Skilled Migration

General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190)

Migrating to Australia under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is one of the most popular and rewarding pathways to permanent residency. Designed for qualified professionals and tradespeople, it allows skilled individuals to live and work in Australia without employer sponsorship.

At K&D Lawyers, our immigration team helps skilled migrants successfully navigate the processes for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Whether you’re applying from overseas or you’re already in Australia, our team will guide you from eligibility checks to visa lodgment, ensuring every requirement is met with precision.

What Is the General Skilled Migration Program?

The General Skilled Migration program helps Australian industries attract talented individuals with high-demand skills across multiple industries, from engineering and healthcare to information technology, construction, and education.

This program includes a points-based system, meaning your eligibility is assessed based on criteria such as age, education, work experience, and English proficiency. The higher your score, the stronger your chances of being invited to apply for a visa.

The GSM program includes two key visa options:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For applicants not sponsored by an employer, relative, or state/territory government.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): For applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Both visas grant permanent residency. This gives you the freedom to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Benefits of the General Skilled Migration Program

Migrating under the GSM program opens the door to a lifelong connection with Australia. Successful applicants enjoy:

Permanent residency from the date the visa is granted.
Full work rights across Australia in any field or occupation.
Access to Medicare, the national healthcare system.
The ability to include your partner and dependent children in your application.
A clear path to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia (Subclass 189) or within your nominating state (Subclass 190).

Our experienced team ensures your application showcases the full extent of your skills and qualifications, maximizing your opportunity for success.

Understanding the Points Test

To qualify for consideration, you must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the GSM points test. However, competition can be intense. Higher-scoring applicants receive priority for invitations through the SkillSelect system.

Several key factors comprise your score, including:

Age: Applicants from 25 to 32 years receive the highest points.
English language proficiency: Based on results from tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Work experience: Points are awarded for years of skilled employment, both in Australia and overseas.
Educational qualifications: From diplomas to university degrees and doctorate-level studies.
Australian study or work experience: Completing a study program or employment in Australia adds valuable points.
State or territory nomination: Subclass 190 applicants receive an additional 5 points.
Partner skills or single status: Applicants may earn extra points if their partner meets skills criteria or if they are single.
Specialist education: Additional points for postgraduate qualifications in STEM disciplines.

Our immigration legal team can calculate your current points score and help you identify practical ways to increase it. For example, improving your English test results, gaining additional work experience, or applying through a state with a lower invitation threshold can help to increase your chances of success.

The General Skilled Migration Process

Applying for a GSM visa involves several stages. We manage the entire process to ensure you meet every requirement and deadline.

Step 1: Check Your Occupation— Your occupation must appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List or on a specific state or territory occupation list. Each occupation is tied to an authorized assessing authority, which will evaluate your qualifications.
Step 2: Skills Assessment—A positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards. You must complete this assessment before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Step 3: English Language Test— You will need to prove your English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS or PTE. Scores above “competent” English not only meet the minimum requirements but also increase your total points.
Step 4: Expression of Interest (EOI)— You then submit an EOI through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online system. This document outlines your skills, background, and points score. Candidates with competitive scores are invited to apply for a visa.
Step 5: State or Territory Nomination (Subclass 190)— For Subclass 190, you must apply for nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has specific criteria and occupation lists reflecting local labor shortages. Approval provides five extra points toward your total.
Step 6: Visa Application— Once you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application. This includes submitting personal documents, skills assessments, English test results, and health and character certificates.
Step 7: Application Processing— The Department of Home Affairs will review your application, which can take 6 to 12 months. During this period, our team handles ongoing communication and any additional document requests.

Once approved, you’ll receive your permanent residence visa and can begin your new life in Australia.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa offers complete independence as a permanent residency visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, relative, or state government.

The key advantages of having a Subclass 189 visa include:

Complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
No obligation to remain in a specific region or job.
Automatic permanent residency upon approval.
An option to include eligible family members.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

This visa is ideal for professionals in high-demand occupations nationwide, such as engineers, healthcare specialists, IT professionals, and educators.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa operates similarly to the 189 but requires state or territory nomination. This nomination also adds five bonus points to your application.

Key advantages include:

State or territory sponsorship gives your application an extra boost.
Permanent residency with full work and study rights.
Commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
Greater opportunity for occupations in demand regionally.

Many states and territories refresh their occupation lists throughout the year, giving professionals valuable opportunities to secure nomination in their field.

We monitor these lists closely so you can apply where your skills are most needed, increasing your likelihood of receiving an invitation.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a General Skilled Migration visa, you must:

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
Demonstrate competent English (or higher, depending on visa requirements).
Achieve at least 65 points on the points test.
Meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
For Subclass 190: obtain a state or territory nomination before applying.

Our legal team conducts a thorough eligibility assessment before starting your application, ensuring your case meets all program criteria and is presented as strongly as possible.

Common Challenges and How We Solve Them

Many applicants underestimate the complexity of skilled migration. Common issues include point miscalculations, incomplete documentation, and errors during skills assessment.

We help clients overcome these challenges by offering:

Comprehensive eligibility pre-assessment to identify the best visa strategy.
Expert guidance with skills assessment applications to meet the standards of relevant authorities.
Accurate points calculation and assistance in improving your score.
Up-to-date advice on state nomination criteria and occupation lists.
Meticulous document preparation and review before lodgment.
Ongoing communication with Australian immigration authorities on your behalf.

Because we manage your entire application process, we can minimize delays and avoid costly errors, giving your visa application the highest chance of success.

Why Choose K & D Lawyers?

At K & D Lawyers, our team of Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers has a deep understanding of Australia's skilled migration framework. We stay current on policy updates and use our experience to help clients present compelling, well-documented cases.

What sets us apart:

Tailored legal advice based on your professional background and goals.
Transparent, fixed-fee pricing structure with no hidden costs.
A strong record of success in skilled migration cases.
Ongoing support, from eligibility assessment to post-visa settlement advice.
Clear communication and responsive legal guidance at every stage.

Our firm takes pride in helping professionals and their families start new lives in Australia with confidence.

Take the Next Step Toward Permanent Residency

The General Skilled Migration program offers a rewarding opportunity to convert your professional skills into a lasting career and future in Australia. With strong legal guidance, you can navigate the process effectively and avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or refusals.

Book a consultation with K & D Lawyers today to find out how you can qualify for a Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa. Our immigration lawyers will review your circumstances, calculate your points score, and outline the best strategy for your successful migration. Contact us today to begin your Australian journey and take your next step toward a lifetime of opportunity.