Top 10 WA Skilled Migration Occupations [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the most in-demand occupations on the WA skilled migration list for 2025–2026. Learn how the WA State Nomination program works, eligibility pathways, and actionable steps to secure your visa.

Slug: wa-skilled-migration-list-2025-2026

TL;DR
The WA skilled migration list for 2025–2026 is divided into the Graduate Occupation List (GOL) and the General Occupation List (WASMOL), targeting specific skills needed in Western Australia. The most direct pathway is to have an occupation on these lists, meet the state’s criteria, and receive an invitation to apply for state nomination. Key in-demand sectors include healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT, with eligibility varying significantly between the graduate and general streams.

Navigating Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program can be your ticket to a new life Down Under. This guide cuts through the complexity, listing the top occupations and providing a clear roadmap to understand your eligibility and boost your chances of a successful application.

What is the WA Skilled Migration List?

The WA skilled migration list is the official schedule of occupations that Western Australia is currently nominating migrants for, split into two separate lists for graduates and general applicants. It forms the cornerstone of the WA State Nomination program, which allows the state government to invite skilled workers who can contribute to its economic priorities. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, state nomination adds valuable points to your Expression of Interest and significantly increases your chances of receiving a visa invitation.

To be considered, your occupation must be listed and you must meet all the specific criteria set by the state. The lists are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changing economic needs.

• Graduate Occupation List (GOL): For international students who have recently graduated from a WA university.
• General Occupation List (WASMOL Schedule 1 & 2): For skilled workers living overseas or elsewhere in Australia.
• Invitation Rounds: WA holds regular invitation rounds, and meeting the list requirements does not guarantee an invitation.
• Mandatory Criteria: Each list has its own set of requirements for work experience, English language, and job contracts.

What Are the Top Occupations on the WA Skilled Migration List for 2025–2026?

The top occupations span healthcare, construction, engineering, and technology, with specific high-demand roles like Registered Nurses, Civil Engineers, and Software Engineers. While the full lists contain many occupations, certain roles are consistently prioritised due to critical skill shortages in the state. The following table highlights 10 of the most prominent and in-demand occupations across both streams.

Important Note: This is a illustrative sample. You must always check the official WA migration website for the current, legislated lists and any specific caveats attached to each occupation, such as mandatory job offers or work experience periods.

How Do I Check if My Occupation is on the WA List?

You check by visiting the official WA migration website and comparing your ANZSCO code with the current Graduate Occupation List (GOL) and General Occupation List (WASMOL). This is the only authoritative source. Start by identifying your exact ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code, which defines your skills and qualifications.

Once you have your code, navigate to the “Occupation Lists” section on the WA migration site. Carefully review not just the occupation title, but also the specific requirements column next to it. For example, an occupation on WASMOL Schedule 2 will require a full-time job contract in regional WA.

• Use the Official Source: Always use the WA Government’s Migration website{:target=“_blank”} for the latest lists.
• Understand ANZSCO: Your skills assessment must be for the exact occupation and code listed.
• Read the Fine Print: Note if you need a job offer, specific work experience, or must be living offshore/onshore.
• Cross-Reference with Home Affairs: Ensure your occupation is also on a relevant federal skilled visa list (e.g., Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List - MLTSSL).

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for WA State Nomination?

Key eligibility requirements include a valid skills assessment, competent English, meeting the points threshold, and fulfilling the specific criteria for your chosen list (GOL or WASMOL). The WA government has distinct streams, each with its own rules. According to the official State and Territory Nominated Visas page{:target=“_blank”} on the Department of Home Affairs site, nomination is at the state’s discretion.

For the Graduate stream, you typically need a recent qualification from a WA university, at least 6 months of relevant Australian work experience (or a job offer), and higher English proficiency. The General stream (WASMOL) often requires relevant overseas work experience and, for Schedule 2, a mandatory job offer in regional WA.

• Skills Assessment: A positive assessment from the designated authority for your occupation is non-negotiable.
• English Language: Usually at least ‘Competent’ (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), with higher scores required for some occupations or streams.
• Points Test: You must submit an EOI with at least 65 points, but competitive invitations often require higher scores. Use our free EOI Points Calculator to accurately assess your score.
• Commitment to WA: You must sign a declaration stating your intent to live and work in Western Australia.

What is the Step-by-Step Process to Apply for WA Nomination?

The step-by-step process involves skills assessment, English testing, EOI submission, waiting for a state invitation, and then applying for the visa. It’s a multi-stage journey that requires careful preparation. Tools like NovenAI can streamline this by providing personalised checklists and tracking your progress against the latest policy requirements, saving you from costly missteps.

1. Skills & English Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment and sit an approved English test.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI in SkillSelect, selecting Western Australia for state nomination.
3. Receive a State Invitation: WA will invite eligible candidates from SkillSelect during their nomination rounds.
4. Apply for State Nomination: Once invited, you have a limited time to apply directly to WA and pay their nomination fee.
5. Receive Nomination and Apply for Visa: If WA nominates you, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa (190 or 491) from Home Affairs.
6. Visa Application: Submit your full visa application to the Department of Home Affairs, including health and character checks.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting a WA State Nomination?

You can improve your chances by maximising your points score, securing a job offer in WA (especially for WASMOL S2), and ensuring your application is perfectly aligned with state criteria. Competition is fierce, so you need to make your EOI as strong as possible. While migration agents provide valuable service, AI-powered platforms like NovenAI offer 24/7 guidance to help you identify and act on these improvement areas in real-time, often at a fraction of the cost.

• Boost Your Points: Aim for ‘Superior’ English (20 points), gain more skilled work experience, or consider studying in regional Australia for extra points.
• Secure a Job Offer: A genuine offer, particularly for a role in regional WA, is a huge advantage for many occupations.
• Target the Right Stream: If you’re a WA graduate, the GOL often has more opportunities. If you have strong overseas experience, focus on WASMOL.
• Prepare Flawless Documentation: Ensure your skills assessment, work references, and English test results are accurate and current. Our Visa Success Predictor can analyse your profile against historical data to highlight potential strengths and weaknesses.

Securing a WA state nomination is a strategic process that starts with the skilled migration list but depends heavily on meticulous preparation. By understanding the two lists, ruthlessly checking your eligibility, and taking proactive steps to enhance your application, you position yourself for success in one of Australia’s most dynamic economies. The pathway is clear for those with the right skills and the determination to follow it.

Ready to see if your occupation and profile make you a competitive candidate for Western Australia? Start your free assessment with NovenAI today and get a clear, personalised roadmap to your Australian visa.