General Skilled Migration

If you're interested in moving to Australia, an employer-sponsored visa can be a practical way to make this a reality. This type of visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from other countries to fill roles that they struggle to fill with local talent. It provides skilled migrants with an opportunity to live and work in Australia, often leading to a pathway for permanent residency.

The employer-sponsored visa program creates a mutually beneficial arrangement. Australian employers gain access to a wider pool of qualified workers, helping them address skills shortages in specific industries. Skilled migrants, in turn, gain a stable job, experience in the Australian workforce, and an opportunity to build a new life in Australia.

However, it's important to note that the requirements and policies for this visa can change over time. These changes are influenced by various factors, such as the current demand in Australia’s job market and workforce needs in different sectors. As a result, the visa program is designed to adapt to Australia’s evolving economic and labor requirements, ensuring that only the most in-demand skills are eligible for sponsorship.

Free Self-Assessment Tool

For GSM visa program, the required minimum points to lodge an Expression of Interest will be 65 points. If you want to assess your potential points, you may use our free self-assessment tool and we will provide you your score through email within 24 hours.

There are temporary and permanent options for this visa program.

Temporary/Provisional Visa

Skilled Regional
Subclass 491 Visa

A provisional visa designed for skilled migrants who are nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in a designated region of Australia. There are 2 streams under this visa subclass:

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Main Applicant

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Subsequent Entrant

Permanent Visa

Permanent Visas

Skilled Independent
Subclass 189 Visa

A permanent visa allowing skilled professional equipped with the most in-demand skills in Australia. There are 3 streams under this visa subclass, which has different sets of eligibility criteria.

Points Tested Stream
New Zealand Stream
Hong Kong Stream

Skilled Nominated
Subclass 190 Visa

A permanent visa designed for skilled migrants with qualifications and experience listed on Australia's skilled occupation lists. To apply, eligible candidates must first receive a nomination. This nomination can be provided by an Australian state or territory government or obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Skilled Regional
Subclass 887 Visa

A permanent visa for skilled migrants who previously held a valid visa that expired while they were outside Australia during the concession period. Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least two years of full-time work, with at least one year completed in a specified regional area.

National Innovation Visa
Subclass 858 Visa

A permanent visa designed to attract the world’s brightest minds and most accomplished professionals. This visa supports exceptionally talented individuals who can drive innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness in key sectors of the Australian economy.

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • For permanent residency (PR) under a points-tested skilled visa, a minimum score of 65 points is required. However, due to high demand, applicants often need a significantly higher score to receive an invitation, especially for competitive visas like subclass 189. Factors such as age, qualifications, and regional work experience can substantially boost your score.

  • The "easiest" skilled visa depends on your qualifications and goals. The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is popular because it doesn't require sponsorship from an employer or Australian state, offering full flexibility. However, you'll need a high points score to be competitive. For those open to working in regional areas, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is an alternative, with a lower points threshold and incentives for regional employment.

  • In-demand skilled visas typically align with regional or critical skill shortages. The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) are prime examples. These visas attract applicants willing to work in regional areas, addressing specific skill needs in industries like healthcare, IT, and construction. State-specific skilled occupation lists are regularly updated to reflect current priorities.

  • The minimum score is 65 points, but this doesn't guarantee an invitation to apply. Higher scores significantly increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation, especially in competitive fields. Certain factors—such as regional job offers or state sponsorship—can boost your score and enhance your chances of securing a skilled visa.

  • To qualify for skilled migration to Australia, you'll need to meet several key requirements:

    • Your occupation must be on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, which includes in-demand jobs nationwide or regionally.

    • You must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency. • You need a positive skills assessment in your occupation.

    • You must score at least 65 points on a points test, which evaluates factors such as age, education, and work experience.

    • You're required to meet health and character standards.