Good news for those planning to migrate to Australia! The Department of Home Affairs recently approved an additional interim allocation for Western Australia’s 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP).
In plain terms, Western Australia just got extra slots for skilled migration this year. That means more opportunities for workers to get invited under visa subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) or subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional). For Filipinos hoping to build a life in Australia or switch from a temporary visa to permanent residency, this is a great chance.
The interim allocation allows WA to invite more skilled workers even before the full national quota is released. This helps fill labour shortages across key industries like healthcare, construction, education, and hospitality. For many Filipinos already working in these sectors, this update could be the green light you’ve been waiting for.
Why this matters:
- More invitations available – Your Expression of Interest (EOI) could be picked up faster.
- Pathway to PR – Both 190 and 491 visas can lead to permanent residency once requirements are met.
- Less competition – Extra slots mean better chances for applicants who already have complete documents.
- S
tronger Filipino community in WA – With active Pinoy groups across Perth and nearby regions, settling down feels less daunting.
If you want to make the most of this update, here’s what to do:
- Check if your job is on WA’s skilled occupation list.
- Update your EOI in SkillSelect with your latest points and documents.
- Prepare your paperwork early — skills assessment, English test results, and work references.
- Watch out for new invitation rounds, as they can open anytime.
For many of us dreaming of Australia, news like this is a small but real step closer to that goal. Western Australia continues to welcome skilled workers, and this added allocation means more doors opening for Filipinos ready to make the move.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign — this might be it. Double-check your eligibility, gather your documents, and be ready when the next round comes. Australia’s door just opened a little wider again.