Skills to build your future around
General Skilled Migration (GSM). Your next chapter.
Build your future in Australia around the skills you already have. Understand the 189, 190 and 491 pathways, where you stand and what to do next.
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A future worth planning for
You bring the skills. We help you see the possibilities.
General Skilled Migration gives eligible skilled people a way to build a life in Australia without an employer sponsoring their visa. Your occupation, qualifications, experience, age and English ability all help shape your options.
The main points-tested pathways are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The 189 and 190 visas are permanent; the 491 is provisional. Some state nomination pathways also have their own employment or residence requirements.
We start with your situation, then connect the requirements to a practical plan. You'll understand what you can support with evidence, what may need work and which next steps make sense.
Three pathways. Different possibilities.
Find a direction that fits your life.
Start with the key differences. Your occupation, points and willingness to live in a particular location can help narrow the options.
Skilled Independent visa
(subclass 189)
For skilled people invited through the points-tested stream. You don't need an employer, state or territory to sponsor or nominate you.
- Selection
- Invitation through SkillSelect
- Location
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Nomination
- Not required
Skilled Nominated visa
(subclass 190)
For skilled people nominated by an Australian state or territory. You need to meet the visa requirements and that government's nomination criteria.
- Selection
- State or territory nomination
- Location
- Plan for the nominating state's settlement commitments
- Points
- 5 nomination points
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
(subclass 491)
For skilled people nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative, who plan to live, work and study in designated regional Australia.
- Selection
- Nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Location
- Designated regional areas
- Points
- 15 nomination or sponsorship points
The 491 is a provisional visa, with a possible pathway to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if you meet its requirements. All three pathways require an invitation. Meeting the minimum points score does not guarantee selection.
Let's check your starting point
Could skilled migration work for you?
For the 189 points-tested, 190 and 491 pathways, these are the main checks for the primary applicant. The details depend on your visa and circumstances.
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Age at invitation
You must be under 45 when invited to apply. Turning 45 after the invitation is different from turning 45 while waiting for one.
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An eligible occupation
Your occupation must be eligible for the visa you choose. The occupation list and any state nomination requirements need to be checked separately.
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A suitable skills assessment
Your nominated occupation needs suitable assessment evidence. Check the assessing authority's criteria, timing requirements and your assessment's validity.
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At least Competent English
You must meet the English requirement at invitation. Higher English levels may add points. The accepted evidence and scores depend on the rules that apply to you.
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At least 65 points
Your total can include eligible nomination or sponsorship points. You must be able to prove the claims behind your invited score.
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Health, character and visa history
You and relevant family members must meet applicable requirements. Your current visa, conditions and immigration history also matter when planning where and when to apply.
More than a number
Your points matter. So does the evidence.
Age, English, qualifications, eligible work experience and other factors can contribute to your score. We check which claims your documents can support and where there may be room to improve.
A job offer on its own does not add points under the federal GSM points test. It may still matter for a state's nomination criteria.
Try the free self-assessmentThe minimum points threshold. Your invitation score may be higher.
- Competent / Proficient / Superior English
- 0 / 10 / 20 points
- Subclass 190 nomination
- 5 points
- Subclass 491 nomination or eligible sponsorship
- 15 points
These are selected examples, not a full points calculation. Nomination points apply to the relevant visa and cannot be combined across subclasses. A self-assessment is a starting estimate, not a formal skills assessment.
From questions to a clear next step
A process you can make sense of.
Your plan should explain what happens now, what depends on selection and what needs to be ready before an invitation arrives.
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Understand your profile
Check your occupation, points, visa history and preferred locations. Identify suitable pathways and any gaps in your evidence.
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Prepare your assessment and English evidence
Work through the relevant skills assessment requirements and English evidence. Keep an eye on validity dates and the claims you intend to make.
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Submit your EOI and any state steps
Record your details in SkillSelect. For state nomination, follow the separate process, which may involve an ROI, selection and a nomination application.
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Receive a visa invitation
Selection depends on the relevant program. A state invitation to apply for nomination is a separate step from a Home Affairs invitation to apply for the visa.
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Lodge your visa application
After a SkillSelect visa invitation, you have 60 calendar days to apply. Provide evidence for your invited points score and meet the remaining visa requirements.
Your situation. Our support.
A plan built around the person applying.
You might be starting from scratch, updating an existing EOI or wondering what to do before your visa expires. We help you connect the moving parts and understand your choices.
- Review occupation selection and the evidence for your points.
- Guide your skills assessment and nomination preparation.
- Prepare and manage the agreed EOI and visa application work.
- Explain timing, fees and the scope of support before you proceed.
The questions on your mind
Let's make things clearer.
A few answers to help you find your footing. We can look at the details when we understand your situation.
How many points do I need for skilled migration?
The minimum threshold for the 189 points-tested, 190 and 491 visas is 65 points, including any eligible nomination or sponsorship points. An invitation can require a higher score. Occupation demand, available places and the relevant selection criteria also matter.
Which skilled visa is the easiest to get?
There is no single easiest pathway. The 189 is independent, the 190 requires state or territory nomination, and the 491 involves regional commitments and nomination or eligible family sponsorship. The 491 has the same 65-point minimum threshold, with 15 eligible nomination or sponsorship points available.
Do I need a job offer or an employer sponsor?
These GSM pathways do not require an employer to sponsor you. Some state nomination pathways have employment, job offer, residence or other requirements, so your preferred state and visa still need to be checked.
Which occupations are in demand?
Start by checking whether your occupation is eligible for the visa you want. A place on an occupation list does not guarantee an invitation. State priorities and federal invitation outcomes vary, so a national shortage headline alone is not enough to build your plan around.
Can I include my partner and children?
Eligible members of your family unit can generally be included, subject to the visa's rules. Their identity, relationship, health and character evidence may be required. Partner circumstances can also affect your points claims.
Does lodging an EOI give me a bridging visa?
No. An EOI is an expression of interest, not a visa application. It does not extend your stay or give you a bridging visa. If you are in Australia, plan for your current visa expiry separately.
How long will the process take, and what will it cost?
There are separate stages for skills assessment, selection, nomination where relevant, and visa processing. Invitation waiting time is uncertain. Costs can include assessment and English testing, nomination fees, government visa charges and professional fees. We explain our proposed scope and fees before you proceed. Use the official processing time guide and visa pricing estimator for current government information.
I already have an EOI. Is it worth reviewing?
Your EOI remains active for two years and should reflect changes to your circumstances, such as new work experience, English results or family details. Check its accuracy and evidence before an invitation arrives. State processes may require a separate, current ROI.
Your next step starts with you
You don't need every answer to get started.
Tell us where you are now and where you'd like to go. We'll help you understand your skilled migration options and the next step worth taking.