Plenty of applicants have been spooked by the recent news that Perth may be removed from the regional areas list, but the truth is that WA’s state nomination program has performed solidly over the past few years.
Even if Perth’s status changes, it does not mean WA’s 190/491 programs will close their doors.
Today we share two recent and very representative 190 invitation cases โ WA has genuinely taken in plenty of interstate applicants over the past couple of years.
1. The first applicant had already received a 491 invitation and lodged the visa, but after meeting the WA 190 requirements went on to receive a formal 190 invitation as well (Image 2).
The client has a QS professional background and received a 491 invitation and lodged last financial year.
Even after lodging, they stayed on in WA to keep building points, and last December secured a 190 invitation with a score of 75+5. The formal invitation came through last week.
Full timeline
- March 2025 โ received 491 invitation and lodged the 491 visa
- December 2025 โ received 190 pre-invitation
- January 2026 โ received formal 190 invitation and lodged the visa
As many of you know, a lot of states will not issue a 190 once a 491 invitation has already been granted, regardless of the gap in between. But at its most relaxed, WA would even issue a 190 in the same financial year as the 491, provided the 190 requirements were met. Quotas have tightened and the bar has lifted since, but as long as you meet the 190 requirements in a later financial year, WA is still willing to give you the chance (header image).
In theory, once a 491 has been lodged, so long as it has not been formally granted, you can still try to lodge a 189 or 190 if an invitation comes through โ there is no adverse impact.
The exception is if the 491 has already been granted, in which case you cannot lodge a 189/190 for three years.
The second example is an interstate early-childhood teacher who moved to WA and obtained a 190 via general stream 2 (Image 3).
Mid last year this client felt the 189 was getting harder and harder, and with their score not particularly high, they made the decisive move to WA. After securing a relevant early-childhood role in WA, in under six months โ last December โ they obtained a WA 190 pre-invitation on 80+5, and the formal invitation came through today.
For many high-scoring early-childhood teachers, WA really is incredibly welcoming.
The 491 does not require related employment, while the 190 does, but once you secure the job, your chances of landing PR are very strong!
WA’s overall commitment in recent years has genuinely been full throttle. While Perth’s future regional status remains uncertain, WA’s broader stance has held firm โ at the start of nearly every financial year, around the time state quotas are announced, WA has been working hard to advocate for a larger allocation. We hope WA will keep these good policies in place and continue to give both local and interstate students more opportunities.
For anyone struggling to compete in other states, WA is genuinely a solid option. Wishing everyone a successful landing soon!
