General Skilled Migration (GSM) program to promote the Australia immigration scheme

The purpose behind introducing the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is to attract migrants from various regions with considerable skills and talent to contribute to Australia's Economy. It aims to fill the vacant positions where Australian employers are incapable of finding suitable matches per the requirements. Filling the vacancies with talented candidates leads to a high participation rate in the workplace with work ethics, stimulates the economy at a higher pace, and eventually regenerates new jobs.

The skilled stream also has a huge contribution to regional development. This phenomenon discovers new talent from other countries that use skills and labor which cannot be found within the country.

Western Overseas presents a detailed guide to inform people of the GSM VISA program. VISA experts will elaborate on the different categories that fall under the GSM and essential skilled visa Australia requirements. For recent changes in the scheme "Australia Government, Department of Home Affairs" site is best to explore.

An immigrant must go through a Skill-Select program involving two steps.

• EOI submission (Expression of Interest) through SkillSelect mode 

• The second is applying for a corresponding visa application

Your application for skilled visas for Australia is subject to the test score obtained in this Skill-Select program. Apart from the required skill and experience, relevant knowledge of English is an important parameter in determining your eligibility for obtaining VISA under the skilled Australian category.

 

Different subclasses of GSM VISA

 

1. Skilled independent visas

 

a. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested stream

This visa subclass is a point-tested stream that lets workers migrate to the country permanently with the necessary skills. They are allowed to work anywhere in the nation.

• The candidates don’t need a sponsor residing in Australia

• The candidates must have an invitation to apply for the VISA

• The candidates must be below 45

• The candidates should have 65 points in their skill-set program, and their occupation must be on the skilled occupation list.

Stay, Cost, and processing time

This category benefits workers with permanent stay and costs approximately AUD 4240. It takes around 3 months to process the file by the immigration authority.

 

b. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

This subclass is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers looking to live and work only in a regional area in the country. The duration of the subclass is for 5 years. It is also based on a points-based system.

South Australia 491 requirements

• The authorized employers must invite the candidates

• The candidates need sponsorship from an eligible relative or nomination by an approved agency at the state or territory level

• Candidates with age below 45 can apply for the visa

• The candidates must have scored 65 points in the Skill-Select program.

Stay, Cost, and processing time

The workers can have the opportunity to stay up to 5 years, and the Cost of applying for the subclass is around AUD 4240. The average processing time is around 15 to 17 months.

 

2. Skilled nominated visas

 

a. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

This subclass is designed to allow workers to stay permanently. Workers do have the right to work anywhere in Australia.

• The Australian authority must invite you for the visa application

• You must have the nomination by the government agency

• You must score 65 points to put your VISA application

• The age limit is 45 years or below

Stay, Cost, and processing time

The workers enjoy a permanent stay in the country. The visa application cost is AUD 4240, and processing lasts for around 4 to 5 months.

 

3. Employer sponsored visa programs

 

a. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa under subclass 494

This visa allows skilled workers to work in Australia's regional areas where Australian employers have a labor shortage. The employees can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of work. The stay period is 5 years.

• The age limit also applies here, that is, 45 or below.

• The legal sponsor in the business area must nominate you

• Must meet health requirements

• You must have a positive skills assessment

 

b. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)

This category enables the employer to address the labor shortage and bring talented people to work efficiently.

• The workers can stay up to 2 years OR 4 years under International Trade Obligation (ITO) scheme

• The cost of this visa is AUD 1330 (subject to change)

 

c. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)

Benefits workers have:

• The category allows a permanent stay in the country

• Workers can study and work on this visa

• They are eligible for Australian health schemes by the government

Who are eligible:

• Candidate with occupation under the skilled occupation list

• Must be nominated by the business tycoon

• The age should be 45 or below

• Should have a proficient level of English language

 

4. Other temporary category related to GSM visa Australia

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work and Training visa (subclass 407) are the visa subclasses that allow candidates for a short stay in the country. The maximum duration is up to 2 years, and everyone needs to meet the requirements specified by the immigration authority.

 

Who can aid in applying for visa application

Only a certified and experienced authority can help you apply for the any above mentioned GSM VISA. And that authority is Western Overseas who have been sorting out visa queries from a decent time. 

Our Australia VISA experts 

• help you prepare category-based visa applications or other essential documents

• advise you about a visa application complication and other related visa matters 

• guide you in presenting your VISA file in the best possible way to maximize your VISA approval chance.

We are a legal partner of the immigration authority with a team of highly professional and registered migration visa experts. Please meet us at our Australia office for any queries related to GSM VISA application Australia. ​