Top 5 Western Australia 190 Requirements [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Your complete guide to the WA 190 visa. Learn the 5 key requirements, from occupation lists to state nomination criteria, and discover how to boost your chances for 2025–2026.
Slug: western-australia-190-requirements-guide

TL;DR
To secure a Western Australia State Nomination (Subclass 190) visa, you must meet five core requirements: have an occupation on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), score at least 65 points on the points test, secure a positive skills assessment, prove competent English, and commit to living and working in WA for at least two years. Success hinges on understanding WA’s specific criteria, which often prioritise candidates with a job offer or recent local work experience.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for the WA 190 visa?

The basic eligibility for the Western Australia 190 visa starts with meeting the Australian Government’s standard skilled visa criteria before applying for state nomination. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and be under 45 years of age. However, WA adds its own specific layers on top of this federal foundation. Your pathway depends heavily on whether you are applying as a Graduate (studied in WA) or a General applicant (often offshore or from another state).

• Federal Foundation: You need a valid skills assessment, competent English (or higher), and a minimum of 65 points in SkillSelect.
• WA’s Layer: You must have an occupation listed on WA’s list and meet the specific stream requirements, which are stricter than the federal minimums.
• Commitment: A key requirement is your genuine commitment to live and work in Western Australia for at least your first two years.

To accurately gauge your starting position, use a reliable tool like the NovenAI PR Points Calculator, which is updated with the latest state nomination points allocations.

Which occupations are eligible for the WA 190 nomination?

Your occupation must be on the current Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL Schedule 1 or 2) or the Graduate Occupation List (GOL). This is the single most critical filter. WA’s lists are dynamic and can change with each invitation round, reflecting the state’s economic needs. According to the official WA Migration Services website, occupations are categorised into streams with different requirements.

• General Stream (WASMOL Schedule 1 & 2): Typically requires an Australian job contract of at least 12 months (for Schedule 1) or 6 months (for Schedule 2) in your nominated occupation. Some Schedule 2 occupations may be available to offshore applicants without a job offer.
• Graduate Stream (GOL): For those who recently graduated from a WA university. Requirements are often less stringent regarding work experience but may require a longer period of study in WA.
• Priority: WA frequently prioritises invitations for candidates who already have a job offer in the state, as this demonstrates immediate employability and commitment.

How many points do I need for a WA 190 invitation?

While the legal minimum is 65 points, the competitive reality for WA nomination is often much higher. WA selects candidates from SkillSelect and issues invitations based on a combination of points score and other factors like a job offer. For popular occupations, the effective “invitation score” can be 80–100 points. WA can also award five extra points for its nomination, which are added to your SkillSelect total after you accept the invitation.

• Competitive Scoring: High points are crucial. Maximise points through superior English (Proficient or Superior), skilled work experience (in Australia or overseas), and qualifications.
• State-Specific Points: Having a job offer in regional WA or completing your studies in WA can make you more competitive, even if they don’t always grant formal points.
• Strategic Planning: Don’t just aim for 65. Use tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor to model different scenarios based on your age, experience, and English ability to see what a competitive profile for your occupation looks like.

What is the English language requirement for WA 190?

You must demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or OET). However, many occupations on the WASMOL have a higher minimum requirement of Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) or even Superior English (IELTS 8.0). Always check your specific occupation on the latest WA list, as these requirements are strictly enforced and non-negotiable.

• Higher = Better: Achieving Proficient or Superior English not only meets the requirement but also grants you valuable extra points (10 or 20 respectively) for your SkillSelect EOI.
• Validity: Your English test result must be valid at the time of invitation and visa application. Planning your test timing is a key part of the application strategy.
• Exemptions: Certain passport holders (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, NZ) are exempt from providing test evidence but must still claim Competent English in their EOI.

For a detailed breakdown of tests and scores, consult the NovenAI English Level Guide, which translates requirements into clear action steps.

What are the financial and commitment requirements for WA 190?

WA requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after arrival and to sign a declaration committing to live and work in the state for at least two years. While not a formal “debt,” breaching this commitment can affect future sponsorship applications and is taken seriously by the state government.

• Settlement Funds: You may need to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements). The amount varies but is typically around AUD $20,000 for a single applicant and AUD $30,000 for a couple, plus more for dependents.
• Genuine Commitment: Your EOI and application should convincingly show your research into and plans for living in WA. This can include job search efforts, connections to the community, or family in the state.
• Two-Year Obligation: This is a legal commitment to the State of Western Australia. You must make reasonable efforts to fulfil it, though the federal visa itself is a permanent residency visa valid Australia-wide.

Navigating the Western Australia 190 requirements is a detailed process where state-specific rules are as important as federal ones. Success comes from meticulous preparation: ensuring your occupation is listed, maximising your points score far beyond the minimum, securing the required English level, and building a strong case for your commitment to WA.

The rules can shift, so staying updated with the latest WA Migration Services announcements is non-negotiable. Instead of piecing together information from outdated forums, consider leveraging a dedicated AI migration assistant like NovenAI. Its system is built on a vast, continuously updated knowledge base of Home Affairs and state policies, providing real-time guidance, document checking, and strategy advice tailored to WA’s unique nomination criteria. This can be the difference between waiting in uncertainty and moving forward with confidence.

Ready to see if you qualify and build your WA 190 strategy? Start your free assessment with NovenAI today.