By the time we get to 2026, Perth has cemented its position as Australia’s economic engine room. Comparison to the Mediterranean lifestyle and a thirsty job market hungry for skills, there is no place like Western Australia (WA) for migrants across the globe. However, as the 2025–26 migration program rolls out with tighter allocations and more sector-specific targeting, the “do-it-yourself” approach to visas is becoming riskier.
Working with professional visa agents in Perth WA is increasingly the gold standard for a successful move, whether you are a healthcare professional, skilled tradesman or graduate.
1. The 2026 Landscape: Strategic Selection
Migration, in the past, was often a numbers game. It is a strategy game in 2026. The Western Australian government has streamlined its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) to focus on “decision-ready” applicants in priority areas.
Although the Subclass 190 (Permanent Residency) is still one of the most preferred immigration pathways, visa agents working out of Perth WA are now advising clients to consider applying through the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional). Why? Because WA has the largest 491 allocation in the nation right now (more than 2,200 places), providing a faster, more reliable route to PR for anyone who is ready to make a life and work in our flourishing regional centers.
2. Industry-Specific “Fast-Tracks”
If your work revolves around Building and Construction, the game has changed—you have a set of rules that now works in your favor. WA massages specific trades with fee waivers and employment contract reductions to alleviate the housing shortage
Experienced visa agents know no other way to benefit from these concessions. They allow plumbers, electricians and bricklayers to slip past the normal 6-month contract barriers imposed on regular “General Stream” applicants.
3. Avoiding the “Points Trap”
Migrants often make the mistake those 65 points are enough? The assessment is often for sectors such as Nursing and IT, which in 2026 could demand anywhere between 85 and 95 points for a successful outcome. Local visa agents in Perth WA assist you with the “hidden” points, such as:
- State Nomination: 5 – 15 points to your tally
- The Professional Year Program: Aussie study — Getting the most points
- English Proficiency: Helping you get to that “Superior” Score (PTE 79+) — often the tiebreaker in competitive rounds.
4. The Local Advantage
The Perth, WA agent gives you the advantage of local market knowledge offshore or interstate agencies cannot provide. On the other hand, local agents are well familiar with the WASMOL (WA Skilled Migration Occupation List) and directly interact with the Migration WA portal. They know which cluster of occupations are getting invites this month, and can help pivot your strategy if specific pathway closes mid-year.
How Asia Pacific Group Visa Agents Can Help
We, at Asia Pacific Group offer practical support for those who want to create a new future in Australia, especially in Perth and Western Australia. We are a team of registered migration agents is MARA certified and skilled education advisers who do all the heavy lifting involved in your application process.
We start with understanding your individual situation to determine which routes — this could be either student visas, skilled migration, or state nomination — are likely to provide you a successful outcome. As migration legislation is fast-paced in 2026, we are committed to providing you with the latest news and advice from the Department of Home Affairs and WA government.
Our experts assist you with:
- Application Level: We assist you in assembling the portfolio of “decision-ready” documentation that lowers your likelihood of delays, or standard mistakes that result in refusals.
- Strategic Education Planning: If you are an international student, we will help you with course selection and prepare Genuine Student (GS) statements to guarantee that your studies match your long-term career or residency priorities.
- You know WA — with an office in Perth, we understand the state’s priority occupation lists (including regional points benefits) and trends around invitation rounds.
- Direct Communication: We conduct in-person consultations at our Perth office and keep you updated throughout your entire application process.
The goal is to provide you with a clear, honest analysis of your options so you can act with confidence.