Western Australia's October 2026 skilled migration invitation results are out, revealing some interesting differences between overseas trades and applicants already living in WA.

While several construction trades recorded invitations at just 65 EOI points for overseas applicants, the published results for other priority occupations featured WA-based candidates across healthcare, education, engineering and hospitality.

So, what do these results mean if you're already living, studying or working in Western Australia?

Let's take a closer look.

1. WA's October Invitation Round: Key Results

Western Australia's State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) issued 1,227 invitations in its 14 October 2026 priority non-trade invitation round.

The results included:

The invitations covered General and Graduate streams, with different results depending on the occupation, nomination stream and applicant's location.

Importantly, these are invitations to apply for state nomination, not visa grants.

2. Overseas Trades Recorded Invitations at 65 Points

One of the most notable findings in WA's October results was the number of construction trade occupations appearing in the overseas invitation records.

Under General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2, the following occupations recorded last-invited EOI scores of 65 points:

OccupationEOI PointsBricklayer65Carpenter65Cabinetmaker65Electrician (General)65Glazier65Wall and Floor Tiler65

These results reflect WA's ongoing focus on construction-related occupations.

However, a 65-point invitation record does not mean that every overseas applicant with 65 points will receive an invitation.

WA applies occupation-specific and stream-specific eligibility and ranking criteria when selecting candidates.

3. What About Applicants Already Living in WA?

For onshore skilled migrants, the results for other priority occupations are particularly worth examining.

The October reports show last-invited EOI records for applicants residing in Western Australia across several priority sectors.

Selected WA-Based Invitation Results

These results highlight an important point: WA's state nomination program is not exclusively focused on construction trades.

Healthcare, education, engineering and hospitality remain relevant priority sectors.

For eligible applicants already living in WA, the October results offer useful insight into recent invitation activity.

However, they should not be interpreted as evidence that every occupation in these sectors is currently easier to nominate.

4. Why Do Invitation Scores Differ Between Streams?

You may have noticed that Primary School Teacher appeared with different scores across the General and Graduate streams.

This is an important reminder that EOI points are only one part of WA's invitation process.

Applicants may be ranked according to several factors, including:

• Their nominated occupation
• Their current place of residence
• The relevant General or Graduate stream
• Their qualifications and stream-specific eligibility
• Their EOI points score
• Their EOI submission date, where relevant to the ranking process

For example, an applicant with 85 points under the General Stream is not necessarily in the same position as someone with 85 points under the Graduate Stream.

The eligibility and ranking criteria may differ.

Comparing points without considering the nomination stream can therefore be misleading.

This is especially important for international graduates and temporary visa holders preparing their skilled migration applications.

5. Already Living in Australia? Here's What to Check

If you're currently living in Western Australia and considering a subclass 190 or 491 visa, the October results provide a useful opportunity to review your migration strategy.

Before relying on a past invitation score, consider the following questions.

Is your occupation eligible under the relevant WA nomination stream?

Not every occupation is available under every stream. Your occupation and its classification must align with the applicable requirements.

Are you eligible for the General or Graduate Stream?

Your qualifications, study history, employment circumstances and other requirements can affect which pathway is available.

Is your EOI still accurate?

Your English test results, skilled employment history, qualifications and partner circumstances may change over time.

You should ensure that the information in your EOI remains accurate and that you can support your claimed points.

Does your current location affect your ranking?

WA's invitation system takes applicants' residence into account under its published ranking arrangements.

Applicants living in another Australian state should not assume they will receive the same treatment as applicants already residing in Western Australia.

Do you have the supporting documents ready?

A successful invitation is only one stage of the process. You must still meet the relevant state nomination and visa requirements.

6. Does a Lower Invitation Score Mean an Easier PR Pathway?

Not necessarily.

The October figures show the EOI scores of the last invited candidates in particular occupation and stream categories.

They are not fixed minimum scores for future rounds.

Invitation outcomes can change depending on:

• Available nomination places
• The number and ranking of competing EOIs
• WA's industry priorities
• Changes to nomination criteria
• The timing of invitation rounds

Receiving an invitation to apply for state nomination also does not automatically mean that a visa will be granted.

For applicants considering subclass 190 or 491, it is important to assess the full pathway rather than focusing on the points score alone.

7. What Should You Do Next?

Western Australia's October 2026 results show continued invitation activity across a range of priority occupations.

For overseas trades, some of the published results include relatively low EOI scores.

For applicants already living in WA, the records across healthcare, education, engineering and hospitality are particularly relevant.

The key question is not simply whether someone with your occupation was invited. It's whether your own circumstances meet the requirements for the relevant nomination pathway.

If you're already living in Australia and waiting for a skilled migration invitation, this may be a good time to review your occupation, EOI, eligibility and supporting documents.

Not Sure Where You Stand With WA State Nomination?

At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers assist skilled migrants with assessing their visa options and navigating complex immigration requirements.

Whether you're considering subclass 190, subclass 491 or another skilled migration pathway, we can help you understand how the relevant requirements apply to your circumstances.

Book a Consultation With Our Migration Lawyers

Information current as at 28 October 2026. Invitation outcomes and migration requirements may change. The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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