Migration
Skilled Migration

Skilled Migration

Overview

Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.

Visa Types

  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa

In-demand Occupations

  • Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
  • Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
  • Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Overview

Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.

The program covers a variety of visas, including a direct permanent residency with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, as well as a staggering provisional track with Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa. Those who are willing to relocate to specific regional areas will receive additional points.

Visa Types

  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa

In-demand Occupations

  • Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
  • Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
  • Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Visa Overview

General Skilled Migration (GSM)

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program targets skilled professionals to fill workforce shortages in high-demand occupations across Australia.

In-demand occupations

  • Engineers (various)
  • IT professionals (various)
  • Medical professionals (various)
  • Construction and building professionals (various)

Visa Categories

  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

This program includes direct PR visas (189, 190) and provisional pathways (491) with extra points for applicants willing to live in regional areas.

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Subclass 189

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

Points-tested visa for skilled professionals leading directly to permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Occupation on relevant skilled list
  • Positive skills assessment
  • Invited to apply via SkillSelect
  • Under 45 years old
  • Minimum 65 points
  • Competent English
  • Health & character requirements

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Family relationship evidence
  • Police clearances
  • English test results
  • Skills assessment
  • Qualifications & employment history

Process

  1. Submit EOI via SkillSelect
  2. Wait for invitation
  3. Apply within 60 days
  4. Await decision and visa grant
Subclass 190

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

State-nominated visa granting direct permanent residency with additional 5 points.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Occupation on skilled list
  • Positive skills assessment
  • State/Territory nomination
  • Under 45 years old
  • Score 65+ points
  • Competent English
  • Health & character requirements

Documents Required:

  • Passport
  • Family relationship evidence
  • Police clearances
  • English test results
  • Skills assessment
  • State nomination approval
  • Qualifications & employment history

Process:

  1. Submit EOI via SkillSelect
  2. Obtain valid State nomination
  3. Wait for invitation
  4. Apply within 60 days
  5. Await visa grant
Subclass 491

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

5-year provisional visa with PR pathway via regional work and residence.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Occupation on skilled list
  • Positive skills assessment
  • State/Territory nomination or family sponsorship
  • Under 45 years old
  • Score 65+ points
  • Competent English
  • Health & character requirements

Documents Required:

  • Passport
  • Family relationship evidence
  • Police clearances– English test results
  • Skills assessment
  • State nomination or sponsorship evidence
  • Qualifications & employment history

Process:

  • Submit EOI via SkillSelect
  • Obtain nomination or sponsorship
  • Wait for invitation
  • Apply within 60 days
  • Reside in regional area after approval
Eligible Occupations

Eligible Occupations for GSM

  • Accountants & finance professionals
  • Engineers (structural, mechanical, biomedical, etc.)
  • Nurses, midwives, and doctors– IT specialists
  • Hospitality managers, cooks, bakers (Subclass 190/491)

Book a Consultation

Documents Required

Required Documents for GSM Applications

  • Passport
  • Family relationship evidence
  • Police clearances
  • English proficiency evidence
  • Skills assessment– Qualifications
  • Employment history
  • State nomination or sponsorship (if applicable)

Book a Consultation

Success Stories

Discover how we helped

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  • Case 1 — 189 Visa (IT Specialist)

    Hong Kong applicant with 85 points successfully received an invitation in the first round after our team optimised his EOI and English score strategy.

  • Case 2 — 190 Visa (Civil Engineer)

    Mainland China applicant nominated by New South Wales; visa granted within 7 months after skills assessment and state sponsorship.

  • Case 3 — 491 Visa (Registered Nurse)

    Regional sponsorship secured in Tasmania; client transitioned to 191 PR after 2 years of full-time work.

Portrait of Johnny Kong, principal migration lawyer at Riverwood Migration
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How many points do I need for a 189 visa?

While the minimum is 65, most invitations require higher scores depending on the occupation.

Can I include my family in a GSM visa?

Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included.

What if my occupation isn’t on the MLTSSL list?

You may be eligible under a 190 or 491 visa instead.

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