Migrating to Perth is an option for skilled workers wanting the capital of Western Australia, with its strong mining economy. Perth is medium-sized with a relaxed lifestyle. This article analyses the city for skilled migrants.
Migrating to Perth: the job market and employment
Migrating to Perth means joining a job market defined by mining (headquarters of BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue – WA is the world’s largest iron ore exporting region), oil and gas, healthcare, education (the University of Western Australia) and construction.
Skilled workers in mining, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare or construction have many opportunities. Salaries in WA’s mining sector are among the highest in Australia, making it easier to meet the CSIT/SSIT thresholds for the 482 visa.
Life and cost of living in Perth
Perth has an average cost of living and rent for Australia, lower than Sydney/Melbourne but rising in recent years due to the mining boom. The city sits on the Swan River and the Indian Ocean coastline.
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Perth is famously one of the most isolated cities in the world – a 4-hour flight from Sydney, and in many cases closer to Singapore and Jakarta than to Sydney.
The Vietnamese community and visa notes
Perth has a moderate-sized Vietnamese community, concentrated in Cannington, Girrawheen and Westminster. There are Vietnamese markets and restaurants serving the community, though smaller than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Metropolitan Perth is NOT a designated area for the 491 visa. Those wanting to benefit from the 15-point 491 boost in WA should choose towns such as Bunbury, Mandurah, or mining regions. Skilled migration to Perth still follows the federal system via 189/190/491/482/186; you should check current requirements.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Migrating to Perth: the capital of Western Australia, with jobs in mining (headquarters of BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue – WA is the world’s largest iron ore exporter), oil and gas, healthcare, education (UWA), and construction. The highest mining salaries in Australia. Average cost of living. Mediterranean climate. One of the world’s most isolated cities. Moderate-sized Vietnamese community (Cannington, Girrawheen). Metropolitan Perth is NOT a designated area for the 491 visa.
