

General Skilled Migration Visas (GSM)
Key Points for GSM Visas:
- Points Test: Applicants must meet a points threshold based on age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, etc.
- SkillSelect: SkillSelect is an online system that manages applications for skilled migration to Australia. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through this system.
- Occupation Lists: To apply, your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (STSOL or MLTSSL).
- English Language Proficiency: Most visa applicants must meet specific English language requirements, typically demonstrated through an English language test.
- Health and Character Checks: Applicants must meet specific health and character requirements to ensure they are fit to live and work in Australia.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the subclass 189 visa, you must:
- Meet the Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points, which are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Nominate an Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Through the SkillSelect system. Some states may also
- Receive an Invitation to Apply: Only after being invited based on your EOI.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language skills as required.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the subclass 190 visa, you must:
- Meet the Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points, which are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Nominate an Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Through the SkillSelect system.
- Registration of Interest (ROI): Some states may also request a Registration of Interest (ROI) on the state-specific website.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply: Only after being invited based on your EOI.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language skills as required.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
This visa is part of Australia’s broader strategy to address regional skill shortages and encourage migration to areas outside major metropolitan centers.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Meet the points test, which awards points based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and obtain a positive skills assessment for that occupation.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system and receive an invitation to apply.
- Registration of Interest (ROI): Some states may also request a Registration of Interest (ROI) on the state-specific website.
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government or be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language skills as required.
- Meet health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is designed for individuals who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa. This visa allows holders to live and work in Australia permanently.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, applicants must:
- Hold an eligible visa: Typically, this includes the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas.
- Reside in a designated regional area: Applicants must have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Meet income requirements: There is no minimum income requirement specified for this visa. However, an applicant must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for the previous three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa.
- Comply with visa conditions: Ensure compliance with the conditions of the eligible visa held.
If you believe one of these visa options may be suitable for your circumstances and could support your pathway to settling in Australia, we invite you to book a consultation with us. Let 26 Degrees Migration be your trusted partner in achieving your migration goals with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
How do I know if my occupation is eligible?
Your occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for the visa subclass you are applying for. Each visa subclass has its list and requirements. A skills assessment from an approved assessing authority is also required.
What is the minimum points requirement?
To be eligible for GSM visas, you must score at least 65 points on the points test, considering factors such as age, English proficiency, skilled employment, education, and other qualifications. However, competitive selection may require a higher score.
Can I include family members in my GSM visa application?
Yes. You can include eligible dependent family members such as your spouse/partner and dependent children in your visa application.