Today, we bring you an important update regarding the recent changes to Western Australia’s skilled migration allocation.
The Federal Government’s Drastic Reduction in Skilled Migration Allocation
The Western Australian Premier has raised concerns about the Federal Government’s decision to significantly cut the state’s nominated skilled migrant intake by a staggering 70%. This reduction means that the allocation for the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) has been reduced from over 8000 places to just 2350 for the current financial year. This decision has prompted strong reactions due to the pressing need for skilled workers to support the state’s economic growth, especially in crucial sectors like housing construction, health, and hospitality.
Under the Migration Program settings, all nomination allocations are made available to States in the following Visa Categories:
- Skilled Nominated program (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491)
- Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
Below are the 2023-2024 State and Territory Nomination allocations:
| STATE | SKILLED NOMINATED (SUBCLASS 190) VISA | SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (SUBCLASS 491) VISA | BUSINESS INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT PROGRAM (BIIP)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 600 (-200) | 600 (-1,320) | 0 (-10) |
| NSW | 2,650 (-4,510) | 1,500(-3,370) | 0 (-260) |
| NT | 250 (-350) | 400 (-440) | 0 (-15) |
| QLD | 900 (-2,100) | 650 (-550) | 0 (-235) |
| SA | 1,100 (-1,600) | 1,200 (-1,980) | 0 (-70) |
| TAS | 600 (-1,400) | 600 (-750) | 0 (-10) |
| VIC | 2,700 (-6,300) | 600 (-1,800) | 0 (-170) |
| WA | 1,500 (-3,850) | 850 (-1,940) | 0 (-40) |
| Total | 10,300 (-20,310) | 6,400 (-12,150) | 0 (-810) |
Impact on State Nomination and Opportunities
With the reduced allocation, competition for state invitations and nominations will undoubtedly intensify. As a result, individuals considering skilled migration to will need to be more strategic and prepared. To navigate this changing landscape, we recommend exploring work sponsorship opportunities and actively pursuing job offers in relevant fields. Securing a job offer not only strengthens your application but also aligns with the state’s demand for skilled workers.
A Look Ahead
Such numbers for skilled migration reflect to the previous levels prior to Covid. In retrospect, the planning levels were always set to 160,000 Permanent Residency quota per year, which it was temporarily increased to 195,000 due to Covid 19. This was in an effort to fill the labour and skill shortage in Australia. As such, this reflects on the standard pathway to Permanent Residency and therefore, should your occupation not be eligible for the Subclass 189 or on the MLTSSL, points migration was always difficult. We encourage those who may be affected by these numbers to consider using the graduate visa programs to obtain relevant full-time work ( not part-time) in order to be eligible for employer sponsored visas.
We understand that such news may deliver a blow to your ambition to secure nominations for skilled visas so you should account for multiple plans, rather than wholly focusing on points migration. Feel free to contact Anthony today is future proof your permanent residency
