General Skilled Migration (GSM)
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program allows qualified and experienced workers to apply for Australian permanent or provisional residence without employer sponsorship. It is designed to attract skilled individuals whose occupations are in demand and who can make a longterm contribution to the Australian economy.
GSM visas are pointstested and require applicants to be invited by the Department of Home Affairs after lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Visa Options under GSM
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
A permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or family member.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A permanent visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory government. Each state and territory maintains its own occupation list and nomination criteria. In return for nomination, visa holders commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for a specified period.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
A fiveyear provisional visa leading to permanent residence (via the subclass 191 visa) for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Visa holders must live and work in regional Australia for at least three years before becoming eligible for permanent residence.
What Is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a set of occupation lists used by the Australian Government to determine which skilled roles are eligible for migration under the GSM program and other skilled visa pathways.
Rather than being a single list, the SOL framework consists of several occupation lists, each serving a different purpose:
• Medium and Longterm Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – occupations considered to be in longterm national demand. These occupations are generally eligible for permanent GSM visas, including the subclass 189 and 190 visas.
• Shortterm Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – occupations needed in the short to medium term. These occupations may be eligible for state or territory nomination (subclass 190) and certain employersponsored pathways.
• Regional Occupation List (ROL) – occupations identified as being in demand in regional Australia and relevant to regional migration visas such as the subclass 491.
Each occupation on these lists is defined by an ANZSCO code and is assessed by a specific skills assessing authority, each with its own qualification and employment requirements. An occupation must appear on the relevant list, and be supported by a positive skills assessment, for an applicant to be eligible for a GSM invitation.
Importantly, state and territory governments apply their own occupation lists and criteria on top of the federal lists. This means that an occupation may be eligible in one state but not another, or subject to additional conditions such as work experience, residency, or employment offers.
Correctly understanding how the SOL operates — and how your occupation fits within it — is a critical first step in any GSM strategy.
The Points Test
Eligibility for GSM visas is assessed under a points test designed to measure an applicant’s potential economic contribution to Australia. Points are awarded for:
• Age (under 45 at the time of invitation)
• English language ability
• Skilled employment experience (in Australia and overseas)
• Educational qualifications • Australian study, regional study, or partner qualifications
• Nomination or sponsorship (for subclasses 190 and 491)
The minimum score required to be eligible for an invitation is 65 points. In practice, invitation cutoffs are often significantly higher, depending on the occupation, state nomination settings, and overall demand.
Importance of Correct Occupation Selection
In my experience, GSM applicants are often capable of managing many parts of the visa process themselves. They are typically welleducated, proficient in English, and comfortable navigating online systems. However, where even strong applicants frequently encounter difficulty is in selecting the correct occupation and preparing a skills assessment that accurately reflects their qualifications and professional experience.
Each occupation is assessed by a different authority, with distinct evidentiary standards and qualification requirements. Selecting the most appropriate occupation — and aligning it with the correct assessing body and visa pathway — can be the difference between receiving an invitation and being excluded altogether.
This is where professional strategy adds real value. Early, correct occupation selection can unlock additional state nomination options and permanent residence pathways that may otherwise be overlooked.
How We Can Help
While many GSM applicants can manage the procedural aspects of their application, targeted professional advice at the planning and assessment stage can save time, cost, and unnecessary refusals.
I assist clients by:
• Identifying the most suitable occupation and visa pathway
• Advising on Skilled Occupation List and state nomination strategies
• Preparing and reviewing skills assessment applications
• Managing GSM visa applications and transitions to permanent residence
An initial consultation will clarify your eligibility, confirm your optimal occupation and points strategy, and map out the most effective pathway toward permanent residence — ensuring your efforts are directed where they matter most.
If you are considering a skilled visa application, you are invited to book an initial consultation to assess your options and plan your GSM strategy with confidence.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
A permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or family member.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A permanent visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory government. Each state and territory maintains its own occupation list and nomination criteria. In return for nomination, visa holders commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for a specified period.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
A fiveyear provisional visa leading to permanent residence (via the subclass 191 visa) for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Visa holders must live and work in regional Australia for at least three years before becoming eligible for permanent residence.
What Is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a set of occupation lists used by the Australian Government to determine which skilled roles are eligible for migration under the GSM program and other skilled visa pathways.
Rather than being a single list, the SOL framework consists of several occupation lists, each serving a different purpose:
• Medium and Longterm Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – occupations considered to be in longterm national demand. These occupations are generally eligible for permanent GSM visas, including the subclass 189 and 190 visas.
• Shortterm Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – occupations needed in the short to medium term. These occupations may be eligible for state or territory nomination (subclass 190) and certain employersponsored pathways.
• Regional Occupation List (ROL) – occupations identified as being in demand in regional Australia and relevant to regional migration visas such as the subclass 491.
Each occupation on these lists is defined by an ANZSCO code and is assessed by a specific skills assessing authority, each with its own qualification and employment requirements. An occupation must appear on the relevant list, and be supported by a positive skills assessment, for an applicant to be eligible for a GSM invitation.
Importantly, state and territory governments apply their own occupation lists and criteria on top of the federal lists. This means that an occupation may be eligible in one state but not another, or subject to additional conditions such as work experience, residency, or employment offers.
Correctly understanding how the SOL operates — and how your occupation fits within it — is a critical first step in any GSM strategy.
The Points Test
Eligibility for GSM visas is assessed under a points test designed to measure an applicant’s potential economic contribution to Australia. Points are awarded for:
• Age (under 45 at the time of invitation)
• English language ability
• Skilled employment experience (in Australia and overseas)
• Educational qualifications • Australian study, regional study, or partner qualifications
• Nomination or sponsorship (for subclasses 190 and 491)
The minimum score required to be eligible for an invitation is 65 points. In practice, invitation cutoffs are often significantly higher, depending on the occupation, state nomination settings, and overall demand.
Importance of Correct Occupation Selection
In my experience, GSM applicants are often capable of managing many parts of the visa process themselves. They are typically welleducated, proficient in English, and comfortable navigating online systems. However, where even strong applicants frequently encounter difficulty is in selecting the correct occupation and preparing a skills assessment that accurately reflects their qualifications and professional experience.
Each occupation is assessed by a different authority, with distinct evidentiary standards and qualification requirements. Selecting the most appropriate occupation — and aligning it with the correct assessing body and visa pathway — can be the difference between receiving an invitation and being excluded altogether.
This is where professional strategy adds real value. Early, correct occupation selection can unlock additional state nomination options and permanent residence pathways that may otherwise be overlooked.
How We Can Help
While many GSM applicants can manage the procedural aspects of their application, targeted professional advice at the planning and assessment stage can save time, cost, and unnecessary refusals.
I assist clients by:
• Identifying the most suitable occupation and visa pathway
• Advising on Skilled Occupation List and state nomination strategies
• Preparing and reviewing skills assessment applications
• Managing GSM visa applications and transitions to permanent residence
An initial consultation will clarify your eligibility, confirm your optimal occupation and points strategy, and map out the most effective pathway toward permanent residence — ensuring your efforts are directed where they matter most.
If you are considering a skilled visa application, you are invited to book an initial consultation to assess your options and plan your GSM strategy with confidence.
Let’s Discuss Your Visa Strategy
Every case starts with a conversation.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Let’s Discuss Your Visa Strategy
Every case starts with a conversation.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
