The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a key pathway for skilled workers seeking to migrate to Australia permanently, designed to attract individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy by addressing skill shortages across various sectors. This points-tested visa allows skilled workers to apply either independently or with sponsorship from a state or territory government.
Applicants are evaluated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency, with eligibility determined through a points-based system. Higher points increase the chances of receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa. Those who do not have an Australian business to sponsor them are particularly suited for this program, which requires them to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for an invitation.
The GSM program covers three separate visa subclasses:
- Skilled Independent – Subclass 189 visa
- Skilled Nominated – Subclass 190 visa
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 491 visa
Steps involved in applying for a General Skilled Migration visa
- Apply for your skills assessment to verify your experience and qualifications
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, providing details about your skills, qualifications and experience
- Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your Skilled visa
- Once invited, proceed with lodging your visa application.
For Subclass 190 and 491 visas, if seeking state or territory nomination, ensure you meet the individual eligibility criteria and, in some cases, submit a nomination application as well.
Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa – Points tested Stream
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a permanent visa for workers with skills in demand to live and work anywhere in Australia. You don’t need to be sponsored by a state/territory government or relative in Australia.
Under the Points-tested stream, applicants can apply independently by earning points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other qualities. To be eligible, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) under the Points-tested stream, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have a nominated occupation listed on the relevant 189 occupation list, specifically the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Score at least 65 points on the points test. However, to increase your chances of receiving an invitation, you may need to achieve a higher score, as some occupations require a higher threshold of points.
- Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa based on the merit of your profile.
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
- Meet the English, health, and character requirements.
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the number of individuals invited for the 189 visa and the minimum point score cutoff.
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.
To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have a nominated occupation listed on the relevant 190 Skilled Occupation List
- Have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Score at least 65 points on the points test. However, to increase your chances of receiving an invitation, you may need to achieve a higher score, as some occupations require a higher threshold of points
- Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa based on the merit of your profile
- Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Meet the English, health, and character requirements.
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) – Points Tested Stream
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia. This visa is granted for up to 5 years, and it offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
An extra 15 points for being nominated for this regional visa is awarded.
To be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have an occupation on the relevant 491 Skilled Occupation List
- Have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Score at least 65 points on the points test. However, to increase your chances of receiving an invitation, you may need to achieve a higher score, as some occupations require a higher threshold of points
- Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa based on the merit of your profile
- Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Meet the English, health, and character requirements.
Skills assessment
A positive skills assessment is mandatory for visa applications under the General Skilled Migration program, including Subclasses 189, 190, and 491.
The Department of Home Affairs only accepts a skills assessment issued by the relevant assessing authority in Australia. It evaluates whether your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
- Each occupation has a corresponding assessing authority. For example, VETASSESS assesses a wide range of occupations, while Engineers Australia focuses on engineering professions. The appropriate authority depends on your nominated occupation. The list of eligible skilled occupations is set out here.
- The skills assessment process typically involves submitting an application with your educational and employment documents. The assessing authority will evaluate whether your qualifications and experience meet the standards required to work in your nominated occupation in Australia.
- The skills assessment criteria vary depending on both the occupation and the assessing authority. Each assessing body has its own specific standards, which may differ from the general skills requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
The GSM program is a detailed, multi-step process that requires a clear understanding of the various requirements and procedures. At Migration Affairs, we offer comprehensive services to guide you through each stage of the process.
Our services include assessing your eligibility and providing assistance with:
- The skills assessment process including applications to Trades Recognition Australia, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, Community Work Australia, and other relevant assessing bodies
- Applications for state or territory nominations
- The Expression of Interest process
- The visa application process
- Liaising with the Department of Home Affairs should any issues arise.
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
Once you have submitted your EOI, it is valid for two years. If you do not receive an invitation to apply within this time frame, you will need to submit a new EOI to continue your application process.
To be eligible for the General Skilled Migration program, you must score at least 65 points on the points test. However, depending on the demand for specific occupations, some may require much higher points, and not all occupations are invited on each round. If applying for the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visas, certain states or territories may also set a higher points requirement for particular occupations.
Generally, the more points you have, the stronger your application will be and the more likely it is for you to receive an invitation.
Maximising your points score can improve your chances of receiving an invitation. You could consider:
- Your partner obtaining a positive skills assessment in an occupation that is also on the same Skilled Occupation List as you, the main applicant (not applicable if partner is Australian)
- Your partner meeting the English language criteria (not applicable if partner is Australian)
- Obtaining accreditation from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) in a CCL
- Securing skilled employment in Australia relevant to your nominated occupation. The duration of your work experience is a critical factor
- Achieving a higher score in English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or PTE Academic. Superior English proficiency receives the highest points allocation.
You must be under 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Therefore, if you are over 45 at the time of invitation, you will no longer be considered for invitation.
The key difference between the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is that the subclass 189 does not require a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In contrast, the subclass 190 requires state or territory government sponsorship, and applicants are awarded an additional 5 points for this nomination. Under the 190 visa, you must make a commitment to live in the nominating state after visa grant for a specified period of time.
