General Skilled Migration Visas

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is designed to attract qualified professionals with in-demand skills. These points-tested visas allow individuals to live, work, and study in Australia — with or without sponsorship — and provide direct or eventual access to permanent residency.

Overview of GSM Visa Streams

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
  This is a permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state. You can apply directly from anywhere in the world.
  No need for state or employer sponsorship
  Full PR rights from day one
  Live and work anywhere in Australia
  
  🔹 Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
  A state-sponsored permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Offers an extra +5 points on your EOI.
  Nomination required by a specific state
  Must commit to living and working in that state
  Full permanent residency rights
  
  🔹 Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
  This temporary visa is for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area.
  Valid for 5 years
  Requires regional stay for at least 3 years
  Eligible for permanent residency via Subclass 191

Eligibility Criteria (All Streams)

To apply under GSM, you must:

Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs

Be aged between 18 and 45 years

Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Regional Occupation List

Have a positive skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority

Meet competent English standards (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)

Score 65+ points on the General Skilled Migration points test

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Required Documents:

• Personal:
• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• English language test results
• Police clearance certificates
• Health check reports
• Professional:
• Resume/CV
• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• Work reference letters
• Skills assessment report
• EOI & Nomination (for 190/491):
• State nomination approval letter
• Commitment to live/work in the nominating state or regional area
• Evidence of regional ties or study (for 491)
• Second Post-Study Work Stream
• For those who studied and lived in a designated regional area during their first 485 visa.
• Duration: Up to 2 additional years.

Points Test Breakdown

• Points are awarded for:
• Age
• English language ability
• Skilled work experience (Australia & overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study requirements
• Regional study, partner skills, professional year programs
• State nomination or family sponsorship (for 190/491)

Required Documents for Subclass 485

• General Documents:
• Passport bio page
• Australian qualification completion letter
• Academic transcript
• English test results
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC or OVHC)
• Health check and police clearance certificates
• If applying for Graduate Work Stream:
• Skills assessment for nominated occupation
• Evidence of relevant work experience or training (if applicable)
• If applying for Post-Study Work Stream:
• CRICOS-registered course details
• Proof of full-time study completion

Important Notes

• No sponsor required
• You cannot apply directly without receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via SkillSelect
• State/territory nomination processes and occupation lists vary
• Subclass 491 requires you to live, work, or study in regional Australia to qualify for PR under Subclass 191 later
• You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application