General Skilled Migration (GSM)
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is Australia’s primary pathway for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer but possess qualifications and experience in demand in Australia. It is a points-tested visa pathway aimed at filling skill shortages in the Australian labour market. Points are awarded mainly for Age, English Proficiency, Skilled Employment Experience, Educational Qualifications, Australian Study and Regional Study, Professional Year in Australia, State Points for Subclass 190 and 491, Partner Skills and English, Other Factors (NAATI, specialist education, etc.).Minimum eligibility is 65 points, but practically, competitive EOI invitations require higher points in high-demand occupations.
Visa Subclasses under GSM
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family.
Permanent residency (PR) visa.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Also provides PR.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in regional Australia.
Temporary visa (5 years) leading to PR via subclass 191
GSM Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Age (under 45)
Occupation on relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Skills and qualifications
English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE etc.)
Health and character requirements
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia etc).
This confirms your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
You must create an EOI online in SkillSelect.
No visa application is submitted at this stage.
Points-based ranking determines if you get invited to apply.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Only the highest-ranking candidates are invited.
Subclass 189: Direct ITA from the federal government.
Subclass 190/491: Requires nomination by a state/territory before receiving ITA.
Step 5: Apply for the Visa
You have 60 days to submit your visa application after receiving the ITA.
Must include all required documents, police checks, medicals, etc.
Step 6: Visa Decision
Department of Home Affairs assesses your application.
If successful, you receive the visa grant.
Complexities and Challenges in GSM
Fluctuating Point Thresholds:
Invitations are competitive and change depending on demand.
Some occupations need very high scores to get invited.
Occupation Ceilings & List Updates:
Skilled Occupation Lists change regularly.
Your occupation might be removed, suspended, or moved between lists.
State Nomination Variability:
Each state/territory has different criteria, occupation lists, and processes.
You may qualify in one state but not another.
Skills Assessment Delays or Refusals:
A failed or delayed skills assessment can stall the entire application.
English Language Testing:
Must meet high proficiency standards (especially for full points).
Document Preparation and Tight Deadlines:
Supporting documents (work references, payslips, etc.) must be thorough.
Only 60 days after ITA to submit visa application.
Frequent Policy Changes:
Immigration policies and criteria can change suddenly and impact eligibility.
The General Skilled Migration process is an attractive pathway to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers, but it is highly competitive and complex. Many applicants face significant delays, rejections, or missed opportunities due to misunderstanding the points test, changing policies, or submitting incomplete applications.
We provide expert guidance through every step of the General Skilled Migration process — from assessing your eligibility and maximizing your points score to preparing a strong skills assessment and visa application. With up-to-date knowledge of immigration laws, changing state nomination requirements, and strategic visa planning, we help reduce complexity, avoid costly mistakes, and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Whether you're just starting or facing challenges with your application, we're here to simplify the process and support your goal of migrating to Australia.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The content is subject to change over time. You should seek professional legal advice before taking any action based on this information.
