Top 5 States for a 190 Invitation Round WA [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the top 5 states for a WA 190 nomination in 2025-2026. Get expert insights on eligibility, high-demand occupations, and strategies to secure your invitation in Western Australia.

Slug: top-5-states-190-invitation-round-wa

TL;DR
The most promising state for a 190 invitation round is Western Australia (WA), which consistently runs frequent invitation rounds for a wide range of occupations. To maximise your chances, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, meet WA’s specific nomination criteria, and target an occupation on their skilled occupation lists. For personalised guidance on navigating WA’s unique requirements and predicting your success, using a specialised tool like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor is highly recommended.

What is a 190 Invitation Round in WA?

A 190 invitation round in WA is when the Western Australian government selects and invites eligible skilled migrants to apply for state nomination for the Subclass 190 visa. The Department of Home Affairs grants each Australian state and territory a limited number of nomination places each program year. WA’s Migration Services then holds regular “invitation rounds” where they review submitted EOIs and issue invitations to candidates who best meet their current economic and demographic needs. According to the official Migration WA website, being invited is a critical step, as you cannot apply for WA state nomination without first receiving this formal invitation.

• Key Facts:
  • Invitations are issued periodically, not on a set public schedule.
  • You must have an active EOI in SkillSelect selecting Western Australia as your nominating state.
  • Meeting the minimum points score (currently 65) and being on a relevant occupation list are basic requirements, but higher-scoring candidates are typically prioritised.
  • WA has two distinct streams: the General stream (WASMOL Schedule 1 & 2) and the Graduate stream, each with different eligibility criteria.

How Do I Get an Invitation for the WA 190 Visa?

To get an invitation, you must strategically align your profile with WA’s nomination criteria and submit a competitive EOI. The first step is ensuring you meet all the base requirements for the Subclass 190 visa set by the Department of Home Affairs, including a positive skills assessment, competent English, and a minimum of 65 points. You then need to tailor your application to WA’s specific demands. The Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Visa page confirms that state nomination adds 5 points to your total.

• Key Steps:
  1. Check Your Occupation: Confirm your occupation is on either the WASMOL (Schedule 1 or 2) or the Graduate Occupation List (GOL).
  2. Meet Stream Requirements: Fulfil the specific criteria for your chosen stream (e.g., work experience, job offer, or WA graduation).
  3. Submit a Strong EOI: Accurately claim all eligible points for age, English, experience, and qualifications. Using a precise tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator ensures you don’t under or over-claim.
  4. Monitor and Wait: After submitting your EOI selecting WA, you must wait for an invitation round. There is no way to expedite this.

What Are the Top 5 Factors WA Considers in Invitation Rounds?

While the exact selection algorithm is not published, analysis of past invitation data reveals WA prioritises candidates based on a combination of factors beyond just the points score. Understanding these can help you strengthen your application.

1. EOI Points Score: Higher-ranked EOIs within an occupation cohort are invited first. A score of 75-85+ is often competitive.
2. Occupation Demand: Occupations on WASMOL Schedule 1 (which often requires a WA job contract) are frequently prioritised. Critical sectors like healthcare, construction, and tech receive significant attention.
3. English Proficiency: Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent) or proficient English (IELTS 7) scores not only give you more points but may make your application more attractive.
4. WA Commitment: For the General stream, a genuine commitment to living and working in WA is crucial. A job offer is a strong indicator. For graduates, having studied at a WA institution demonstrates established ties.
5. Date of EOI Submission: When two candidates have identical points, the one who submitted their EOI earlier is generally invited first.

Which Occupations Are Most Likely to Get a WA 190 Invitation?

WA targets occupations that address specific skill shortages in its economy. The lists are updated regularly, so always check the latest Migration WA skilled occupation lists. Historically, high-invitation-volume occupations have included:

• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Medical Laboratory Scientists, GPs, Psychologists.
• Construction & Mining: Civil Engineers, Mining Engineers, Surveyors, Electricians.
• Information Technology: Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Developers.
• Education: Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers.

The best approach is not just to see if your occupation is listed, but to research how many invitations were issued for it in previous rounds. A platform like NovenAI can provide data-driven insights into occupation-specific trends, helping you assess your realistic chances.

What Should I Do While Waiting for a WA 190 Invitation?

The waiting period is active, not passive. Use this time to improve your competitiveness and prepare for the next stage.

• Boost Your Points: Consider retaking an English test for a higher band, gaining more skilled work experience, or undertaking relevant professional year or NAATI courses.
• Secure a WA Job Offer: If applicable to your stream, a genuine job offer from a WA employer is one of the most powerful ways to enhance your application. Start networking and applying.
• Prepare Your Documents: Begin gathering all documents required for the state nomination application (e.g., skills assessment, proof of work experience, English test results, commitment statement). Being “invitation-ready” speeds up the subsequent process.
• Stay Informed: Policy settings can change. Subscribe to official updates from Migration WA and use services that offer instant policy alerts to ensure your strategy remains valid.

Navigating the WA 190 invitation rounds requires patience, precision, and a proactive strategy. By understanding the state’s priorities, ensuring your EOI is as strong as possible, and preparing thoroughly, you position yourself for success when the next round is held. Remember, this is a competitive process, but with the right approach and tools, your goal is within reach.

Ready to take the guesswork out of your migration journey? Let NovenAI’s AI Migration Mentor and real-time tools provide you with a clear, personalised pathway and dramatically increase your confidence. Start your assessment today at https://www.novenai.com.