General Skilled Migration to Australia

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is aimed at skilled individuals whose qualifications and experience match the list of skill shortages in Australia based on workforce needs. If you’re a professional or tradesperson in a high-demand occupation, this may be your pathway to living and working in Australia – and potentially securing permanent residency.

At Intergate Emigration, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and families navigate the General Skilled Migration Program successfully. Let us guide you through each step – starting with understanding whether you qualify for skilled migration to Australia.

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The Key General Skilled Migration Visas

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Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa for Australia

• A points-tested permanent visa that does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia

• A permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Each state has its own list of in-demand occupations and selection criteria.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa for Australia

• A five-year provisional visa that requires nomination by a regional area or eligible relative. Provides a pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after three years of living and working in a regional area.

The General Skilled Migration Process

While the GSM pathway can lead to permanent residency in Australia, the process is not automatic – and there are multiple steps involved. Here’s a general overview:

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1. Australian Skills Assessment

You must have your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This step confirms that your skills meet Australian standards and the skilled occupation list.

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2. Expression of Interest (EOI)

An online application submitted through SkillSelect, where you provide details about your background, experience, and qualifications. EOIs are ranked based on a points system – only the most competitive candidates are invited to apply.

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3. State Nomination (if applicable)

If you're applying for a 190 or 491 visa, you’ll need to submit a nomination application to the relevant state or territory. Each state has its own skilled occupation lists, requirements, and processes.

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4. Visa Application

If you receive an invitation to apply (or secure a nomination), you can then submit your formal visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.

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Is This the Right Path for You?

There are many moving parts – and not all occupations or profiles qualify. Success depends on factors such as:

• Your age, qualifications, and English level
• Your occupation and work experience
• Correctly choosing the occupation to be nominated
• Preparing a valid Australian skills assessment application
• Current state/territory nomination criteria
• Accurate and strategic planning from the start

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Why Choose Intergate Emigration?

Navigating Australia’s immigration system can be overwhelming. With Intergate Emigration, you benefit from:

• Over 20 years of experience in migration law
• Registered migration agents with up-to-date knowledge of visa policies
• Step-by-step assistance with documents, legal requirements, and follow-ups

Find out if General Skilled Migration is your pathway to Australia, our expert consultants are here to help.