Skilled visa

General Skilled Migration programme

Australia offers opportunities for skilled people from around the world who want to live, work and build a better future in Australia.

The General Skilled Migration Program (GSM) is aimed at people who possess professional skills, qualifications and experience in occupations that are needed in the Australian labour market.

To qualify for these visas, applicants must normally be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply, have adequate English language skills, a positive assessment of professional qualifications (Skills Assessment) and meet the points system criteria.

The applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (Skilled Occupation List) for the selected visa category.

Age, education, work experience, knowledge of the English language and other relevant factors are taken into account when assessing eligibility.

Skilled visa options

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers multiple opportunities to obtain temporary or permanent residence.

Depending on their occupation, qualifications and personal circumstances, applicants may apply independently, with nomination from an Australian state or territory, or with sponsorship from an eligible family member.

The three main categories of visas under this program are:

Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

This visa allows permanent residence in Australia for skilled persons whose occupations are on the relevant list of skilled occupations.

Sponsorship by an employer, family member or nomination from an Australian state or territory is not required for this category.

Applicants must meet the requirements of the points system and receive an official invitation to apply.

The visa allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia as permanent residents.

Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

This visa allows permanent residence in Australia for qualified persons who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Each state or territory has its own nomination criteria, which may include certain occupations, qualifications, work experience and other requirements.

Candidates who receive a nomination receive additional 5 points within the skilled migration system.

This category is particularly suitable for persons whose occupations and qualifications meet the needs of a particular Australian state or territory.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

This provisional visa is for skilled people who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

Applicants need nomination from an Australian state or territory, or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in the relevant regional area.

Candidates get extra 15 points within the skilled migration system.

The visa is granted for 5 years and allows holders to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

After at least three years, holders of this visa can apply for permanent residence through subclass 191, if they meet the necessary conditions.

How do you apply for a skilled visa?

The process begins with a skills assessment and a review of whether the applicant meets the requirements for the relevant visa category.

The next step is submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian SkillSelect system.

For visas 189, 190 and 491 it is necessary to meet the conditions of the points system, with a minimum threshold of 65 points, including additional nomination or sponsorship points when applicable.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum number of points does not guarantee receiving an invitation to apply.

How can the Australian Migration Office help you?

Our registered Australian migration agent can help you assess your options, choose the most appropriate visa category and prepare the necessary documentation.

We offer you professional advice on the assessment of qualifications, the points system, nominations from Australian states and territories, and the preparation and submission of the application.

Find out if you are eligible for skilled migration to Australia.