General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visa Australia

General Skilled Migration (GSM) is Australia’s primary points-tested migration program for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without employer sponsorship.

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The GSM system manages three major visa pathways:

• Skilled Independent visa

• Skilled Nominated visa

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

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The program operates through SkillSelect, where applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and compete for invitations based on points, occupation demand and allocation limits.

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Two visas grant permanent residence directly. One provides a regional pathway to permanent residence.

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Before choosing a subclass, you need to understand how the GSM system operates as a whole.

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How the GSM System Works 

The GSM program operates through a structured, competitive process.

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Step 1 – Skills Assessment

You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

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Step 2 – Expression of Interest (EOI)

You submit an EOI through SkillSelect. You do not apply for the visa at this stage. You enter a ranking pool.

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Step 3 – Points Ranking

The system ranks applicants based on points. Factors include age, English ability, skilled employment, qualifications and nomination status.

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Step 4 – Invitation Round

The government conducts invitation rounds. Only the highest-ranked applicants receive invitations.

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Meeting eligibility does not guarantee an invitation.

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How the GSM Points Test Works

All GSM visas require a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI.

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Points come from several categories:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Partner skills

• State or regional nomination

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State nomination adds 5 points.
Regional nomination under Subclass 491 adds 15 points.

Higher points increase your chance of receiving an invitation.

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Occupation Lists Explained

Your occupation must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List, including categories formerly known as the MLTSSL, STSOL and regional occupation lists.

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Different GSM visas rely on different lists:

• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

• Regional occupation lists

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Each list determines which visa subclasses you may access.

Occupation demand and annual ceilings affect invitation outcomes.

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Invitation Rounds and Competition

The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds throughout the year.

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Invitation cut-off points change depending on:

• Occupation demand

• Number of EOIs submitted

• Annual migration program allocations

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Some occupations require significantly higher than 65 points due to competition.

Applicants should monitor invitation trends before submitting an EOI.

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The Main GSM Visa Options

There are three active GSM visa pathways.