Get Paid $10,000 to Relocate to Australia: WA’s Construction Visa Subsidy Explained

If you’re a skilled construction worker dreaming of a fresh start in Australia, Western Australia (WA) is offering a powerful incentive: up to $10,000 in relocation support through its Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP). This initiative is designed to attract overseas and interstate talent to help fill critical labor shortages in WA’s booming construction sector.

   

Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or project manager, this program could be your ticket to a new life—and a well-paid job—in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

What Is the Construction Visa Subsidy Program?

The CVSP is a government-backed initiative launched by the WA State Government to address workforce gaps in the construction industry. With major infrastructure projects underway and a growing demand for housing, WA needs thousands of skilled workers—and it’s willing to pay to bring them in.

The subsidy offers up to AUD $10,000 to help cover the costs of:

• Visa application fees
• Migration agent services
• Relocation expenses (flights, temporary accommodation, etc.)

This financial support is available to both overseas migrants and interstate workers who are sponsored by eligible WA construction businesses.

Learn more at the official program page.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to skilled workers who are sponsored by WA construction businesses under specific visa subclasses. These include:

• Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

To qualify, you must:

• Be sponsored by a WA-based construction employer
• Work in an eligible occupation (e.g., bricklayer, welder, surveyor, etc.)
• Meet the visa requirements set by the Australian Government
• Be relocating from overseas or another Australian state

Employers must also meet eligibility criteria to access the subsidy and support your migration.

Recommended Posts:

How the $10,000 Is Paid

The subsidy is paid in stages to help offset different parts of the migration process:

1. Initial Payment: Covers upfront costs like visa fees and migration agent services
2. Relocation Support: Helps with travel expenses and temporary accommodation
3. Retention Bonus: Paid after a set period of employment in WA (usually 6–12 months)

This staged approach ensures that workers are supported throughout their transition and encourages long-term retention in the WA construction industry.

Why Western Australia?

WA is experiencing a construction boom driven by infrastructure upgrades, housing demand, and commercial development. Skilled workers are in short supply, and the government is actively recruiting talent to meet project timelines.

Benefits of relocating to WA include:

• Competitive wages and job security
• High demand across trades and technical roles
• Access to world-class beaches, cities, and lifestyle
• Pathways to permanent residency for eligible visa holders

The CVSP is part of a broader strategy to make WA a top destination for skilled migrants.

How to Get Started

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Identify your occupation: Check if your trade or profession is on the eligible list.
2. Find a WA employer: Secure a job offer from a construction business willing to sponsor your visa.
3. Apply for the visa: Work with a registered migration agent to submit your visa application.
4. Access the subsidy: Your employer will apply for the CVSP on your behalf.
5. Relocate and start work: Once approved, you’ll receive staged payments to support your move and settlement.

It’s important to work with reputable employers and migration agents to ensure a smooth process.

Top 3 Benefits of the CVSP

• Financial Support: Up to $10,000 to cover visa and relocation costs
• Job Security: Sponsored employment in a high-demand sector
• Pathway to Residency: Eligible visas may lead to permanent residency in Australia

FAQs

Can I apply for the subsidy directly? No. The subsidy is accessed through your WA employer, who must apply on your behalf.

Is the $10,000 paid upfront? Not entirely. Payments are made in stages to cover different parts of the migration and relocation process.

Do I need a migration agent? While not mandatory, using a registered migration agent can simplify the visa application and improve your chances of success.

What if I’m already in Australia? Interstate workers relocating to WA may also be eligible, provided they meet the visa and sponsorship criteria.

Does this guarantee permanent residency? No. However, some visa subclasses supported by the CVSP offer pathways to permanent residency after meeting certain conditions.

More Opportunities: