A West Australian One Nation senator has distanced himself from one of his party's main policy platforms by stepping in to assist a 457-visa holder secure permanent residency.

Sri Lankan man Edwin Asariyas, has been working as an electrician in Kalgoorlie in WA's Goldfields since 2011.

Last month the 57-year-old's application to stay in the country was rejected.

Senator Peter Georgiou intervened, arranging a meeting with the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Alex Hawke, and Mr Asariyas was yesterday granted permanent residence.

The move is out of step with his party's stance that Australians should be prioritised over foreign workers when it comes to local employment.

But Senator Georgiou, a sparky himself, said this was a special case.

"We had a good look at the facts and the circumstances surrounding Edwin's case," Mr Georgiou said.

"He's been contributing to the local economy and he's embraced the local culture and he wants to call Australia home.

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"While I support jobs for locals first and foremost, I think this particular case was special, being in a regional city and given the fact that Mr Asariyas had spent the past six years of his life in WA. I knew the Government needed to take a closer look."

Mr Georgiou acknowledged that his stance differed from his party's policy but said he ran the issue past his colleagues before intervening.

"I did run it past the party first and we all agreed that this should be looked at," Mr Georgiou said.

"All our senators have our own opinions on certain things; everything is discussed and everything is considered."

The move has been cautiously welcomed by the president of the Ethnic Communities Council Ramdas Sankaran, who said he was surprised to find himself supporting a One Nation senator.

"I think it is intriguing to say the least, given [Mr Georgiou's] leader's position not so long ago on Asian migration, let alone the 457 visa situation," Mr Sankaran said.

"If indeed the job occupied by Mr Asariyas was not able to be filled by an Australian resident, then Senator Georgiou ought to be congratulated on his stance, which is in breach of One Nation policy."

He said he hoped the move would send a message to others within the party.

"When people like this, in parties like this step out of line, they ought to be encouraged and supported," Mr Sankaran said.

"The best people that can bring Pauline (Hanson) into line with what we consider acceptable in Australia, are people within her party, rather than people outside."

WA's One Nation Leader Colin Tincknell said he supported the party's position on foreign workers.

"In general, I am in favour of 457 visas being halted; there are too many Australians out of work and they have to come first."

But Mr Ticknell said there were exceptions to that stance and he supported his One Nation colleague.

"We've said all along that in Western Australia we will look at each case," he said.

"We will make policy according to what's best for the people we are representing in Western Australia."

Sri Lankan electrician has been granted a permanent residency. ( ABC News: Nathan Morris )

Mr Asariyas said he was depressed when he thought he would have to return to Sri Lanka, and he was thankful to Senator Georgiou.

"Very grateful ... I already know my home is Australia, so future plans for my other two daughters and my wife to bring them here," he said.

It is not the first time Senator Georgiou has disagreed with his party's policies, previously distancing himself from calls to ban Muslim immigration to Australia.

Peter Georgiou became One Nation's fourth senator, after the High Court ruled his brother-in-law Rod Culleton's election was invalid earlier this year.

Mr Culleton was disqualified because he had a larceny conviction at the time of the election.