Menu

General Skill Migration

General Skill Migration

General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas in Australia are designed for skilled individuals who want to migrate to Australia independently or with the sponsorship of an eligible relative. These visas are points-tested and require applicants to meet specific requirements related to age, English language proficiency, skills assessment, and health and character criteria. There are several subclasses of General Skilled Migration visas in Australia, including:

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-based visa category under the General Skilled Migration program in Australia. It is designed for skilled workers who do not require sponsorship from an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the specific nomination requirements of the state or territory government and have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (currently the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List – MLTSSL or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List – STSOL).

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

State or territory nomination or family sponsorship: To be eligible for this visa, you must either be nominated by a state or territory government agency upon completing the respective state’s conditions or be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area of Australia.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)

This is a Permanent visa allowing the holders of SC-491 or SC-494 to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. Applicants must have lived, worked in a Designated regional area for at least 3 years, and complied with all the visa conditions of their eligible visa. There is no need for a Sponsor or Nominator to apply for this visa.

Key features of the Skilled Visas include:

  1. Points-based system: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online SkillSelect system and meet the minimum points required to be eligible for an invitation to apply for the visa. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and other criteria.
  2. Occupation requirements: Applicants must nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list. It is important to ensure that your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List – (MLTSSL) for 189 and 491 FS and for 190 and 491 visas the nominated occupation can be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List – (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List – STSOL.
  3. Skill assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation. Each assessing authority has specific criteria and requirements for assessing qualifications and work experience.
  4. Expression of Interest (EOI): After meeting the eligibility criteria and having a positive skills assessment, applicants need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect. The EOI should include details of your skills, qualifications, and other relevant information.
  5. Invitation to apply: Once you have submitted your EOI, you may be invited to apply for the visa if you meet the points threshold set in each invitation round. Invitations are issued on a timely basis by the Department of Home Affairs or the state and the territory government agency.
  6. Permanent residency: If your 189/190 visa application is granted, you will be a permanent resident of Australia, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. You can also include eligible family members in your visa application. Whereas holders of subclass 491/491 FS visa must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after meeting specific residency and employment requirements.

 

CALCULATE YOUR POINTS

It’s important to note that Skilled Visas are highly competitive visa categories, and meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee an invitation to apply.

As one of Australia’s leading qualified migration agents, we can assist you in your journey to call Australia your home. With our experience and expertise, we can guide you through the visa application process and make your dreams of living and working in Australia a reality.

As a professional agent, our team at IVS always stays up to date with the latest immigration laws, policies, and procedures. This knowledge allows us to provide valuable insights to our clients and help them navigate through the complexities of the Australian immigration system.

×