Last Updated: 2 june 2026​​​

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What Is General Skilled Migration?

General Skilled Migration (GSM) is Australia's points-tested migration program for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia.

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The GSM program includes several visa pathways, including the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491).

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Applicants are generally assessed based on factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment history, educational qualifications and other criteria set by the Australian Government. Most applicants must also have an occupation that is eligible for skilled migration and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

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General Skilled Migration is one of the most common pathways used by skilled professionals seeking permanent residency or a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

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Key Components Of General Skilled Migration

General Skilled Migration involves several interconnected components including:

• SkillSelect

• Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Skills Assessment

• Skilled Occupation Lists

• State Nomination

• Migration Points Test

• Invitation Rounds

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Understanding how these components work together is essential when planning a skilled migration pathway.

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How General Skilled Migration Works

The General Skilled Migration process typically involves several stages before a visa application can be lodged.

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Step 1: Confirm Your Occupation

Applicants generally need an occupation that is eligible under the relevant skilled migration program.

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Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is usually required to verify that qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

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Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements

Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted English test unless an exemption applies.

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Step 4: Calculate Skilled Migration Points

Most GSM visas operate under a points-tested system. Points may be awarded for factors such as age, English ability, employment experience, qualifications and other recognised criteria.

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Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Eligible applicants can submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect to indicate their interest in applying for a skilled migration visa.

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Step 6: Receive an Invitation or Nomination

Depending on the visa pathway, applicants may need to receive an invitation from the Australian Government or nomination from a state or territory government.

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Step 7: Lodge a Visa Application

After receiving an invitation, applicants may be able to lodge their visa application and provide supporting documentation.​

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Who Is Eligible For General Skilled Migration?

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the visa subclass and the applicant's circumstances.

In general, applicants may need to:

• Have an eligible skilled occupation

• Obtain a positive skills assessment

• Meet English language requirements

• Satisfy the applicable points test requirements

• Meet health and character requirements

• Meet any additional visa-specific requirements

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Because eligibility can vary significantly between visa subclasses and nomination pathways, professional migration advice may help applicants understand which options may be available.

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What Is The Skilled Migration Points Test?

Australia uses a points-based system to assess many skilled migration applicants.

Points may be awarded for a range of factors, including:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Professional Year completion

• Partner qualifications and skills

• State or territory nomination where applicable

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Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa. Invitation outcomes may vary depending on the visa subclass, occupation and migration program settings.

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What Is An Expression Of Interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online submission made through SkillSelect.

An EOI is not a visa application. Instead, it allows eligible applicants to indicate their interest in applying for certain skilled migration visas.

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The EOI contains information relating to the applicant's qualifications, employment history, English language ability and claimed migration points.

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Applicants who meet the relevant requirements may receive an invitation to apply for a visa.​

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What Happens After You Submit An EOI?

After submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, applicants enter a pool of eligible candidates.

EOIs are ranked based on claimed points and other factors relevant to the visa pathway.

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Depending on the visa subclass, applicants may:

• Receive an invitation from the Australian Government

• Receive nomination from a state or territory government

• Remain in the invitation pool until future invitation rounds

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Receiving an invitation is not guaranteed. Invitation outcomes depend on factors such as visa availability, occupation demand, points scores and migration program settings.

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Applicants who receive an invitation may then proceed with lodging a visa application.

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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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How Occupation Lists Affect GSM Eligibility

Occupation lists play a significant role in General Skilled Migration eligibility.

Each skilled visa pathway relies on eligible occupations identified by the Australian Government and related authorities.

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The availability of an occupation may affect:

• Skills assessment eligibility

• Visa pathway options

• State nomination opportunities

• Invitation competitiveness

Applicants should review the current occupation requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest.

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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 General Skilled Migration Visa Options

There are three active GSM visa pathways.