General Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program enables skilled individuals to immigrate to Australia without requiring an employer's job offer. This visa targets people whose skills align with Australia's high-demand occupations. Applicants are evaluated based on factors such as their professional skills, work experience, educational qualifications, and English language proficiency.

The application process unfolds as follows:

  • First, candidates verify if their occupation is listed on Australia's skilled occupation list.

  • They then undergo a skills assessment and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system.

The GSM program plays a crucial role in addressing skill shortages in Australian businesses, particularly in regional areas where local talent may be scarce. By filling these gaps, visa holders contribute to the smooth operation of local industries and bolster regional economies.

Free Self-Assessment Tool

For GSM visa program, the required minimum points to lodge an Expression of Interest will be 65 points. If you want to assess your potential points, you may use our free self-assessment tool and we will provide you your score through email within 24 hours.

Free Assessment Tool
Group of four diverse workers in a factory, two women and two men, holding safety helmets and smiling, with machinery and shelves in the background.
Two men working at desks in an office, focused on their computers. The man in the foreground wears glasses and a gray sweater, while the man in the background has short hair and wears a dark shirt. There is greenery and sunlight coming through the windows, and items like a small figurine, plant, and smartphones are on the desks.
A group of four healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, standing together in a hospital or medical facility.
A diverse group of five airplane maintenance workers standing confidently inside an aircraft hangar with a large airplane in the background. They are wearing work uniforms and safety gear.

There are temporary and permanent options for this visa program.

Temporary/Provisional Visa

Skilled Regional
Subclass 491 Visa

A provisional visa designed for skilled migrants who are nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in a designated region of Australia. There are 2 streams under this visa subclass:

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Main Applicant

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Subsequent Entrant

READ MORE

Permanent Visa

National Innovation Visa
Subclass 858 Visa

A permanent visa designed to attract the world’s brightest minds and most accomplished professionals. This visa supports exceptionally talented individuals who can drive innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness in key sectors of the Australian economy.

READ MORE

Permanent Visas

Skilled Independent
Subclass 189 Visa

A permanent visa allowing skilled professional equipped with the most in-demand skills in Australia. There are 3 streams under this visa subclass, which has different sets of eligibility criteria.

Points Tested Stream
New Zealand Stream
Hong Kong Stream

READ MORE

Skilled Nominated
Subclass 190 Visa

A permanent visa designed for skilled migrants with qualifications and experience listed on Australia's skilled occupation lists. To apply, eligible candidates must first receive a nomination. This nomination can be provided by an Australian state or territory government or obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

READ MORE

Skilled Regional
Subclass 887 Visa

A permanent visa for skilled migrants who previously held a valid visa that expired while they were outside Australia during the concession period. Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least two years of full-time work, with at least one year completed in a specified regional area.

READ MORE

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • For permanent residency (PR) under a points-tested skilled visa, a minimum score of 65 points is required. However, due to high demand, applicants often need a significantly higher score to receive an invitation, especially for competitive visas like subclass 189. Factors such as age, qualifications, and regional work experience can substantially boost your score.

  • The "easiest" skilled visa depends on your qualifications and goals. The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is popular because it doesn't require sponsorship from an employer or Australian state, offering full flexibility. However, you'll need a high points score to be competitive. For those open to working in regional areas, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is an alternative, with a lower points threshold and incentives for regional employment.

  • In-demand skilled visas typically align with regional or critical skill shortages. The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) are prime examples. These visas attract applicants willing to work in regional areas, addressing specific skill needs in industries like healthcare, IT, and construction. State-specific skilled occupation lists are regularly updated to reflect current priorities.

  • The minimum score is 65 points, but this doesn't guarantee an invitation to apply. Higher scores significantly increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation, especially in competitive fields. Certain factors—such as regional job offers or state sponsorship—can boost your score and enhance your chances of securing a skilled visa.

  • To qualify for skilled migration to Australia, you'll need to meet several key requirements:

    • Your occupation must be on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, which includes in-demand jobs nationwide or regionally.

    • You must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency. • You need a positive skills assessment in your occupation.

    • You must score at least 65 points on a points test, which evaluates factors such as age, education, and work experience.

    • You're required to meet health and character standards.