GSM VISAS
General Skilled Migration
GSM Visa comes under the Skilled Migration Program. Its purpose is to attract highly employable people for migration to Australia. It is the most common form of migration to Australia, and it is one of the core areas of our expertise.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa is primarily meant for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. It is also applicable to individuals who can get sponsorship of an Australian employer. We provide consultation, assessment and visa services for the GSM category.
GSM Visa Categories
- Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa – Subclass 491
- State Regional Sponsored
- Family Sponsored
Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then be invited through SkillSelect to apply. Rankings change as people enter and leave SkillSelect, so you cannot view a fixed ranking after submitting your EOI. To access the professions falling under this category, select the SOL.
Benefits for holders include:
- Reside, work and study in Australia indefinitely
- Eligibility to enrol with Medicare
- Eligibility to obtain Australian Citizenship (if eligible)
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency (subject to requirements)
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
A permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian State or Territory government. Each State/Territory publishes a list of occupations in short supply and may set requirements for experience, English ability or specialised skills. The applicable list can be SOL or CSOL depending on the nomination.
Benefits for holders include:
- Reside, work and study indefinitely (usually expected to reside for 2 years in nominating state/territory)
- Eligibility to enrol with Medicare
- Eligibility to obtain Australian Citizenship (if eligible)
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency (subject to requirements)
Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa – Subclass 491
Designed to encourage skilled workers and their families to live and work in specified regional or low-population parts of Australia for up to four years. Applicants can be sponsored by a relative in a designated area or a State/Territory Government.
State Regional Sponsored
- Nomination by an Australian State/Territory is required; each has its own eligible occupation list and criteria.
- Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
- Positive skills assessment by the authorised assessing authority is required.
- You may also apply if sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
Family Sponsored
An eligible relative must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and related as one of the following:
- Parent
- Brothers and Sisters
- Uncles and Aunts
- Nephews and Nieces
- First Cousins
- Grandparents
Applicants sponsored by a relative for two years and who have worked full-time for at least 12 months in a regional or low-population area may qualify for a Skilled Regional Subclass 191 Permanent Visa.
Highlights — GSM Points Test
- 15 points for nomination by a State/Territory government or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia
- 10 points for certain STEM qualifications
Partner points
- 10 points for a skilled spouse or de facto partner (skills assessment required)
- 10 points if you have no spouse/de facto partner, or your partner is an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
- 5 points for a spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’
New Visas to Assist Regional Australia
Three new visas assist designated regional areas (all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast).
New Visas Introduced Include:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491: replaces 489; invitation via EOI; nomination/sponsorship required; age limit 45; nominate a skilled occupation with skills assessment.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494: replaces 187 (RSMS) visa.
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191: valid from Nov 16, 2022 for 491/494 holders who meet requirements.
GSM Points Test Effective After November 16, 2019
- 15 points for nomination by a State or Territory government agency or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia
- 10 points for certain STEM qualifications
Partner points
- 10 points for a skilled spouse or de facto partner (skills assessment required)
- 10 points if you have no spouse/de facto partner, or your partner is an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
- 5 points for a spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’
Key Eligibility Requirements
Choosing the right occupation for skills assessment is critical and can affect your points score and eligibility for state-sponsored options. We have handled applications for all skilled migration subclasses and most skills assessing authorities and can assist you in navigating the options to reach a successful outcome.
We can help you with smooth processing of GSM visas along with thorough consultations, assessment and submission of right documents without any error.
