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The construction sector continues to face one of the tightest labour markets in Australia.
Demand for housing and major infrastructure has surged, yet the supply of skilled workers has not kept pace. Jobs and Skills Australia data consistently highlights construction trades, such as bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, and electricians, in persistent deficit.
Strong Net Overseas Migration (NOM) has also intensified pressure on housing supply. More people arriving means more homes, roads, and community infrastructure are needed, stretching an already strained workforce.
Against this backdrop, government support—particularly in Western Australia—has become critical for construction employers.
Some of the most significant initiatives are the Construction Visa Subsidy Program and Building a Life in WA (BALWA) incentive, which have now been extended through the 2026–27 WA State Budget.
The CVSP promotes global skilled migration to Australia, whereas the BALWA incentive encourages workers to migrate from interstate and New Zealand.
$11 million
committed to extend Construction Visa Subsidy (CVSP) and Build a Life in WA (BALWA)
A further 1,100
skilled migration places will be funded through the programs from 1 July 2026
More than 2,700
skilled migrant workers have already boosted workforce capacity for 1,220 WA businesses*
Carpentry has had the highest intake across both programs [CVSP and BALWA], followed by electricians, plumbers, roof plumbers, wall and floor tilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration technicians, glaziers and bricklayers.
*Since the programs commenced (CVSP in 2023 and BALWA in 2025).
Understanding the Construction Visa Subsidy Program
First introduced in 2023, the Construction Visa Subsidy Program provides support of up to $10,000 per skilled migrant.
The funds offset costs associated with:
- Visa application fees
- Relocation expenses for the worker
- Migration agent professional fees
It operates across two streams:
Skilled Migrant Stream
- Payments made to skilled migrants who relocate to WA on a Subclass 190 or 491 Visa.
- Must be employed by a business operating in building and construction in WA and must work in a CVSP-eligible construction role.
Eligible Occupations for the CVSP
The CVSP currently covers a targeted list of 61 construction occupations. Not all construction roles are included. Employers should verify eligibility by contacting the CVSP office.
Interstaff has selected several CVSP-eligible occupations to provide an overview of the types of roles eligible via a DAMA and/or standard visa sponsorship.
The full list of CVSP-eligible occupations is available on the government website.
| CVSP-Eligible Occupation | Eligible for DAMA* | Eligible for standard visa sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator | Yes (Pilbara DAMA) | No |
| Excavator Operator | Yes (Regional employers via WA DAMA) | No |
| Concreter | Yes (Pilbara & South West DAMA) | No |
| Construction Project Manager | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Architect | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Civil Engineer | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Surveyor | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Civil Engineering Draftsperson | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Electrical Engineering Technician | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Bricklayer | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Stonemason | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Carpenter | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Fibrous Plasterer | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Plumber (General) | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Electrician (General) | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
| Cabinetmaker | Yes (WA DAMA) | Yes (Subclass 482, 494 & 186 Visas) |
Source: Construction Visa Subsidy Program Eligible Occupations List, Department of Training and Workforce Development, 12 May 2026. This list is subject to change.
*Conditions apply depending on the type of DAMA and visa type. Contact Interstaff for advice on visa sponsorship eligibility.
Some CVSP-eligible occupations may also be eligible for independent state-nominated visas.
Business FAQs: Accessing CVSP funding
Businesses should confirm their eligibility to access CVSP funding by contacting the CVSP Office.
They should also review their options for visa sponsorship. Interstaff can assist with migration advice, including for DAMAs and Industry Labour Agreements.
Following this, applying for the CVSP involves making claims at three milestone stages throughout the visa sponsorship journey:
Milestone Stage 1:
Apply with intention to sponsor
Claim: $2,000
Milestone Stage 2:
Apply once migrant’s visa granted
Claim: $4,000
Milestone Stage 3:
Apply once migrant has commenced work
Claim: $4,000
Information on making claims is available on the government’s CVSP website.
Yes, your business may be able to apply for the CVSP funding retrospectively. The CVSP has been available to WA construction businesses since July 2023 and it is possible to access the program for each skilled migrant sponsored in eligible-CVSP roles from this time.
Contact the CVSP office to confirm eligibility.
The CVSP is designed to support migrants and businesses in the WA housing and construction industry, including commercial and/or residential building and construction.
Businesses operating in other industries are usually ineligible to access the program—for example, sponsoring a migrant as an electrical engineering technician for work in the resources sector.
No – the Construction Visa Subsidy Program is available to WA housing and construction businesses of all sizes.
Sustainable people strategy: Global talent
Interstaff supports employers requiring sustainable global talent strategy to strengthen workforce capabilities.
Access our immigration insights to explore:
- Construction labour market insights
- Work rights and visa conditions
- Temporary and permanent visa pathways
