General Skilled Migration (GSM)
General Skilled Migration (GSM) is the umbrella name for Australia’s points-tested skilled visas – the Subclass 189, 190 and 491. Rather than being sponsored into a single job, GSM applicants are selected on the strength of their skills, qualifications and experience through a competitive, points-based process. This page explains how that process works. For eligibility and points in depth, see our Skilled Migration pillar page; for the individual visas, see the 189, 190 and 491 pages.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
How the GSM process works
Step 1 — Check your occupation and skills assessment
Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you are targeting — for the 189, 190 and 491 this is the MLTSSL (and, for the 190 and 491, the STSOL and Regional Occupation List), not the employer-sponsored CSOL. You generally need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation. This is the foundation of any GSM application.
Step 2 — Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
An EOI is not a visa application. It is an online profile in SkillSelect where you indicate the visa(s) you are interested in and claim your points. Your EOI is then ranked against others in the pool.
Step 3 — Receive an invitation to apply
The Department (and, for 190/491, states and territories) invite candidates from the pool. Invitations generally favour higher-scoring EOIs, and cut-offs vary by occupation and by invitation round. An EOI can sit in the pool for some time before an invitation is issued — or may not be invited at all if it is not competitive.
Step 4 — Lodge your visa application
Once invited, you have a limited period set by the Department to lodge a complete application with supporting evidence. Missing this window means the invitation lapses, so preparation before invitation matters.
Invitation windows, cut-off scores and processing times are set by the Department and change over time. Confirm the current timeframes on the Department of Home Affairs and SkillSelect pages before relying on them.
2026 note: A reform of the GSM points test was announced in the 2026–27 Federal Budget (favouring younger, higher-skilled, better-educated applicants). It is not yet legislated — the current test and 65-point minimum still apply, and existing invitations will be honoured. The four-step process above is unchanged.
Which GSM visa is right for you?
The best pathway depends on your points score, your occupation and the lists it appears on, and how flexible you are about where you live:
Subclass 189
permanent, no sponsor, live anywhere; the most competitive on points
Subclass 190
permanent, state/territory nomination (+5 points), commitment to that state
Subclass 491
provisional regional (+15 points), pathway to permanent residence via the 191
Many applicants are eligible for more than one and benefit from advice on which to pursue. A consultation helps you compare your options against your real profile.
Why work with a registered migration professional?
GSM rules – occupation lists, state criteria and invitation trends – change frequently, and small errors in an EOI or points claim can lead to refusal. We help you assess your circumstances, plan the strongest pathway and prepare a decision-ready application. We regularly assist applicants in Türkiye and the Philippines as well as those already onshore in Australia.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
Frequently asked questions
What is General Skilled Migration (GSM)?
General Skilled Migration is the group of points-tested skilled visas — the Subclass 189, 190 and 491 — for people whose occupation is in demand. Selection is based on your occupation, skills assessment and points score rather than sponsorship into a specific job.
How do the EOI and SkillSelect work?
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, indicating the visa(s) you are interested in and claiming your points. An EOI is not a visa application; it is ranked in a pool, and you can only apply once you receive an invitation.
What happens after I receive an invitation?
Once invited, you have a limited period set by the Department to lodge a complete visa application with supporting evidence. If you do not lodge within that period the invitation lapses, so it helps to prepare your documents before you are invited.
Which skilled visa should I apply for?
The most suitable visa depends on your points score, your occupation and the lists it appears on, and how flexible you are about location. Some applicants are eligible for more than one pathway. A consultation with a qualified migration agent can help you compare your options.
Can I lodge more than one EOI?
You can indicate interest in more than one visa within your SkillSelect profile. Whether that is worthwhile depends on your occupation, the relevant occupation lists and your individual circumstances, which are best reviewed with professional advice.