Skilled Migration Visas

General Skilled Migration (GSM) represents a large stream of permanent migration to Australia. The GSM programme is based on a points-based system, rewarding applicants for qualities such as youth, occupational skills, work experience, academic qualifications and English ability. There is a range of visa options for Points Tested skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them. Applicants who are interested in Points Tested skilled migration must use SkillSelect to submit an Expression of Interest for a skilled visa.

Skilled Independent visa

A permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member and must pass a points test.

Skilled Nominated visa

A permanent visa for people unable to meet the Skilled Independent requirements. Applicants must either be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a participating state or territory government. Applicants must pass a points test.

Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) visa

This is a three year provisional visa. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state or territory government. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a Specific Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa. Applicants must pass a points test.