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General Skilled Migration Visas
Your Guide to the General Skilled Migration Visas in Australia
What are General Skilled Migration Visas?
The Skilled stream of the Migration Program is for those who can contribute to the Australian economy and fill job vacancies that can’t be filled by local workers. These skilled migrants have high employment rates, an ability to boost economic growth and creating more jobs. Additionally, they support regional development by providing necessary skills and labor.
For more information: The combined list of eligible skilled occupations summarizes the occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages. [See the skilled occupation list]
Types of General Skilled Migration Visas, Australia
Skilled independent visa – Subclass 189
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491
Skilled independent visa – Subclass 189
| Stream | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Points Tested Stream | This visa allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. | You must:
|
| New Zealand stream | This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | – |
Hong Kong Stream
| This visa allows eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | You must:
|
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
| Section | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| With this visa you can | – Stay in Australia permanently – Work and study in Australia – Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare – Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia – If eligible, become an Australian citizen Note: Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. | – You must meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency, including health and character requirements. – You need to maintain residency and comply with Australian laws. |
| How long you can stay | – This is a permanent visa. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. – The visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of visa grant. | – Ensure compliance with the visa conditions, including maintaining permanent residence. – After 5 years, you must apply for a Resident Return visa if you wish to travel. |
| Include family | – You can include members of the family unit in your application. – You can include them when you lodge your visa application or add them after you lodge your application but before we decide on your visa. – If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, the reason for the same has to be specified. | – Family members must meet health and character requirements. – Provide evidence of relationship status, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for children. |
| Apply from | – You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when we decide your application but not in immigration clearance. – If you apply in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a Subclass 020 Bridging B visa or a Subclass 030 Bridging C visa, otherwise your application will not be valid. | – Hold a valid visa or bridging visa at the time of application if applying from within Australia. – Ensure all required documents and information are submitted with the application. |
| Travel | – You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. – After 5 years you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. | – Maintain residency requirements to retain travel privileges. – After 5 years, meet the eligibility for the RRV visa to continue traveling as a permanent resident. |
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491
| Visa Type | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. | This visa is for family members (subsequent entrants) of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). |
| Duration | Stay in Australia for 5 years | Stay until the visa held by the family member ends |
| Application Process |
| Apply online while in or outside Australia |
| Permanent Residency Pathway | Eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after fulfilling the 491 visa condition of staying and working in a regional area for 3 years. | Eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) |
| Basic Eligibility |
| Must be a member of the family unit of a subclass 491 visa holder
|
| Stream | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Points Tested Stream | This visa allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. | You must:
|
| New Zealand stream | This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | – |
Hong Kong Stream
| This visa allows eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | You must:
|
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| With this visa you can | Stay in Australia permanently Work and study in Australia
Note: Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. |
| How long you can stay |
|
| Include family |
|
| Apply from |
|
| Travel |
|
| Visa Type | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. | This visa is for family members (subsequent entrants) of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). |
| Duration | Stay in Australia for 5 years | Stay until the visa held by the family member ends |
| Application Process |
| Apply online while in or outside Australia |
| Permanent Residency Pathway | Eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after fulfilling the 491 visa condition of staying and working in a regional area for 3 years. | Eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) |
| Basic Eligibility |
| Must be a member of the family unit of a subclass 491 visa holder
|
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Short-Term Stream | Up to 2 years (or up to 4 years if an international trade obligation applies)
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Not applicable |
Medium-Term Stream | Up to 4 years
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Offers a pathway after 2 years
if eligible, apply for permanent residence |
Labour Agreement Stream | Up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Varies based on the terms of the labour agreement |
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Direct Entry Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Temporary Residence Transition Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Labour Agreement Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Employer Sponsored Stream | travel to and from Australia for 5 years |
| if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 2 years from the time your visa is granted |
Skilled independent visa – Subclass 189
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491
Skilled independent visa – Subclass 189
| Stream | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Points Tested Stream | This visa allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. | You must:
|
| New Zealand stream | This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | – |
Hong Kong Stream
| This visa allows eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | You must:
|
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
| Section | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| With this visa you can | – Stay in Australia permanently – Work and study in Australia – Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare – Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia – If eligible, become an Australian citizen Note: Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. | – You must meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency, including health and character requirements. – You need to maintain residency and comply with Australian laws. |
| How long you can stay | – This is a permanent visa. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. – The visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of visa grant. | – Ensure compliance with the visa conditions, including maintaining permanent residence. – After 5 years, you must apply for a Resident Return visa if you wish to travel. |
| Include family | – You can include members of the family unit in your application. – You can include them when you lodge your visa application or add them after you lodge your application but before we decide on your visa. – If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, the reason for the same has to be specified. | – Family members must meet health and character requirements. – Provide evidence of relationship status, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for children. |
| Apply from | – You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when we decide your application but not in immigration clearance. – If you apply in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a Subclass 020 Bridging B visa or a Subclass 030 Bridging C visa, otherwise your application will not be valid. | – Hold a valid visa or bridging visa at the time of application if applying from within Australia. – Ensure all required documents and information are submitted with the application. |
| Travel | – You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. – After 5 years you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. | – Maintain residency requirements to retain travel privileges. – After 5 years, meet the eligibility for the RRV visa to continue traveling as a permanent resident. |
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491
| Visa Type | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. | This visa is for family members (subsequent entrants) of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). |
| Duration | Stay in Australia for 5 years | Stay until the visa held by the family member ends |
| Application Process |
| Apply online while in or outside Australia |
| Permanent Residency Pathway | Eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after fulfilling the 491 visa condition of staying and working in a regional area for 3 years. | Eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) |
| Basic Eligibility |
| Must be a member of the family unit of a subclass 491 visa holder
|
| Stream | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Points Tested Stream | This visa allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. | You must:
|
| New Zealand stream | This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | – |
Hong Kong Stream
| This visa allows eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. | You must:
|
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| With this visa you can | Stay in Australia permanently Work and study in Australia
Note: Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. |
| How long you can stay |
|
| Include family |
|
| Apply from |
|
| Travel |
|
| Visa Type | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. | This visa is for family members (subsequent entrants) of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). |
| Duration | Stay in Australia for 5 years | Stay until the visa held by the family member ends |
| Application Process |
| Apply online while in or outside Australia |
| Permanent Residency Pathway | Eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after fulfilling the 491 visa condition of staying and working in a regional area for 3 years. | Eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) |
| Basic Eligibility |
| Must be a member of the family unit of a subclass 491 visa holder
|
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Short-Term Stream | Up to 2 years (or up to 4 years if an international trade obligation applies)
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Not applicable |
Medium-Term Stream | Up to 4 years
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Offers a pathway after 2 years
if eligible, apply for permanent residence |
Labour Agreement Stream | Up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. |
| Varies based on the terms of the labour agreement |
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Direct Entry Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Temporary Residence Transition Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Labour Agreement Stream | Permanent |
| Yes, permanent residency |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Streams | Duration | Key Requirements | Pathway to Permanent Residency |
Employer Sponsored Stream | travel to and from Australia for 5 years |
| if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 2 years from the time your visa is granted |
GSM Visa Australia: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before you start your application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the GSM visa subclass. Here’s what you need to check:
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, which is regularly updated based on demand.
- Skills Assessment: You need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- English Proficiency: Prove your English language skills through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge (CAE).
- Age: You typically need to be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Health and Character: Meet health and character req
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you confirm your eligibility, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the Australian government’s online immigration platform. In your EOI, provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information.
Step 3: Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
After submitting your EOI, you will enter a pool of candidates. Factors like in-demand skills, higher English proficiency, and younger age can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the GSM visa.
Step 4: Lodge Your Visa Application
If you receive an ITA, you’ll have a specific timeframe to lodge your visa application. Be sure to gather all necessary documents, including:
- Identity Verification: Passport, birth certificate, and other identification documents.
- Skills Assessment: Results of your skills assessment.
- English Proficiency: Your English language test results.
- Employment Records: References from previous employers detailing job roles, responsibilities, and employment duration.
- Health and Character Certificates: Medical exams and police clearance certificates.
- Financial Verification: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members initially in Australia.
Step 5: Await Processing
After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will process it. Processing times can vary depending on factors like the completeness of your application, queue volume, and any additional checks required.
Step 6: Provide Supplementary Information (if requested)
During the processing of your application, you might be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview. Respond promptly and accurately to any requests from immigration authorities to avoid delays.
Step 7: Receive a Decision
After a thorough assessment, you will receive a decision on your visa application. If approved, you’ll be granted a General Skilled Migrant Visa, allowing you to become a permanent resident of Australia.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
KnN Migration’s experienced team will guide you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth journey.
FAQs
General Skilled Migration (GSM) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It includes visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Only occupations listed on the relevant skilled occupation list can apply. These lists are regularly updated to reflect the current demand for skills in Australia. You can check the current lists on the Department of Home Affairs website.
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for GSM visas. Points are awarded based on age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, educational qualifications, and other factors. Use the points calculator to estimate your score.
There isn’t a single “easiest” state as it varies based on current demand and specific state nomination requirements. States and territories have their own nomination criteria and occupation lists, which can be found on their respective websites.
This depends on the current demand for specific skills in Australia. High-demand occupations such as certain healthcare professions, IT specialists, and engineers often have a higher chance of receiving invitations.
You can earn extra points for factors like:
- Superior English language skills
- Australian study requirements
- Professional year in Australia
- Credentialled community language
- Partner skills
- Nomination by a state or territory government (for some visas)
Yes, you must pass a skills assessment conducted by a relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment verifies that your skills meet the required standards for employment in Australia.
Australia needs workers in various fields including healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and education. The demand for specific occupations is regularly updated, so check the current skilled occupation lists for the most accurate information.
If your occupation is not on the current skilled occupation list, you may not be eligible for a GSM visa. However, you can explore other visa options or wait for future updates to the occupation lists.
For more detailed and updated information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Migration WA.
- Assess Your Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the skilled occupation list and obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If invited, you can then apply for the visa.
- Lodge Your Visa Application: Submit your application along with the necessary documents.
- Await Processing: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and notify you of the outcome.
Processing Time For all Visas
Check your Processing Time here.
- The visa applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
- how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
- how many places are available in the migration program
For More Information on Subclass 485 Visa, Visit:
Contact KnN Migration!
Our team of experts can assess your eligibility, guide you through the application process, and ensure a smooth journey towards your Australian dream.
Disclaimer
The details shared above were accurate as of July 2024, but it’s important to note that migration regulations change over time. This information is meant for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice. Keep in mind that information can change, so reach out to us for the latest guidance tailored to your situation. We look forward to assisting you!
Are you a Skilled Worker and thinking to migrate to Australia?
The Skilled stream of the KnN Migration Advisor Program is designed to attract migrants who have skills to make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available. This visa pathway presents an excellent opportunity for skilled individuals to secure permanent residency in Australia and start their life in this beautiful country.
Different types of GSM Visas, Australia
- 189 Skilled Visa (Permanent Visa- This visa lets invited workers live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.)
- 190 Visa (Permanent Visa. Its a State-sponsored Stream- depends on state eligibility requirements of different states)
- 491 Skilled Visa (Provisional Visa. Its a State sponsored Stream- depends on state eligibility requirements of different states). Once you have lived and worked for 3 years on this visa in regional area, it gives a certain pathway for Subclass 190 (Permanent) visa.
Steps for applying for GSM Visas
1.Skill Assessment
First step for skilled visa is to check that your skills/occupation is in the Skilled Occupation List published by the department. (For state nominations, different occupation lists of state also needs to be checked).
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
If your skill is in the list, you get the skill assessment done for your occupation. Key things to check:
- Check the assessing body for your occupation. There are different skill assessment bodies for different types of occupations.
- Check the Fee/process/requirements of the assessing body for the skill assessment of your occupation. You can find more information about Skill Assessment here.
Positive skill assessment is the first and most important step of the skilled visas.
2.Expression of Interest
The 2nd step is to lodge an Expression of Interest based on the points you have for your age and skills, You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for Skilled Visas. The actual required score for getting invited varies depending on the trend based on occupation demand and the number of applications in the queue.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- The cut off age for General Skilled Migrant Visa stream is 45 years
- Occupation has to be on Skilled Occupation list and you need positive skill assessment for your occupation
- You need to qualify English requirement by giving English Exam and achieving a score required for Competent English.
1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training)– At least 6 for each of the 4 components
2. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) – At least 50 for each of the 4 components
3. Occupational English Test (OET)– At least B for each of the 4 components
4. Cambridge C1 Advanced test– At least 169 in each of the 4 components
5. Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test is currently not accepted by Deparment of Home Affairs after 25 July 2023 - Satisfy the points test- you need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for Skilled visas. The actual required score for getting invited varies depending on the trend based on occupation demand and number of applications in queue
- Be invited to apply for this visa
Moreover, we also offer expert guidance from experienced immigration professionals on securing employer-sponsored visas with the help of the Knm Migration Advisors.
Phone
+61-482029982
info@knnmigration.com.au
Location
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