Skilled Migration  Visas

General Skilled Migration Overview

The Skilled Visa to Australia is for skilled individuals or families looking to permanently migrate to Australia, to fill Australia’s skill shortages. Visas within the General Skilled Migration program are points tested and are either independent, State / Territory sponsored or family-sponsored permanent visas.

The Skilled Occupation List determines which occupations are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration program.

General Skilled Migration Visas

• Skilled Independent Visa 189 (Permanent Resident Visa)

• Skilled Nominated Visa 190 (Permanent Resident Visa)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 491 (Temporary Visa)

General Skilled Migration Visas Requirements

There are some minimum requirements for applicants to meet before they can be eligible to apply for GSM visas. The checklist below shows that applicants must:

• have a nominated occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and pass the skills assessment for the nominated occupation

• be 18-45 years old

• have competent English (IELTS 6 for each band/PTE 50 for each band or equivalent)

• have received an invitation from the relevant authority (189 Visa from the Department of Home Affairs, 190 and 491 Visa from the State/Territory Government)

• have achieved at least 65 points under the Skilled Migration point test system

• meet the health and character requirements

Applying for General Skilled Migration visas

The Department of Home Affairs is using the SkillSelect System to assess all invitations for General Skilled Migration visas.

You can calculate your potential points score with the points calculator. When you complete your EOI, SkillSelect will give you an indicative points score based on the information you have entered.

Candidates will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect System.

The Department of Home Affairs or State/Territory Government select the candidates from the SkillSelect System and issue the invitation to apply for the relevant visas*

Candidates will have 60 days to submit the visa application after receiving the SkillSelect invitation.

* Note: Candidates might need to submit a separate State/Territory Nomination application after submitting the EOI.