Western Australian State Migration Plan Announced

By Mark Webster
13 December 2010

Western Australia released its State Migration Plan on 10 December.

The list comprises of some 124 occupations, two of which, Accounting and Cook, have already closed. Occupations included on the list are:

  • Construction Project Managers
  • Engineers
  • Transport professionals such as pilots and ship's engineers
  • Chemists
  • Radiographers, Optometrists, Pharmacists and allied health professionals
  • Registered Nurses
  • ICT Business Analysts
  • Engineering draftspersons & technicians
  • A wide range of trades such as plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, tilers
  • Mechanics, metal machinists, welders & fitters
  • Electricians and telecommunications trades
  • Chefs

English Language Requirements

Professional and management occupations require a minimum of 7 in each of the 4 components of IELTS, whereas technician and trade occupations require a minimum of 6 in each component.

Work experience requirement

Work experience required will depend on which subclass is being applied for:

International students wishing to apply for an 886 visa will need to hold a skilled - graduate visa to qualify for WA nomination under the State Migration Plan. Such students will need to show 18 months of full time continuous employment in their occupation in Western Australia.

Special Requirements for Food Trades

Food trades remain on the WA list, but will be assessed by an industry panel for employability in WA.

Off List Nominations

Nominations in occupations not on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List are possible. However, they will be difficult to come by, and require at least a job offer (offshore applicants) or in the case of an onshore applicant, 12 months of work experience in the occupation in WA. 7 minimum in IELTS would be required, along with a significant amount of work experience in the occupation. International students will not be considered for this option.

Conclusion

The English and work experience requirements for the WA SMP are quite high. This will make life difficult for international students looking at a WA nomination. However, the wide range of occupations and the possibility of off-list nomination will make WA an attractive option for people who have the required work experience and English language ability.

References

Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List

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