General Skilled Migration Visas Overview

GSM Subclasses | Points Test | General Criteria | Skilled Occupation List | 189, 190 & 491 | Migration to Australia | EOI Validity | Application Process

The General Skilled Migration program is to assist with the skill shortage that exists in Australia and the visa that skilled migrations will generally have lower rates of unemployment and reliance on social welfare.

All applications for the GSM program are required to satisfy certain common criteria with some also being required to achieve a pass mark in the GSM points test.

General Skilled Migration Visa Subclasses

There are several GSM subclasses.  Some of these subclass lead to the grant of permanent residency, whilst others are temporary or provisional in nature

• Skilled Independent – Subclass 189 (Permanent Residency)

• Skilled Nominated – Subclass 190 (Permanent Residency)

• Graduate – Subclass 485 (Temporary Residency)

• Recognised Graduate – Subclass 476 (Temporary Residency)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 491 – will lead to permanent residency

• Skilled Regional – Subclass 887 (Permanent Residency)

• Skilled Regional – Permanent Residence – Subclass 191

Migration Downunder are here to guide you through the maze with your Expression of Interest, Skills Assessment application and working through your eligibility for your points test applications.

What is the Points Test?

• Be under 45 years of age
• Have a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• Have a minimum English language requirement, unless exempt
• Score a minimum 65 points from the points test

What is the General Criteria for the GSM visa?

The current pass mark to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points however the more points you have, the stronger your application will be and the more likely it is for you to receive an invitation. Some occupations require a much higher pass mark and not all occupations are invited on each round. Please review ‘Latest invitation round GSM‘.

What are the Minimum Points Required?

65 points are required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).

What is the Skilled Occupation List?

The National Skills Commission is responsible for providing advice to Government on the skilled migration occupation lists to ensure they are responsive to skilled workforce needs across Australia.  These lists underpin a range of points-tested and state-nominated visa programs.

To view the current lists please visit the Department of Home Affairs

What are the Differences between 189, 190 & 491 visas?

The Subclass 189 visa is an independent skilled visa that doesn’t require any form of sponsorship.  It is a permanent visa.

The Subclass 190 visa is state-nominated visa and applicants are invited to apply by a state or region. Just like the 189 visa, it is a permanent visa

The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that leads to permanent residency on the basis that you are residing in a designated regional area of Australia for a minimum three years.  It is a state or territory nominated visa.  Regional areas include the entire country except Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

How long does an EOI remain valid?

An EOI Submission is valid for two years.  You are required to update the details contained with the EOI to reflect any relevant changes to your circumstances.

The submission of an EOI is not a visa application and does not entitle the applicant to be granted a bridging visa

I want to migrate to Australia

You must be qualified and have employment experience in a skilled profession or trade that is currently on the skilled occupation list.  You must be able to reach a minimum of 65 points to enable you to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) before getting invited.

What happens if my skills assessment has expired at time of 189 or 190 invitation?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to accept the invitation as your skills assessment must be valid at time of invitation and not time of application for the visa application.

Providing False or Misleading Information in an EOI

While policy on Public Interest Criteria (PIC 4020) does not explicitly state that it covers information provided by an EOI, the Department takes the view that a visa application may be refused after an invitation has been issued if it relies on misleading or false information that has been provided in the EOI.

It is strongly recommended that applicants only provide information in their EOI that can be verified at time of invitation to apply for a visa.

What is the Application Process for General Skilled Migration Visas?

1. Check Eligibility
2. Obtain a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skills Select
4. If applicable apply for state/territory nomination
5. Submit visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation

How Can Migration Downunder Help?

We are highly experienced across all areas of the General Skilled Migration program and we are able to advise and assist you on all aspects of the application including your skills assessment, nominating the appropriate occupation and advising on how to demonstrate your relevant work experience.

If you’d like to know more, you can book a consultation so that we can provide you with a written eligibility assessment before proceeding with an application.