve their chances of receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
However, the February 2026 results reveal several important shifts in how Western Australia is selecting its future residents. Rather than inviting candidates purely based on the highest points scores, the state is increasingly prioritising applicants who work in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering, education, and infrastructure development. This targeted approach reflects WA’s focus on addressing labour shortages and supporting long-term economic expansion across metropolitan and regional areas.
For skilled migrants, international graduates, and offshore professionals considering migration to Australia, these developments highlight the need for careful migration strategy and expert visa advice. Working with a qualified visa agent Perth can help applicants understand which visa pathways are currently performing strongly, how to optimise their EOI, and how to align their occupation and experience with the sectors most likely to receive invitations.
In this blog, we break down the key insights from the February 2026 WA SNMP invitation round, explain what the results mean for applicants seeking state nomination in Western Australia, and outline practical strategies to strengthen your chances of receiving an invitation in upcoming rounds. With the right preparation—and the support of a knowledgeable migration agent Perth—skilled migrants can position themselves effectively for one of Australia’s most promising PR pathways in 2026. 🚀
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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