General Skilled Migration (GSM)
A popular pathway for individuals with valuable skills and qualifications to migrate to Australia independently — without needing employer sponsorship or family nomination.
🛠️ General Skilled Migration (GSM) – Your Pathway to PR in Australia
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is your gateway to permanent residency in Australia 🌏. If you’re a skilled professional looking to live, work, and thrive in Australia, this is one of the most popular and rewarding visa options.
📋 Visa Options under GSM
- ✅ Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- ✅ Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- ✅ Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
- ✅ State Regional Sponsored Pathways
- ✅ Family Sponsored Pathways
🇦🇺 Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family. To apply, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Benefits:
- ✔️ Live and work in Australia indefinitely
- ✔️ Access Medicare (healthcare)
- ✔️ Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- ✔️ Sponsor family for PR
🏙️ Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This permanent visa requires a nomination by a State or Territory Government. Each region has its own list of in-demand occupations and specific eligibility criteria.
Benefits:
- ✔️ Same PR benefits as Subclass 189
- ✔️ You must live in the nominating state for 2 years
🌄 Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
A provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. You can be sponsored by a state or a qualifying family member in a designated area.
Key Details:
- ⏳ Valid for 5 years
- 🏡 Pathway to Subclass 191 (PR) after meeting criteria
- 👨👩👦👦 Family sponsorship possible
👨👩👧👦 Family & State Sponsorship
If you have a family member living in a designated regional area, or you’re nominated by a regional state/territory, you may qualify for certain visas.
Eligible family sponsors:
- 👨👩 Parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents
- 📍 Must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
📊 GSM Points Test
The GSM system works on a points-based structure. Here’s how you can boost your score:
- ✅ 15 points for state/family sponsorship in regional areas
- ✅ 10 points for STEM qualifications
- ✅ 10 points for skilled partner or if you’re single
- ✅ 5 points for partner with competent English
🆕 New Visas to Support Regional Australia
- 491 Visa: Replaced the 489 visa. Requires EOI and regional nomination/sponsorship.
- 494 Visa: Employer-sponsored option replacing the 187 RSMS visa.
- 191 Visa: Permanent visa from November 2022 for eligible 491/494 holders.
💡 Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
Selecting the right occupation, meeting eligibility criteria, and scoring high in the points test are all crucial. At LUMINS, our expert counselors help you through every step — from consultation and assessment to perfect documentation and visa submission ✅.
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