General Skilled Migration & Skills Assessment

Migration Affairs can assist with applying for temporary or permanent visas under the General Skilled Migration program to fill labour skill shortages in Australia.

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a points-tested visa for skilled workers seeking sponsorship either independently or by a nominated state or territory government. This process requires the individual to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the aim of being invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa. This visa program is ideal for skilled workers who do not have an Australian business to sponsor them.

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a permanent visa for workers with skills in demand to live and work anywhere in Australia. You do not need a sponsor or nominator for this visa.

There are two streams; the Points tested stream and the New Zealand stream.

Point tested stream

This is points tested permanent visa where you can apply independently by claiming your points based on your skills, qualification, English language ability, work experience, and other qualities. You must submit an EOI and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa based on the calibre of your profile.

The visa applicant must:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant 189 occupation list, Medium and Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL)
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Achieve at least 65 points on the points test
    • You may need to achieve higher points in order to be invited. Note that certain occupations have a higher points threshold
  • Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply for the visa
  • Be under 45 years old when you apply for the visa
  • Meet the English, health and character requirements

The Department publishes the number of individuals invited for the 189 visa and the minimum point score cutoff. Currently, the Department is only issuing invitations on a quarterly basis.

 

New Zealand stream

This is a permanent visa for New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia.

The visa applicant must:

  • Hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa
  • Have been living in Australia for a continuous period of 5 years
  • Have started living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016
  • Satisfy the income requirement, unless exempt
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa

The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is an Australian state or territory nominated permanent visa. An extra 5 points for being nominated by an Australian state or territory is awarded. You must commit to living and working in a sponsoring state for 2 years upon visa grant. Similar to the subclass 189 visa, it is a points tested visa where you must submit an EOI and be invited to apply for the visa based on the calibre of your profile.

The visa applicant must:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply for the visa
  • Be nominated by a State or Territory government agency
    • You must meet the individual eligibility requirements for the state or territory you are seeking nomination. Each state and territory government agency has its eligibility criteria
    • If a state or territory nominates you, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply for the visa
  • Have at least 65 points on the points test
    • You may need to achieve higher points in order to be invited. Note that certain occupations have a higher points threshold
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Be under 45 years old when you apply for the visa
  • Meet the English, health and character requirements

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or eligible relative to live and work in regional Australia. It can be granted for up to 5 years with a pathway to permanent residence if eligible through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) – which commences on 16 November 2022.

The visa applicant must:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Be invited to apply for the visa
  • Be nominated by a state or territory government or eligible relative
  • Have at least 65 points in order to be eligible to submit an EOI. However, you may need to achieve higher points in order to be invited. Note that certain occupations have a higher points threshold
  • If seeking state or territory nomination, meet the individual eligibility requirements
  • Be under 45 years old when you apply for the visa

Skills assessment

The Department of Home Affairs only accepts a skills assessment issued by the relevant assessing authority in Australia. Depending on your occupation or visa type, you may need to have your skills assessed as suitable for migration purposes. The relevant assessing authority will check that your skills and qualifications meet the standard and level set to work in the relevant occupation in Australia.

Skills assessments are issued by relevant skills assessing authorities including VETASSESS, CPA Australia, Institute of Managers and Leaders National (IML), Engineers Australia, Trades Recognition Authority (TRA), and Australian Computer Society (ACS).  The relevant assessing authority depends on the occupation selected. The list of eligible skilled occupations is set out here. Each assessing authority has its assessment procedure, criteria, timeframes, and charges.

Migration Affairs has the detailed expertise and knowledge in supporting skilled workers seeking skills assessments. We can work with you in preparing your documents to ensure the best outcome in your assessment so that you can proceed to submit an EOI or apply for your visa. 

FAQs

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Sign up to receive important news and insights straight to your inbox.