It’s that time of year again – Australia’s state and territory skilled migration programs are starting to open! One of the first states to open its program this year is Western Australia. The 2023-24 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is now open to eligible applicants in Western Australia, with invitation rounds projected to start this month (August 2023).
But that’s not all. The WA skilled migration program has seen some significant changes, many of which are designed to ease the application process. According to the WA Government, the changes are building upon the “current relaxation of requirements, making it easier for skilled migrants to connect with WA jobs.”
Let’s take a look at these changes and what you can expect from the WA 2023-24 skilled migration program.
No application fee
Last year, the government decided to waive the A$200 application fee for state nomination. This change still stands this year, meaning you will not have to pay an application fee for the 2023-24 WA skilled migration year.
New prioritisation & ranking systems
The priority of applications has been updated this year. Invitations will be prioritised for candidates working in occupations with a critical demand for skilled workers in WA. This includes (in no particular order):
- Building and construction
- Education and training
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Hospitality and tourism
The ranking system of candidates is also changing. This year, interstate and overseas candidates will receive the same ranking priority. However, applicants applying from within WA will still receive priority over interstate and overseas applicants (for both the General and Graduate streams).
Reduced employment requirements for building and construction professionals
The WA Government is lessening the employment requirements for those applying for a skilled visa in the building and construction sector. While the government did not explicitly state the reason behind the change, it is likely to encourage more people to apply for skilled migration in this sector, as many occupations in the industry are in high demand.
Learn more about the 2023-24 WA Skilled Migration Program, including the WA skilled list of eligible occupations and some of the burning FAQs you may have.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article do not constitute legal migration advice. They are not intended to be a substitute for legal migration advice, and should not be relied upon as such. For professional migration assistance, always consult a migration attorney, a registered migration agent registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registered Authority (MARA) or contact the Department of Home Affairs.
