General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
The GSM program is for skilled workers who are invited to apply for a visa based on their qualifications, work experience, English ability, and other personal factors. The goal is to fill specific skill shortages across Australia.
The Critical First Step: Your Skills Assessment
Before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for any GSM visa (Subclasses 189, 190, or 491), you must first obtain a positive Skills Assessment.
A Skills Assessment is a formal evaluation by a government-approved body to verify that your academic qualifications, work experience, and skills are comparable to Australian standards for your nominated occupation (ANZSCO code).
Mandatory Requirement: Without a positive Skills Assessment, your EOI will not be considered valid, and any visa application will be refused.
Validity: The assessment is typically valid for three years from the date of issue.
Process: The specific assessing authority (e.g., CPA Australia, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) and its requirements depend entirely on the occupation you nominate.
The GSM Visa Subclasses
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Type: Permanent Residency Visa.
Summary: This is the most sought-after GSM visa, as it requires no nomination from a state/territory or sponsorship from an employer.
Freedom: You can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Invitation: Invitations are highly competitive and are issued based solely on your points test score.
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Type: Permanent Residency Visa.
Summary: Requires official nomination from an Australian State or Territory government (e.g., NSW, Victoria, WA).
Commitment: In return for the nomination, you receive 5 additional points and commit to living and working in that state for a specified period (typically two years).
Invitation: While still points-tested, states may select applicants based on occupations they need, even if their points score is lower than the 189 cut-off.
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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Type: Provisional (5-year) Visa.
Summary: This visa promotes migration to regional areas of Australia. It requires nomination by a State/Territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
Points Advantage: You are awarded 15 additional points for the nomination/sponsorship.
Pathway to PR: After holding the 491 visa for three years, living and working in the regional area, you become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
The GSM Points Test
To be eligible for an invitation under any GSM stream, you must meet the minimum threshold of 65 points. The Department of Home Affairs selects EOIs with the highest points for invitation rounds.
Points are awarded based on claims made in your EOI, which must be supported by evidence (Skills Assessment, English test results, academic transcripts, etc.):
Age: Under 45 at the time of invitation.
English Language Ability: Points increase for Proficient (e.g., IELTS 7.0) and Superior (e.g., IELTS 8.0) English.
Skilled Employment: Recognised work experience in your nominated field (Australian experience is weighted more highly).
Qualifications: Recognised Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degrees.
Study in Australia: Points for completing studies in Australia, especially in a regional area.
Partner Skills: Points for having an eligible partner with their own Skills Assessment and English test.
Nomination/Sponsorship: Extra points for State Nomination (Subclass 190) or Regional Sponsorship (Subclass 491).
Calculate Your Score:
Use the official calculator to check your potential points score and explore different visa scenarios:
