WA 190 Visa Occupation List: Complete Guide to WASMOL Schedule 1 and 2 (2025-26)

Western Australia's State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) offers pathways to permanent residency through the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This comprehensive guide focuses on understanding the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) and its two distinct schedules.

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Understanding WASMOL Schedules

The Western Australian State Nominated Migration Program divides eligible occupations into two schedules under the General stream:

WASMOL Schedule 1 vs Schedule 2: Key Differences

Feature	WASMOL Schedule 1	WASMOL Schedule 2
Work Experience	1 year Australian/overseas experience required	No work experience required
Employment Contract	6-month full-time contract required*	Not required
Priority Processing	Higher priority	Standard processing
Industry Focus	Critical skill shortage areas	General skilled occupations

*Exception: Building and construction industry occupations do not require an employment contract.

Chart detailing visa eligibility for WA State nomination, showing requirements for general and graduate streams with checkmarks and notes.

WASMOL Schedule 1: Priority Occupations

Schedule 1 targets occupations experiencing critical workforce shortages in Western Australia. These occupations receive priority processing and may have lower points thresholds for invitation.

To qualify under Schedule 1, applicants need one year of Australian or overseas experience in their nominated occupation within the last 10 years. Additionally, most applicants must secure a full-time employment contract for at least 6 months in Western Australia, except for those in building and construction occupations.

Priority industries under Schedule 1 currently include healthcare and medical, construction and infrastructure, mining and resources, technology and digital innovation, and education and training. These sectors reflect Western Australia's immediate workforce needs and economic priorities.

WASMOL Schedule 2: General Skilled Migration

Schedule 2 opens doors for skilled migrants across a broader range of occupations. Unlike Schedule 1, there's no requirement for prior work experience or an employment contract. This makes it particularly suitable for recent graduates or professionals looking to transition to the Western Australian job market.

The trade-off comes in processing times and competition levels. Schedule 2 applications typically face standard processing timeframes and may require higher points scores for successful invitations. However, the flexibility in occupation choices and entry requirements makes it a valuable pathway for many skilled migrants.

Priority Occupations and Industry Demand

According to the WA Migration Services priority occupation criteria, certain occupations receive additional consideration in the invitation process. These priority occupations are typically found in:

Healthcare and Medical Services: Addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages
Construction and Infrastructure: Supporting major development projects
Resources and Energy: Meeting demands in WA's crucial mining sector
Digital Technology: Driving innovation and technological advancement
Education: Supporting WA's growing education sector

Pentagon diagram illustrating key drivers of Western Australia's economic growth: Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Technology, Mining.

Priority occupations may benefit from:

Expedited processing times
Lower points requirements
Higher invitation likelihood
Special consideration for regional areas

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for both schedules requires careful attention to detail and timing. All applicants must submit a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and meet the Department of Home Affairs' basic visa criteria, including English language requirements.

For Schedule 1 applicants, gathering appropriate work experience documentation and securing a qualifying employment contract are crucial steps. Schedule 2 applicants should focus on maximizing their points score and preparing comprehensive skills assessment documentation.

Case Study: Healthcare Professional Pathway

Sarah's journey as a UK-registered nurse illustrates the effectiveness of the Schedule 1 pathway. With three years of UK experience and AHPRA registration, she secured a contract with a Perth hospital. Her application received priority processing due to healthcare's critical status, leading to an invitation within two months with just 65 points.

Understanding Migration Trends and Opportunities

The Western Australian skilled migration landscape is dynamic, with regular updates to occupation lists and priority sectors. Current trends show:

Growing emphasis on digital transformation skills
Sustained demand for healthcare professionals
Emerging opportunities in renewable energy
Continued need for construction and infrastructure expertise

Regular policy updates and changing industry priorities make it essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and opportunities in your chosen occupation.

Flowchart of WA Migration Process: Steps 1-9. Includes lodging EOI, preparing documents, state nomination, visa application, assessment.

Making an Informed Choice

When deciding between Schedule 1 and Schedule 2, consider your current situation:

Your work experience, employment prospects, and industry alignment should guide your choice. Schedule 1 suits experienced professionals in priority sectors, while Schedule 2 offers flexibility for those building their careers or transitioning between industries.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between WASMOL Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 is crucial for successful WA state nomination. Schedule 1 offers advantages for experienced professionals in critical sectors, while Schedule 2 provides opportunities for broader skilled migration.

For detailed occupation lists and program updates, visit the official WA Migration Services website.

NovenAI offers comprehensive analysis of skilled migration pathways, helping you understand occupation requirements, assess your eligibility, and plan your migration journey effectively. Our AI-powered platform combines insights from over 680 successful cases with the latest policy updates to provide accurate, personalized guidance for your migration planning.