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General Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration is Australia’s primary independent immigration program, utilising a points-based system to select qualified individuals who do not require an employer’s sponsorship. This points-tested visa allows skilled workers to apply either independently or with sponsorship from a state or territory government.

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The GSM program covers three separate visa subclasses:

All three subclasses use the same points test and the same SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) process, but they differ in where you can live and work, how long the visa lasts, and whether a state or territory nomination is required. Choosing the right subclass for your occupation, points score and circumstances is often the single biggest factor in how quickly you receive an invitation.

Skilled Independent – Subclass 189 visa

Skilled Nominated – Subclass 190 visa

Skilled Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 491 visa

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa designed for skilled professionals whose occupations are in demand in Australia. It allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in the country without the need for sponsorship from a state or territory government, employer, or eligible relative.

Through the points-tested stream, candidates can apply independently by meeting the required points threshold. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, qualifications, skilled employment history, English language ability, and other relevant criteria.

To be considered, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Invitations to apply for the visa are then issued by the Department of Home Affairs to candidates who meet the required standards and rank competitively.

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa granted to skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This nomination provides applicants with an additional 5 points toward their overall migration score.

As part of the visa conditions, successful applicants are expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after the visa is granted.

Like the subclass 189 visa, this is a points-tested pathway. Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Invitations to apply are issued based on the strength and ranking of the candidate’s profile.

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa for skilled professionals who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is valid for up to five years and provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Applicants who receive nomination for this regional visa are awarded an additional 15 points toward their overall migration score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Workers or New Zealand citizens who hold skills Australia needs can apply for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. 

Additional dependant applicants can be included in your application. These are known as ‘members of the family unit’ and are generally limited to your partner/spouse and children.

The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189 )visa does not require the applicant to hold a valid nomination from either a State or Territory government or eligible family member. The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa does require the applicant to hold a valid nomination at the time of application.

The English language requirement for the Skilled Nominated Visa is to have competent English. This can be proven by holding a passport of an eligible country or taking an applicable English test. 

Each Australian state and territory have different requirements in order to be eligible to apply for a nomination. A job offer is a common requirement for a number of states and territories.

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