Australia Offers Up to $10,000 Relocation Grant for Overseas Construction Workers (Western Australia)
Australia is ramping up efforts to attract skilled construction workers from around the world, and one of the most compelling incentives right now is a relocation grant of up to $10,000 offered by the Government of Western Australia. The initiative is designed to help address labour shortages in the building and construction sector by supporting employers and skilled migrants with visa and relocation costs.
This guide explains who qualifies for the grant, the construction occupations eligible, and the three Australian work visas that allow foreign workers to benefit from this incentive.
What Is the Western Australia Construction Visa Subsidy Program?
The Construction Visa Subsidy Program is an initiative by the Government of Western Australia, delivered through the Department of Training and Workforce Development. While the state continues to invest in training local workers, demand in the construction sector has outpaced supply, creating an urgent need for skilled migrants.
To bridge this gap, the Western Australian Government is offering financial support of up to $10,000 per eligible worker. The grant is designed to help cover key costs associated with migration, including visa application fees, migration agent or representative fees, and relocation expenses such as flights and initial settlement costs.
Importantly, this incentive applies to:
- Overseas workers applying from outside Australia, and
- Foreign workers already in Australia who move into eligible construction roles in Western Australia.
However, the grant is only available where the worker is sponsored into Western Australia by an eligible construction employer and applies under specific visa pathways.
Construction Occupations That Qualify
The grant targets a wide range of building and construction occupations listed by the Western Australia Department of Training and Workforce Development. These roles span highly specialised professional positions and trade-based roles that require technical expertise and experience.
Eligible occupations include, but are not limited to:
- Construction project manager
- Project builder
- Architect
- Surveyor
- Civil engineer and other engineering roles
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Painter and decorator
- Scaffolder
- Drill or borehole operator
- Contract administrator
- Construction-related administrative roles
While some of these roles are sometimes incorrectly described as “unskilled”, the reality is that they are critical, technical, and experience-driven occupations that form the backbone of major construction projects.
If your occupation appears on the approved building and construction list, you may be eligible to benefit from this incentive, provided all other requirements are met.
How Much Is the Relocation Grant and How Is It Paid?
The maximum grant available under the program is $10,000 per eligible skilled migrant. Payment is made in milestone stages and differs depending on whether the worker applies from offshore or is already onshore in Australia.
Offshore Skilled Migrants
For workers applying from outside Australia:
- Total grant: up to $10,000
- Payment structure: two milestone payments of $5,000 each
The first milestone is typically paid once the worker arrives and commences employment in Western Australia. The second milestone is paid after the worker has remained employed for a specified period, as determined by program guidelines.
Onshore Skilled Migrants
For foreign workers already in Australia:
- Total grant: up to $5,000
This applies where the worker moves into an eligible construction role in Western Australia under one of the approved visa pathways.
Although the funding is paid to support the visa and relocation process, it is important to note that the grant is administered through the employer, not directly to the worker.
Who Is Eligible for the Relocation Grant?
To qualify for the Western Australia construction relocation incentive, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Eligible occupation: Your job must fall under the approved building and construction occupation list.
- Western Australia employment: You must take up employment with a Western Australian construction business.
- Employer sponsorship: Your employer must be willing and approved to sponsor you.
- Approved visa pathway: You must apply under one of the three qualifying visas: Subclass 482, Subclass 494, or Subclass 186.
- Location commitment: You must live and work in Western Australia.
Meeting these criteria is essential. Having an eligible occupation alone is not enough without employer sponsorship and the correct visa.
The Three Visas That Qualify for the Grant
The relocation grant is tied specifically to three employer-sponsored Australian visas. Understanding how each visa works will help you determine the most suitable pathway for your situation.
1. Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa
The Subclass 482 visa, commonly referred to as the Skills in Demand visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers where they are unable to find appropriately skilled Australian workers.
Key features:
- Valid for up to four years
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia for the sponsoring employer
- Family members can be included in the application
This visa is particularly attractive for construction workers because it provides a relatively fast pathway to employment and allows dependants to move with you to Australia. It is often used as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
For the purpose of the Western Australia grant, the 482 visa is fully eligible provided the sponsored role falls under the approved construction occupations.
2. Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
The Subclass 494 visa is a regional work visa designed to encourage skilled migrants to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia, including Western Australia.
Key features:
- Valid for up to five years
- Requires a job offer from an approved regional employer
- Restricted to regional Australia
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting residence and work requirements
Western Australia is classified as a regional area under Australian migration policy, making this visa a strong option for construction workers seeking longer-term stability.
Holders of the Subclass 494 visa working in eligible construction roles in Western Australia can benefit from the relocation grant, whether they apply from offshore or are already onshore.
3. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa and is the most secure option among the three qualifying visas.
Key features:
- Grants permanent residence in Australia
- Requires employer nomination
- Allows unrestricted work rights
- Enables access to long-term settlement benefits
This visa is ideal for skilled construction workers whose employers are willing to offer permanent roles. Unlike the 482 and 494 visas, the Subclass 186 provides immediate permanent residency rather than a temporary stay.
Eligible Subclass 186 applicants working in Western Australia’s construction sector may also benefit from the relocation grant, making this pathway particularly attractive.
How to Take Advantage of This Incentive
If you are interested in this opportunity, the most important step is securing a job offer from a Western Australian construction employer. Without employer sponsorship, you cannot access the grant or the qualifying visas.
Once you have an offer:
- Confirm that your occupation is on the eligible list
- Ensure the employer is willing to sponsor you under one of the three approved visas
- Proceed with your visa application
The relocation grant is then applied for as part of the employer’s participation in the program.
Pro Tip for Overseas Construction Workers
Before applying for jobs, align your CV and experience with Australian construction standards and terminology. Employers are more likely to sponsor candidates who clearly demonstrate practical experience, certifications, and an understanding of Australian workplace safety requirements.
Also, be open to regional locations within Western Australia, as these areas often have the highest demand and fastest processing outcomes.
The Western Australia construction relocation grant of up to $10,000 is a significant opportunity for skilled construction workers seeking to work and settle in Australia. By supporting visa costs and relocation expenses, the program lowers one of the biggest barriers facing overseas workers.
If you work in construction, secure an eligible role, and apply under the Subclass 482, 494, or 186 visa, this incentive could make your move to Australia more achievable and financially manageable.
For qualified workers willing to build their careers in Western Australia, this initiative represents a clear pathway into one of Australia’s most in-demand industries.
