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What is GSM Visa

Countries across the world, like Canada, Australia, USA, UK and New Zealand, have a merit based immigration system, which is also popularly known as point based immigration system. This system determines the eligibility of a non-citizen to migrate, basis criteria like country, language, fluency, education levels, wealth etc. Australia immigration program is called GSM (General Skilled Migration) and this is issued to those professionals who can utilize their skilled experience and education qualification effectively in the country. Timing is critical to be able to present oneself as the perfect candidate for this Visa Category, and ACEIS helps you to determine the same through experts based in Australia.

Types of GSM Visa and Eligibility Criteria

There are three classifications under which a GSM visa can be applied:

  1. Skill Independent -Subclass 189 Visa
  2. Skill Nominated- Subclass 190 Visa
  3. Skilled Regional Provisional- Subclass 491 Visa

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Skill Independent -Subclass 189 Visa

This stream is for point tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. You can apply for this visa from outside or while within Australia if you meet the below criteria.

Salient Points:

  • • This is a permanent visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
  • You need to obtain at least 65 points to be eligible to apply for this visa.
  • You must be less than 45 years of age
  • Your occupation must be featured in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • You can include your family members in your visa application.
  • You do not require a sponsor, (no state or family sponsorship applies)

Skill Nominated- Subclass 190 Visa

Each state or territory government has its own list of occupations in demand in their area. There may be specific requirements in relation to the skills possessed by the applicant, work experience or English language ability.

Salient Points:

  • This is permanent visa which allows to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
  • You must be invited to apply for and then approved for state sponsorship.
  • You need to obtain at least 65 points to be eligible to apply for this visa.
  • You must be less than 45 years of age
  • Your occupation must be featured in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • You can include your family members in your visa application.

Skilled Regional Provisional- Subclass 491 Visa

The new 491 visa, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years.

Salient Points:

  • Stay in Australia for up to 5 years with a Provisional (Temporary) Residence
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is still valid
  • You must be invited to apply for the visa.
  • You need to obtain at least 65 points to be eligible to apply for this visa.
  • You must be less than 45 years of age
  • You can include your family members in your visa application.
  • A holder of a 491 visa signs an undertaking to reside in the sponsoring state or territory for the first 3 years after taking up residence, and must live and work in that designated area for 3 years as requirement to then apply for a permanent residence visa

Points System- Some Inputs

  • Points for 2-year study: International students stand to earn 5 extra points if they have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia. This makes them eligible for the Graduate temporary visa Sub Class 485
  • Points for Regional Study- A student having studied in Regional Australia, which are locations other than Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, for either a graduate degree, diploma or trade course, qualifies for 5 extra points while applying for a skilled visa (189,190,491,887)
  • Points for NAATI- The Credentialed Community Language Test (CCL) is an assessment of your language abilities at a community level. The CCL test is generally taken by the applicants who are looking to lodge a point-based visa application. These bonus points are also referred to as Credentialed Community Language Points.
  • Points for English- If your applying for a skilled category visa then you are required to prove your English language ability. The acceptable English tests are IELTS, OET, PTE, TOEFL and Cambridge Test of English. Connect with our language partner today to improve your skills and make the best of the points.
  • Points for PY - The Professional Year Program (PYear) is a job-readiness program that bridges the gap between full-time study and professional employment in Australia. If you enroll in it, you can seek the benefits of earning 5 points upon its completion. It allows students like you to develop industry-specific skills through study and work experience in Australia

Good to know

  • The English language capability is a defining factor towards points enhancement. It is recommended for aspirants to score a minimum of 7 in all bands of IELTS, to be able to harness the advantage. Consult our language partners today!
  • Skill assessment of spouse can also render value to the points table of the primary applicant, incase the spouse’ occupation is a part of the skill list
  • It is important to be cognizant of the timing of application since the age of the applicant has a bearing on points.