Subclasses of the General Skilled Migration Visa
There are four skilled migration categories:
- Skilled Independent Subclass 189. This is a permanent visa option. It does not require sponsorship by a relative or an Australian State or Territory Government.
- Skilled Nominated Subclass 190. This permanent visa option requires you to be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government.
- Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489. This type of visa is a four-year provisional visa. It limits visa holders to living in designated areas of Australia. An Australian relative living in one of the designated areas could sponsor you. A State or Territory Government can also sponsor you.
- Skilled Regional Subclass 887. This visa represents the permanent stage of the Skilled Regional Provisional visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must live in the designated area of Australia for two years (2) and work full-time for twelve (12) months.
The Points Test
You will need to score at least sixty (60) points on the Points Test to be eligible for an invitation to apply for a visa under the GSM program.
In the Points Test, points are given for the following:
- Your age
- Your level of proficiency in English
- Your employment experience and background in your nominated occupation
- Your educational qualifications
- The completion of qualifications at an Australian educational institution for at least two (2) years
- The completion of Australian Professional Year Qualifications
- Meeting the credentialed Community Language requirements
- Your partner’s skillset and qualifications
- Living and studying in regional Australia or a low-population growth metropolitan area for at least two (2) years.
- A nomination by an Australian State or Territory Government for GSM
- An eligible family member sponsoring you
The SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) Process
Before lodging your visa application, you are required to submit an Expression of Interest. The person applying must be younger than 50 years of age. You will also need to be skilled and qualified for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You must have Competent English and hold a valid Positive Skills Assessment. If you are deemed eligible, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) will then issue an invitation to you based on the information you have provided on the EOI. You will be able to update your EOI with new information up to your invitation to apply for a visa is issued.
Every year, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection determines an occupation ceiling. This means that only a certain number of applicants with a particular occupation will receive an invitation in any program year.
It is important to note that your EOI is not a visa application. Lodging an EOI will not automatically grant you a bridging visa for you to remain in Australia. You will only be granted a bridging visa if you are invited to apply for a visa. You will also need to submit a valid visa application while you are in Australia.
Contact us for more information on your visa eligibility. Please call us at +61 413 910 985 or drop us an email at enquiry@GreatJourneyMigration.com.au.