General Skilled Migration & Skills Assessment
General Skilled Migration (GSM) is a program in Australia that allows skilled individuals to migrate based on their qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. The GSM program aims to address skill shortages in various sectors of the Australian economy and invites individuals who can contribute to the country's growth.
Skills Assessment is a crucial step in the GSM application process, as it determines eligibility for various skilled visa subclasses, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The assessment is conducted by relevant assessing authorities designated for specific occupations.
Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa:
A permanent visa for skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without sponsorship or nomination.
- Two streams: Points-tested stream and New Zealand stream.
- Points tested stream: Apply independently by claiming points based on skills, qualifications, English language ability, work experience, and other qualities.
- Requirements: Occupation on the relevant 189 occupation list, suitable skills assessment, minimum 65 points on points test (higher points for certain occupations), submit EOI, be invited to apply, under 45 years old, meet English, health, and character requirements.
- The department publishes a minimum point score cutoff and issues invitations quarterly.
- New Zealand stream: Permanent visa for New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for 5 years, started living in Australia before 19 February 2016, satisfy income requirement (unless exempt), and meet health and character requirements.
Global Education and Visa can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa application process. Contact us today for personalized support and to explore your eligibility for this visa category.
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa:
- The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia in a specific state or territory.
- To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency.
- The visa applicant must:
- Have an occupation on the relevant state or territory occupation list.
- Meet the skills assessment requirements for the nominated occupation.
- Score the minimum points required on the points test (usually higher than the Skilled Independent visa).
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.
- Be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Meet the English language, health, and character requirements.
- Once the visa is granted, the visa holder must live in the nominating state or territory for a specific period as specified by the government.
- The Skilled Nominated visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and offers additional benefits such as access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491):
Purpose: The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Nomination or Sponsorship: Applicants must have either a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsorship from an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
Occupation: The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment: Applicants must meet the skills assessment requirements for the nominated occupation.
Points Test: Applicants must score the minimum points required on the points test, which is typically higher than the Skilled Independent visa.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
English Language, Health, and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet the specified English language, health, and character requirements.
Regional Residence: Once the visa is granted, the visa holder must live and work in the designated regional area for a specific period as specified by the government.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Additional Benefits: Visa holders can access Medicare and have the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
At Global Education and Visa, we have the expertise to guide you through the entire application process for the Skilled Work Regional visa. Our dedicated team can help you determine your eligibility, secure a nomination or sponsorship, and provide comprehensive support to make your visa application successful. Contact us today to explore your options and embark on your Skilled Work Regional visa journey.
Skills assessment:
Skills assessment is an important step for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia based on their skills and qualifications. It is a process that evaluates whether an applicant’s skills and qualifications meet the standards set by the relevant assessing authority in Australia. The purpose of skills assessment is to ensure that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their occupation effectively in the Australian job market. The specific requirements and assessment criteria vary depending on the occupation and the assessing authority responsible for that occupation.
The skills assessment process typically involves submitting documentary evidence of qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and other relevant credentials. The assessing authority reviews the provided documents and determines whether the applicant’s skills and qualifications meet the required standards for their nominated occupation. It is essential to choose the correct assessing authority based on the occupation you wish to pursue in Australia. Each assessing authority has its own set of guidelines, criteria, and processes for skills assessment.
