How to apply for State Sponsorship in Western Australia
Before you apply for State Sponsorship you need to be able to provide the following documents:
- a positive skills assessment (see below);)
- evidence of a current International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result; and
- a current curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant work experience
You will also need to have an occupation on the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list.
You can apply for State Sponsorship online.
Sponsorship criteria
All applicants for Western Australian State Sponsorship are required to demonstrate that they meet the Department of Immigration and Citizenship criteria for the skilled visa they are applying for and to submit an application addressing all requirements for State sponsorship.
Western Australian State Sponsorship requirements are reviewed on a regular basis, and may be amended depending upon the prevailing needs of the labour market.
Where a recent graduate is applying for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886) or a Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) or (subclass 487), in addition to the above documents, they must show evidence that they have:
- been granted a Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485); or
- have applied for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886) or a Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visas (subclass 475) or (subclass 487) on or before 30th June 2010.
Where a recent graduate is applying for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176) Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886) or a Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) or (subclass 487) they must show evidence of work experience in their nominated occupation.
International students
On completion of their Australian studies, students may be eligible for State Sponsorship under the Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (subclass 176), Skilled - Sponsored (Residence) (subclass 886) or Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) or (subclass 487).
To be eligible for these visas, applicants must have an Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification as a result of at least two years of full time study at one or more educational institutions in Australia. Applicants will need to have an occupation listed on the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list and hold a skilled-graduate (temporary) visa (subclass 485) before applying for 176, 886, 475 or 487 State sponsorship.
Students who hold a skilled-graduate (temporary) visa (subclass 485) applying to Western Australia for sponsorship on one of the following:
- Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (subclass 176);
- Skilled - Sponsored (Residence) (subclass 886); or
- Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) or (subclass 487) will need at least 12 months work experience in their nominated occupation after gaining their qualification. Work experience will need to be gained in Western Australia on a full time, continuous basis.
Those students on a Bridging Visa A from an 886 or 487 visa application lodged on or before 30 June 2010 will be considered provided they meet the IELTS and work experience criteria.
Positive skills assessment
To migrate to Australia via one of the skilled visa pathways you must first obtain a positive skills assessment.
You will need to have an occupation that is on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) Skilled Occupation List at the time you apply. This document lists all the occupations currently eligible for General Skilled Migration as well as the number of points awarded for each occupation and the relevant skill assessing authority.
Each assessing authority has its own assessment procedures, timeframes and charges. You should contact the appropriate organisation well before you intend to lodge your visa application.
Some of DIAC's key assessing authorities include:
- Trades Recognition Australia
- Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services
- Teaching Australia
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Australian Computer Society
- Institute of Engineers Australia
- Certified Practising Accountants of Australia
- Institute of Chartered Accountants
- National Institute of Accountants
- Australian Institute of Management
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Assessing authorities
English language requirements
To migrate to Western Australia via one of the skilled visa pathways you are required to demonstrate your English language ability by undertaking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
You will find information on IELTS test venues, dates and general test information at the IELTS website. The IELTS test comprises four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
The General IELTS Test is sufficient for the purposes of State Sponsorship, however some Assessing Authorities may require applicants complete the Academic IELTS Test as part of the Skills Assessment process.
When lodging a State sponsorship application, all applicants are required to provide an IELTS test result at time of application.
You may sit the IELTS test more than once, however you must achieve the necessary score for each component in the one test.
Please note the Government of Western Australia does not participate in the 'concessional competent' English option.