General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
Explore skilled migration pathways including the 189, 190 and 491 visas.
We help assess your points, occupation, skills assessment requirements and invitation strategy so you can move forward with confidence.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program supports skilled workers to migrate without employer sponsorship.
It includes the
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Skilled Independent visa (189),
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Skilled Nominated visa (190) and
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Skilled Work Regional visa (491)
Applicants are assessed through skills, English, age, occupation, points testing and, where relevant, state or territory nomination.
Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is a permanent skilled visa for people who have qualifications and work experience in an occupation Australia needs. It is designed for applicants who do not need sponsorship from an employer, state or territory government, or family member. If granted, this visa allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
The 189 visa is points-tested. This means your age, English ability, qualifications, skilled employment, partner skills and other factors can contribute to your overall points score. You usually need to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and then receive an invitation before you can apply. Home Affairs confirms that the 189, 190 and 491 visas are points-based visas, with applicants needing to meet or exceed the points threshold before being invited.
A strong 189 application starts well before lodgement. You may need a suitable skills assessment, English test results, accurate employment evidence and a clear understanding of how your points are being claimed.
GPS Migration Australia can help you assess your eligibility, review your points claim and prepare your pathway before you submit an Expression of Interest.
Want to know if you may qualify for a 189 visa? Contact GPS Migration Australia for a skilled visa assessment.
Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 is a permanent skilled visa for applicants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It may be a strong option if your occupation is needed in a particular state or territory and you are willing to live and work there after grant.
Like the 189 visa, the 190 visa is points-tested. However, state or territory nomination can provide additional points and may improve your chances of receiving an invitation. Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, which can change depending on local workforce needs, occupation demand and program settings. Home Affairs describes the 190 visa as allowing nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
The 190 pathway requires careful planning. It is not enough to simply have an occupation on a list. You may also need a suitable skills assessment, competitive points, English results, employment evidence and documents that match the requirements of the state or territory you are targeting.
GPS Migration Australia can help you understand whether the 190 visa is suitable, which nomination pathways may be available and how to prepare a strong skilled migration strategy.
Thinking about state nomination? Contact GPS Migration Australia to explore your 190 visa options.
Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa subclass 491 is a points-tested skilled visa for people who want to live and work in regional Australia. It can be available through state or territory nomination, or through sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
The 491 visa is not a permanent visa at the time of grant. It is a provisional visa that can allow you to stay in Australia for five years, with a pathway to permanent residence if you meet the relevant requirements later. Home Affairs says the 491 visa allows eligible skilled applicants to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia, and travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
This visa can be a valuable option for applicants who may not be competitive for a 189 or 190 invitation, or who have genuine regional connections. It is also important to understand the conditions attached to the visa, including regional residence and work expectations.
GPS Migration Australia can help you assess your points, occupation, nomination options and long-term pathway from a 491 visa to permanent residence.
Interested in a regional skilled pathway?