the WA government said that invitations to apply for state nomination will be via the ranking system, giving preference to applicants currently residing in the state, followed by those residing in Australia and then those residing overseas.
The program year will also provide candidates the opportunity to access an expanded, more extensive, Graduate Occupation List under the Graduate stream, with over 300 occupations becoming available.
Highlights:
- Western Australia announces new initiatives to attract foreign workers and students
- WA expands occupations available in the Graduate stream
- Applications for WA state nomination under the new Graduate Occupation List will not begin until the 2022-2023 program year
The WA government said the new initiatives were to attract skilled migrants and international students to help alleviate skills shortages.
"As part of the state government's $195 million Reconnect WA strategy, an additional 194 occupations have been added to the Graduate Occupation List - taking the total number of listed occupations to 331 - to attract more international students to study in the state," the state government said in an official release.
Expansion of the Graduate Occupation List will help to attract a broad and diverse range of skills that align with the state's current and future workforce needs, it further added.
The expanded occupation list will become available in 2022-23 and is outlined in the new .
The skilled migration pathway will also provide international students graduating in WA with the option to apply for permanent residence.
A general view of Yagan Square in Perth CBD. Source: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright
However, invitations to apply for WA state nomination under the new Graduate Occupation List will not commence until the 2022-23 program year.
State Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said, "Meeting Western Australia's skilled workforce needs is a priority for the State Government, to support the State's strong economic growth and pipeline of works."
"The WA Government's management of COVID-19 has helped to keep the State's economy strong and stable. With world-class education, healthy job opportunities and strong public health management, there is no better or safer place to live, work and study," she said.
Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery Source: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright
"International students are an important part of the WA community - they make a positive contribution to the State's diversity and vibrancy, and support local jobs in a variety of industries," International Education Minister David Templeman said.
"Providing a skilled migration pathway is key for attracting international students to Western Australia to retain their capabilities once they have completed their studies," Mr Templeman added.
Perth-based Pradeep Kumar, who has lodged an expression of interest, is delighted to know about the latest development.
"I decided to move to Perth a few years back from New South Wales as it was hard to receive state nomination in NSW," Mr Kumar told SBS Hindi.
"I have now applied to the WA government and I am positive that I will receive the nomination this time as my occupation as a chef is added to the list," he added.
Mr Pradeep Kumar is based Western Australia. Source: Supplied by Pradeep Kumar
Sydney-based migration expert Nishant Sharma said the state's occupation list is the most expansive one compared to other states.
"There are several new occupations to choose from like cook, caravan park manager, data entry operator, ambulance officer or youth worker," he said, adding the move will offer opportunities to the offshore skilled migrants as well as international students who study in the state.
"The applicants can start submitting their applications but the nominations will not be sent before the 2022-23 program year," Mr Sharma explained.
Categories available for the applicant to apply for state nomination include the Subclass 190 visa, Subclass 491 visa as well as Subclass 494 via.
