Western Australia have introduced the new Graduate stream for the Skilled Nomination subclass 190 visa and Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 489 visa, effective 25 September 2018. This article discusses the new stream and its requirements.
The Western Australian Government has been vocal in expressing support for skilled migration to their state. With skilled migration becoming more competitive and alternative migration options becoming limited for student graduates, this is a welcomed pathway for many to consider.
Western Australia Graduate Stream
Until recently, applicants seeking nomination from Western Australia were required to go through the General stream by first nominating an occupation on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL). This is a limited occupation list that is available only to certain medical professionals.
Effective 25 September 2018, applicants seeking to nominate a non-medical related occupation may now have the opportunity to do this in Western Australia.
Requirements for the Graduate Stream
To qualify, applicants must be university graduates who studied full time for at least 2 years at a Western Australian university and who are able to nominate an occupation on the new Graduate Occupation List (GOL)for either the 190 or 489 visa.
Masters and PhD graduates are able to nominate any occupation on the GOL, whilst students completing a Bachelor, Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma will be able to nominate a select few from that same list.
Similarly, to the General stream, additional requirements include:
- English language requirements: Applicants nominating an ANZSCO Major Occupation Group 1 and 2 must demonstrate Proficient English. All others are required to demonstrate Competent English.
- Work experience: Either 12 months work experience in Australia within the last 10 years, or at least 3 years relevant work experience overseas within the last 10 years. In both cases, the experience must be in the nominated occupation or closely related to the nominated occupation (not required for Western Australian PhD or Masters Degree students using the Graduate stream)
- Contract of employment: A full time job offer, for a minimum period of 12 months, is required, even for applicants under the Graduate stream.