General Skilled Migration Visas

Overview

The General Skilled Migration Visa is one of the most popular visa options for skilled workers or international graduates who can satisfy the Skills and Qualification requirements after completing their studies in Australia. 

What can you do with General Skilled Migration Visas and what are their benefits?

For the 189 Visa and 190 Visa, they are Permanent Resident Visas which will allow you to live and work in Australia permanently and sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. If eligible, you can apply to become an Australian citizen.

For the 491 Visa, it is a Temporary Visa which has a duration of 5 years. It gives you a pathway to applying for a Permanent Resident Visa (Subclass 191 Visa), 3 years after the grant date of your 491 Visa if you can satisfy the residence and income requirements. With the 491 Visa, there will be no limitations to the number of working hours and you will be eligible to join the Medicare system in Australia.

Who can apply for General Skilled Migration visas?

There are some minimum requirements for applicants to meet before they can be eligible to apply for GSM visas. The checklist below shows that applicants must:

• have a nominated occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and pass the skills assessment for the nominated occupation
• be 18-45 years old
• have competent English (IELTS 6 for each band/PTE 50 for each band or equivalent)
• have received an invitation from the relevant authority (189 Visa from the Department of Home Affairs, 190 and 491 Visa from the State/Territory Government)
• have achieved at least 65 points under the Skilled Migration point test system
• meet the health and character requirements

How do I apply for General Skilled Migration visas?

The Department of Home Affairs is using the SkillSelect System to assess all invitations for General Skilled Migration visas.
Candidates will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect System.
The Department of Home Affairs or State/Territory Government select the candidates from the SkillSelect System and issue the invitation to apply for the relevant visas*
Candidates will have 60 days to submit the visa application after receiving the SkillSelect invitation.
* Note: Candidates might need to submit a separate State/Territory Nomination application after submitting the EOI on SkillSelect.

How long does it take to apply for General Skilled Migration visas?

The estimated processing times for these visas are 17-30 months.

How much does it cost to apply for General Skilled Migration visas?

Application fees for GSM Visas for Financial Year 2023/2024

*** For the 190 Visa and 491 Visa, some states/territories will require candidates to show sufficient financial evidence to settle in the nominated state/territory

How can SOL Migration assist your General Skilled Migration visas?

SOL Migration has a strong team of 5 experienced Registered Migration Agents. Our Registered Migration Agents will assess your eligibility and recommend which pathway is your best option for achieving Permanent Residence in Australia. We will assist you step-by-step from your potential nominated occupation, to your skills assessment, to your EOI submission, and to your Visa application.

Learn more about different visa types to migrate to Australia

1. Employer Sponsored Visa
2. Business Innovation and Investment Visa in Australia
3. Partner visa

Not sure if you are eligible to apply for one of the General Skilled Migration Visas?

Contact SOL Migration today for a free eligibility check!