General Skilled Migration

General Skilled Migration

General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is for skilled migrants who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia and who are not sponsored by an employer.

Options include:

• Independent migrant (permanent Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa)
• Sponsored by a relative (temporary Subclass 489 Skilled Regional visa)
• Nominated by an Australian State or Territory (permanent Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa).
• Australian graduate (temporary Subclass 485 Graduate visa).
  New Zealand Citizens now have access to Australian Permanent Residence in the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa program based on the following requirements:
• The Main Applicant must hold a Subclass 444 Special Category visa; and
• Must have been usually resident in Australia, on or before 16 February 2016, for a continuous period for at least
  five years immediately before the date of application; and;
• Have a taxable income for the most recently completed income tax years must be no less than minimum thresholds
  (Exemptions exist).

Expression of Interest (EOI):

To be eligible for some of the GSM visa options, you need to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs. To do this you:

• Must also be under 45 years of age.
• Must hold a positive Skills Assessment for an eligible skilled occupation;
• Provide English test results;
• Meet the threshold of currently 65 points from factors such as: your age, education, employment experience and English level.
  Once your EOI is lodged you are eligible to be invited to apply for a GSM visa and within 60 days of invitation. The Department of Home Affairs regularly issues invitations.

Skills Assessments:

Skills assessing bodies include: Australian Computer Society (ACS); Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC); Engineer’s Australia; Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and VETASSESS