General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

Skilled Migration Pathways to Australia

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program provides skilled workers with pathways to live and work in Australia based on their skills, qualifications, work experience and other eligibility criteria.

Astra Consulting Group provides professional migration advice and assistance for eligible applicants considering the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

These visas are points-tested and generally involve an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect before an applicant can be invited to apply. The appropriate pathway depends on your occupation, skills assessment, age, English language ability, qualifications, skilled employment, points score and other individual circumstances.

Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member or nominated by a state or territory government.

Applicants for the points-tested stream must first submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. Applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation and must meet the applicable points-test and other visa requirements.

The subclass 189 pathway is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes can vary according to factors such as occupation, points score and the Department’s invitation arrangements.

Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Like subclass 189, applicants generally submit an EOI through SkillSelect before being invited to apply. State and territory governments assess candidates according to their own nomination requirements and priorities.

A successful state or territory nomination results in an invitation to apply for the visa. Each jurisdiction can have different requirements relating to occupations, skills, work experience, English language ability, residence, employment and other factors.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is designed for eligible skilled workers who intend to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

Applicants must generally be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative, and must meet the relevant occupation, skills assessment, points-test and invitation requirements.

The subclass 491 visa can allow eligible applicants to stay in Australia for up to five years and live, work and study in a designated regional area. Eligible holders may later have a pathway to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), subject to meeting the applicable requirements.

Skills Assessment

A suitable skills assessment is an important part of many GSM applications.

The relevant skills assessing authority assesses whether an applicant’s qualifications and skills are suitable for their nominated occupation. The assessing authority and assessment requirements depend on the occupation.

For points-tested GSM visas, applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation. The assessment should be obtained at the appropriate stage and must satisfy the requirements applicable to the visa pathway.

Expression of Interest (EOI) and SkillSelect

The GSM process generally begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

An EOI includes information about your:

• Age
• English language proficiency
• Qualifications
• Skilled employment history
• Skills assessment
• Australian study, where applicable
• Partner skills, where applicable
• Other factors relevant to the points test

The information in the EOI contributes to your indicative points score. Applicants should ensure that all claims are accurate and can be supported with appropriate evidence if invited to apply.

An EOI can remain active in SkillSelect for up to two years and can generally be updated before an invitation is received if circumstances change.

Points Test and Invitation

The GSM visas are points-tested pathways. The current minimum points threshold is 65 points, but meeting 65 points does not mean that an applicant will necessarily receive an invitation.

The score required to receive an invitation can be considerably higher depending on the visa subclass, occupation, invitation round and available places. The Department ranks eligible EOIs according to its applicable invitation arrangements.

For this reason, we assess your circumstances carefully rather than relying solely on the minimum points threshold.

Our GSM Migration Services

As an OMARA-registered migration agent (MARN 2619282), Astra Consulting Group provides professional assistance throughout the GSM process.

Our services may include:

• • Initial assessment of your skilled migration profile
  • Occupation and visa pathway assessment
  • Skills assessment guidance
  • Points calculation and evidence review
  • English language requirement guidance
  • Expression of Interest preparation
  • State or territory nomination strategy and application assistance
  • Invitation and visa application preparation
  • Supporting document and evidence review

• Assistance with requests for further information

• Communication with the Department of Home Affairs, where authorised
• Guidance for applicants and family members included in the application

Finding the Right Skilled Migration Pathway

There is no single GSM pathway that is suitable for every applicant.

Depending on your circumstances, subclass 189, 190 or 491 may offer different options. Factors such as your occupation, age, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, points score, state or territory nomination opportunities and regional requirements can all affect the available pathway.

Our role is to assess your circumstances and provide professional migration advice so that you can make an informed decision about your options.

Professional Migration Assistance

Australian immigration assistance is provided by an OMARA-registered migration agent – MARN 2619282 – and Member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MMIA™).

We provide advice based on your individual circumstances and the migration requirements applicable at the time of assessment.

Important: Meeting the minimum points threshold or submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Visa and nomination decisions are made by the relevant Australian Government, state or territory authorities. Migration laws, occupation lists, nomination criteria and invitation arrangements may change. Professional migration assistance does not guarantee a visa grant or a particular migration outcome.