Everything You Need to Know About the Updated 2023-24 State Nominated Migration Program

The awe-inspiring landscapes, thriving economy, and vibrant communities make Western Australia a coveted destination for many aspiring migrants. To help candidates navigate the process, the Western Australian government has recently provided updated guidelines for the 2023-24 State Nominated Migration Program. Here’s what you need to know:

Two Streams for Nominees

The State Nominated Migration Program divides its applicants into two streams: the General and Graduate streams. This division is designed to ensure that the process is thorough yet fair, considering a wide array of factors such as skills, qualifications, and job expertise.

Getting Started with Your Migration Journey

To start, every potential nominee has to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ via the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect database. On the form, candidates indicate whether they are seeking nomination from ‘Western Australia’ or any ‘State or Territory’.

Next, the candidate must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ eligibility requirements for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Subsequently, they must score at least 65 points in the points test implemented by the department.

Role of the Western Australian Government

The Western Australian Government reserves the right to modify the program, adapting it to meet evolving immigration patterns to benefit the state. This includes potential alterations to occupation lists, policy, prioritisation ranking, and nomination criteria.

If a candidate’s Expression of Interest illustrates compatibility with the State’s requirements, they may receive an invitation to apply for State nomination.

Prioritisation Protocol

Priority is given to candidates residing in Western Australia. From an occupational perspective, preference is offered to candidates working in critical sectors such as building and construction, healthcare, social assistance, hospitality and tourism, and education and training.

For both the General and Graduate streams, invitations go to those with the highest-ranking Expression of Interest, pending additional factors such as location, occupation, points test score, and time of submission.

Understanding Nomination

Upon receiving an invitation, applicants must apply within a 28-day timeframe. An invitation doesn’t guarantee nomination. Indeed, this step is more about stating the potential for immigration based on candidates’ skills and qualifications. The provided information is closely scrutinised during the subsequent review process.

Providing false or misleading information can be detrimental, leading to application dismissal or even being reported to the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. It is vital, therefore, to ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful. This will facilitate a smoother process and increase the chance of successful nomination.

Requirements for the General Stream

Aspiring candidates for the general stream must have an occupation available on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List. This list helps the government address specific labour needs in the state.

They should also come with relevant work experience, which ensures that they can contribute effectively to the Western Australian workforce. In certain situations, a contract of employment for at least six months in their nominated occupation within Western Australia is necessary. This employment stipulation underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that incoming skilled migrants are gainfully employed and can contribute to the WA economy.

Criteria for Graduate Stream

Graduate stream nominees must have an occupation available on the Graduate Occupation List and hold a Certificate III or higher qualification obtained in Western Australia, inclusive of a minimum of two years of full-time study. The Graduate Occupation List aims at bringing in talents that have a strong academic foundation and are prepared for the modern workforce.

Those two years of full-time study indicate that the candidates have a significant understanding of the Australian educational system and local practices. Having earned a Certificate III or higher achievement in Western Australia signals a significant level of expertise and a strong commitment to their chosen field of study.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Australia’s immigration process is crucial for aspiring migrants. The 2023-24 State Nominated Migration Program Guidelines provide a concise plan, guiding applicants on their path to a promising future in Western Australia. Ensure you understand the requirements, categories, and prioritisation protocol detailed within, to facilitate a smoother immigration experience.