🎯 Australia GSM Guide
Complete guide to Australia's General Skilled Migration program and points test system
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Overview
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Australia through a points-tested system. You can apply independently (subclass 189) or through state nomination (subclass 491). The program assesses your skills, qualifications, and other attributes to determine your eligibility for permanent residency.
📊 Points Test System
Points Breakdown:
English Proficiency Levels:
💼 Skilled Occupation Lists
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Subclass 189 Eligible
Can apply for permanent residency without state nomination
Subclass 491 Eligible
Can apply with state nomination (5-year provisional visa)
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Subclass 491 Only
Requires state nomination, cannot apply independently
Regular Updates
Occupation lists are reviewed and updated regularly
Important: Check the latest skilled occupation list on skill-occupation-list.gov.au. Occupations and eligibility requirements change regularly. Your job must be on the relevant occupation list to be eligible for GSM.
🎫 GSM Visa Types
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
• Requirements: Meet points threshold without sponsorship
• Processing: 6-18 months
• Points needed: 65+ (varies by occupation)
• Benefits: Direct permanent residency
• Occupation: Must be on MLTSSL
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
• Requirements: State nomination required
• Processing: 6-12 months
• Points needed: 65+ (varies by occupation)
• Benefits: Pathway to permanent residency
• Occupation: Can be on MLTSSL or STSOL
🏛️ State Nomination Programs
New South Wales
190 and 491 state nomination streams
Victoria
Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
Queensland
Queensland Skilled Occupation List
Western Australia
State nominated migration program
South Australia
State nomination and EOIs
Tasmania
491 Skilled Work Regional visa
📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Your Occupation
Ensure your occupation is on the skilled occupation list:
- • Check skill-occupation-list.gov.au
- • Confirm your occupation code and requirements
- • Determine if you need state nomination
- • Check current points thresholds
Skills Assessment
Get your skills assessed by the relevant authority:
- • Find your assessing authority on skill-occupation-list.gov.au
- • Submit qualifications and work experience
- • Pay assessment fees (typically $500-1,500)
- • Receive positive skills assessment
Calculate Your Points
Calculate your total points score:
- • Use the points calculator on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- • Include all eligible factors
- • Ensure you meet the minimum threshold
- • Consider state nomination for extra points
Gather Documents
Prepare all required documents:
- • Valid passport
- • Skills assessment
- • English test results
- • Degree certificates
- • Employment references
- • State nomination (if applicable)
- • Health insurance
- • Police certificates
Apply Online
Submit your GSM application:
- • Apply through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- • Select subclass 189 or 491
- • Upload all required documents
- • Pay application fee (typically $4,045)
Wait for Processing
Wait for your application to be processed:
- • Processing typically takes 6-18 months
- • May be invited to apply in future rounds
- • Receive invitation to apply (ITA)
- • Submit final application within deadline
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Points Threshold: Minimum 65 points required, but higher for invitation
- • Occupation Lists: Check regularly as lists change frequently
- • Skills Assessment: Must be completed before applying
- • State Nomination: Can add 15 points but requires state approval
- • Official Sources: Always check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for latest information
- • Processing Times: Can vary significantly based on demand