Western Australia State Nomination Round: Key Trends from January 2026 Invitations

The first major Western Australia (WA) State Nomination round of 2026 has just concluded, and the data reveals a clear message: WA is aggressively targeting specific industries to fuel its economic boom.

If you are a skilled worker or a WA graduate, the January 2026 results provide a critical roadmap for your migration strategy. At Leading Edge Migration, we’ve analyzed the latest invitation data to bring you the three most important trends you need to know.

1. The "Trades Powerhouse": 65-Point Invitations Return

The most striking trend from the January 2026 round is the continued dominance of the Building and Construction sector. To combat the housing shortage, WA is issuing invitations at the minimum point threshold for critical trades.

• The 65-Point Reality: Occupations such as Bricklayers, Electricians, Plumbers, and Cabinetmakers were invited with as little as 65 points (including state nomination points) for the Subclass 491 visa.

• Offshore Favoritism: A significant number of these low-point invitations were issued to offshore applicants, signaling that WA is looking globally to fill its labor gap.

• Contract Waiver: Remember, for building and construction occupations, the usual requirement for a 12-month WA employment contract is often waived or reduced, making this the most accessible pathway in 2026.

2. Healthcare and Education: High Points, High Priority

While trades are being invited at lower scores, the Healthcare and Social Assistance and Education sectors remain highly competitive but consistently invited.

• Nursing Dominance: Registered Nurses across all specializations continue to be the largest group of invitees. However, unlike trades, these roles typically require 85–95 points to secure a Subclass 190 (Permanent Residency) invitation.

• English is the Tie-Breaker: In this round, applicants with Superior English (PTE 79+ or equivalent) were prioritized. If you are a nurse or teacher, your English score is now more important than your years of experience in the WA ranking system.

3. Graduate Stream: Vocational Education (VET) Rising

WA’s Graduate Stream saw a surge in invitations for those who completed their studies locally. A key trend in 2026 is the parity between Higher Education and VET graduates.

• VET Success: Students who completed a Certificate III or IV in WA in priority fields (like automotive or community services) received strong invitation numbers.

• Residency Matters: WA’s ranking system now places a heavy emphasis on current residency. If you are already living and working in Western Australia, you are in the first tier of the invitation hierarchy, regardless of your points score.

Summary of January 2026 Western Australia State Nomination Invitation Trends

Sector	Average Points (190)	Average Points (491)	Residency Priority
Construction Trades	75+	65	High (Offshore & Onshore)
Healthcare	85 - 95	80+	Very High
Education	80 - 90	75+	High
Hospitality (Chefs)	85	75	Medium

What Should You Do Next?

The January 2026 round confirms that WA is the most "invitation-friendly" state for those in priority sectors. To capitalize on this:

1. Update Your EOI: If you have gained more work experience or improved your English, update your SkillSelect profile immediately. WA uses the "Date of Effect" to break ties.

2. Consider the 491: With 1,400 places allocated to the 491 visa this year, it is often a faster route to Australia than the 190.

3. Audit Your Documents: WA is strictly checking the "truthfulness" of EOIs against evidence. Ensure your skills assessment and English test are valid and accurately reflected.

Are you unsure which WA stream (General or Graduate) fits your profile best? Our team at Leading Edge Migration can help you navigate the WASMOL Schedule 1 and 2 lists to ensure you don't miss the next round.

Would you like us to review your EOI to ensure you are ready for the February 2026 invitation round? Book a consultation with our Perth-based experts today.

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