Skilled Visas

General Skilled Migration to Australia

Living and Working in Australia – 189, 190 & 491 visas

The General Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract skilled professionals to Australia, addressing skills shortages in specific industries or states and territories especially the regional Australia and strengthening workforce to support Australian businesses.

The visa categories within the General Skilled Migration Program are both points-tested and highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on a points system that considers factors such as age, work experience, education, English language proficiency, and other relevant criteria. Because of this rigorous selection process, only the most qualified candidates are invited to apply. Securing a visa under this program requires careful planning and strategic preparation to ensure that your application stands out among a pool of skilled professionals vying for limited spots.

At JS Migration, we provide clear and honest advice to help maximize your chances of selection for the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated, and 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas. We guide you through each critical step to improve your prospects and secure your Australian visa, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for every stage of the process.

 

189 Skilled Independent Visa

The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is designed for highly skilled professionals who do not require state or relative nomination. This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia, offering great flexibility and freedom. To qualify, your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Eligibility is determined by a points-based system that evaluates your individual qualifications, including factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. The more points you accumulate, the higher your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa. Once granted, this visa provides you with permanent residency status, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of living and working in Australia without geographic or employment restrictions.

190 Skilled Nominated Visa

The 190 Skilled Nominated Visa requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Your occupation must be listed on either the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

This visa offers a pathway to permanent residence through state or territory sponsorship. It is particularly beneficial if you need additional points or strategic advantage for your application. As part of the sponsorship, you are required to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years. This arrangement not only supports your migration journey but also addresses local workforce needs.

491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed for individuals who are willing to live and work in a regional area of Australia. To be eligible, you must obtain sponsorship from a state or territory or a family member residing in a designated regional area.

This visa allows you to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. During this time, you will gain valuable experience in your field while contributing to regional development. One of the key benefits of the 491 visa is its pathway to permanent residency. After living and working in a regional area for at least three years and meeting other eligibility requirements, you can apply for a permanent residency visa, such as the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. This pathway provides a clear route to long-term settlement in Australia, with the added advantage of supporting regional communities and addressing local skills shortages.

485 Graduate Visa

The 485 Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies at an Australian educational institution. This visa is available to graduates who hold a degree from an Australian university or have qualifications in a specified occupation. It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to three years.

This post-graduate visa provides valuable opportunities for work experience, which can be instrumental in enhancing your skills and career prospects. The experience gained during this period can be a significant advantage if you plan to apply for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) residence visa in the future. By gaining relevant work experience and improving your qualifications, you increase your chances of meeting the criteria for permanent residency, making the 485 Graduate Visa a key step in your migration journey.

How JS Migration Develops Your GSM Visa Strategy

At JS Migration, we understand that each individual’s situation is unique and requires a tailored approach to maximize your chances with General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas. To craft the most effective strategy for you, we consider several key factors:

  1. Timeline for Settling in Australia: We evaluate your preferred timeline for moving to Australia to ensure that your strategy aligns with your goals and deadlines.
  2. Preferred Locations: We discuss your preferred locations and assess your flexibility regarding different regions in Australia. This helps us identify the best opportunities and requirements based on your location preferences.
  3. Commitment to Accumulating Points: We assess your willingness and ability to accumulate points by enhancing your qualifications and work experience. This involves evaluating your readiness to invest time and effort into improving your profile.
  1. Consider Partner Skills: If your partner also has skills and qualifications relevant to your nominated occupation, you can gain additional points by including their skills in your application.

Your answers to these questions enable us to develop a personalized strategy that aligns with your priorities and goals. Our approach ensures that your migration journey is well-planned and optimized for the best possible outcome.

GSM visas are designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia. They are based on the applicant’s skills and qualifications, rather than employer sponsorship.

The main GSM visas include:

  • Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: For skilled workers who do not require state or territory nomination.
  • Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: For skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: For international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution

Eligibility varies by visa type but generally includes:

  • Having a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list.
  • Meeting the skills assessment criteria for that occupation.
  • Scoring enough points on the points test (for Subclass 189, 190, and 491).
  • Proving English language proficiency.
  • For the Subclass 485 visa, holding a valid student visa and completing an eligible course.

Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language ability, work experience, education, and other qualifications. The total points required can vary based on the specific visa subclass and current immigration conditions.

A skills assessment is an evaluation by a recognized authority to verify that your skills and qualifications meet the Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Most GSM visas require a positive skills assessment.

Processing times can vary depending on the visa subclass, the completeness of your application, and current immigration workload. Generally, processing times can range from several months to over a year.

Yes, GSM visas allow for family members to be included in the application. This typically includes your partner and dependent children.

If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal the decision or apply for a different visa. Consulting with a migration expert can help you understand your options and next steps.

GSM visas like the Subclass 189 and 190 are permanent visas, so there is no need to extend them. The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that leads to permanent residency after fulfilling certain requirements.

JS Migration provides expert advice on visa eligibility, helps with skills assessments, assists in gathering and preparing documentation, and guides you through the application process to maximize your chances of success. We tailor strategies to your specific situation to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.



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