General Skilled Migration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program?

  The Australian government uses the General Skilled Migration program to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on certain occupations and persons with relevant skills and experience.

• What are the subclasses under GSM program and what are the differences?

  The program covers a variety of visas, including a direct permanent residency with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, as well as a staggering provisional track with Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa. Those who are willing to relocate to specific regional areas will receive additional points. The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas are both permanent visas that allow you to work and study anywhere in Australia, sponsor a qualified family for permanent residence, and apply to become an Australian citizen if you meet the requirements.
  
  The key distinction between these two visas is that the Subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship, but the Subclass 189 visa does, while a Subclass 190 visa must be sponsored by a state or territory. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491), on the other hand, is a 5-year temporary visa sponsored by a State or Territory that allows people to live, work, and study in a selected regional area of Australia. If eligible, it can lead to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa, which will begin on 16 November 2022.

• What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

  EOI is not the same as a visa application. When you submit an EOI, you’re expressing your interest in being evaluated for a skilled visa. To apply for a visa under the points-based general skilled migration visa programme, applicants must first submit an EOI and then wait for an invitation. Your EOI will be saved in SkillSelect for two years and will be valid.

• What’s the difference between 189 and 190 visa?

  The subclass 189 visa is the “independent” visa, while the subclass 190 visa is the “state-sponsored” visa (requires a further application to be approved by the State but provides additional points and unlocks further occupations). Typically the nominees are required to reside in the nominating state or territory for a period of time.

• What’s the point test?

  It is the Department’s creative method of calculating how you rank against other applicants applying for the same visa category.

• Do the skilled visas grant access to Medicare?

  Yes, applying for permanent residence gives you access to Medicare.

• Do I need health, character and/ or English assessment?

  Health examinations may be required to process your visa, depending on your nationality and travel history. Once you’ve finished the information questionnaire, we’ll let you know about the assessments that apply to you. You will be required to show police clearances for every countries where you have spent at least 12 months in the last ten years.

• Do I have any conditions once I have obtained my skilled visa?

  In general, permanent residency visas are awarded without conditions (apart from, in some cases, the condition to enter into Australia before a particular date). Keep in mind that if you apply for a regional visa, you may be subject to Condition 8579, which states that visa holders must live, work, and study in a specific area of Australia at the time the visa was granted.

• How long is my skilled visa valid for?

  Permanent visas do not have an expiration date. These visas, on the other hand, come with a five-year travel period. This implies that, unless you achieve citizenship, you will need a new visa (such as a Resident Return Visa) to visit Australia when the travel facility expires. On the other hand, temporary visas are valid for a period of five years.

• Can I include my family when I apply for skilled visa?

  Yes, your spouse/partner and children can be included in your visa application. They will receive the same type of visa as you. For children over the age of 18, there are particular standards for demonstrating reliance. Children over the age of 23 can only be included in extremely limited circumstances.

• I have a dependent partner, can they work?

  Yes, your partner will be granted full work authorization in Australia, meaning they will be able to work for any employer.

• Can my dependent children study in Australia?

  Yes. However, different Australian states/territories have different criteria and fees may apply. We strongly advise you to speak with the education provider directly about this.