Each year more than 150,000 people migrate to Australia. These new Permanent Residents arrive in Australia thanks to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Australia boasts of a robust economy, has abundant natural resources, and yet has a surprisingly low population. Due to its low population, Australia has faced a shortfall in its skilled workforce since a very long time. The GSM program aims to bridge this very gap.
Do you also wish to become an Australian Permanent Resident soon? If yes, then
You must know this before you migrate to Australia
General Skilled Migration
The GSM program is a visa program for migrants who have the skills that are in demand in Australia. The program offers eligible applicants a permanent visa akaPermanent Residence or PR– that allows them to live, work or study without any restriction in Australia. A permanent resident has most of the rights and entitlements of a citizen, with only slight differences:
- Unlike a citizen, a PR holder needs to hold a valid visa (not expired) each time while entering Australia.
- A citizen can vote in Australian Government elections. Permanent residents are not permitted to vote in most cases.
Source : Department of Home Affairs
Visas Issued Under GSM Program
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This is by far the most common Skilled Visa to migrate to Australia. This visa is for those skilled applicants who are not sponsored by any employer or family member or any Australian state government.
This visa allows the holder to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently and without any restriction.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is for those skilled applicants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
This visa allows the holder to live and work in Australia permanently. However the holder is restricted to live in the nominating state for up to 2 years after arriving in Australia. This might be a great option if you don’t have enough points for getting a skilled independent visa to migrate to Australia.
Visa Eligibility
Point Scale – To apply for a skilled migrant visa, you must score at least 65 points on your invitation. The points score for migration is calculated based on the applicant’s age, English language ability, skills, qualification and prior work experience.
Click here to check what your point score says.
Occupation – Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
Skills Assessment – You must get yourskills assessed from an Australian authority, which will endorse that you have the skills and qualifications to work in that occupation.
Click here to know more about skills assessment.
Age – You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for the visa.
English Language Requirement – You must have competent English language skills.
Invitation –To apply for a skilled migrant visa, you need to file an expression of interest (EOI) with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. In response to your EOI, you will be invited by the department.
You will be invited if there are slots available for your nominated occupation and if you rank high enough in your points score.
Health Requirement – To get a visa, all visa applicants must meet minimum health requirements.
Click here to check what minimum health requirements are.
Debts – You must not have any outstanding or unpaid debts to the Australian government.
In this article we have strived to simplify the Australian PR requirements for you. However, every applicant’s situation is different. We strongly advise you to consult a MARA registered migration agent to understand the visa process specific to your situation.
If you want us to provide references of reliable migration agents,
