Our team has years of experience securing successful general skilled migration outcomes. Below is an overview of the current GSM visas on offer:
This visa is for individuals and their immediate family unit. Primary criteria and the points test take into account various factors including formal migration skills assessment, qualifications, employment history, relationship status, English language ability, and age.
Similar to the subclass 189, this visa has primary criteria and points test, with the addition of requiring a nomination by an Australian State / Territory government. This visa may be an option for applicants who do not have an occupation on a particular Skilled Occupation List, but their occupation instead by on the relevant State / Territory list. It can also be useful for applicants who may fall slightly short on the points test, as additional points are awarded for successful State / Territory nomination.
This is a provisional visa providing 5 year validity from date of grant. It is also points tested, with similar primary criteria to the above visas, whilst also requiring nomination by a State / Territory or a close Australian family member. You can only live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia while holding this visa (designated regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). After holding the visa for 3 years, subclass 491 visa holders can look to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa subclass 191.
NOTE: Gold Coast is classified as a regional area
The subclass 191 is the primary permanent visa pathway for persons who hold subclass 491 and 494 provisional regional visas. If you currently hold one of these provisional visas, we can assist you with the required compliance you must demonstrate, and work with you in anticipation of reaching the 3 years period to apply for subclass 191.
Sponsored by an eligible relative: the family member must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, a close family member, and be living in the postcode of a designated regional area. In addition family sponsored applicants must have an occupation on a Skilled Occupation List; OR
Sponsored/nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government agency.
For Small Business Owners in Queensland, a new Small Business Owners (SBO) pathway was open to applications on 11 December 2019. Please note that the SBO pathway is currently only available to applicants who will be located in designated regional Queensland and meet other relevant criteria.
The 491 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, however a 491 visa holder may be eligible to apply for the new Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa subclass 191).
The above skilled work visa options operate under an Expression of Interest (EOI) process where individuals submit an expression to apply for the relevant visa.
To assist with you arranging consultation please find below some common questions
