Understanding Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program in 2025

Australia’s General Skilled Migration program or the points test system is one of the popular competitive and independent pathways to Permanent Residency. The GSM program addressed labour shortages and focuses on attracting skilled workers to meet Australia’s economic needs. All applicants for GSM program – 189, 190 and 491 are invited through the SkillSelect system to apply for their respective Visas. Once you meet all the eligibility requirements of the points test system, you are required to prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), an electronic application through SkillSelect.  

Note: Meeting the basic eligibility requirements of the GSM program does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa, as the program is highly competitive and relies on the country’s labour needs. Although higher points may increase your chance of securing a Visa, it does not ensure a visa invitation. If you need support creating a personalised migration plan, get in touch today. 

This article aims to provide essential information on Australia’ General Skilled Migration Program. Key information in this article:  

• Visa Subclasses covered under the GSM program
  
• Australia’s points test system explained
• Eligibility requirements for the General Skilled Migration Program
• Eligible occupations  

Visa subclasses covered under General Skilled Migration (GSM) program 

1. Skilled Independent – Subclass 189 – The 189 Visa is a permanent Visa allowing you to remain indefinitely in Australia and offers full working rights. 189 Visa does not need Nomination or Sponsorship by a state/territory or a family member in Australia.
2. Skilled Nominated – Subclass 190 – The 190 Visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state/territory government to live and work in Australia as a Permanent Resident. The 190 Visa can be lodged onshore or offshore and you need to receive an invitation from a state/territory to apply for the Visa.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)and the Family Sponsored – Subclass 491 – The 491 Visa is a provisional visa that is valid for 5 years from the grant date, and allows you to live, work and study in a designated regional area. You need to have lived and worked for 3 years in a regional area on the 491 Visa as the minimum requirement to be eligible for the 191 Visa, Permanent Skilled Regional Visa.  

Australia’s points test system explained

How are the Permanent Residency points calculated? 

• Age:  
  • • 18-24 years: 25 points 
    • 25-32 years: 30 points 
    • 33-39 years: 25 points 
    • 40-44 years: 15 points 
    • 45-49 years: 0 points

• English Language Proficiency  
  • • Competent English: 0 points 
    • Proficient English: 10 points 
    • Superior English: 20 points

• Work Experience  
  • • Overseas Work  
      • 3-5 years: 5 points 
      • 5-8 years: 10 points 
      • 8+ years: 15 points
        
    • Australian Work Experience  
      • 1-3 years: 5 points 
      • 3-5 years: 10 points 
      • 5-8 years: 15 points 
      • 8+ years: 20 points
        

• Educational Qualification  
  • • Doctorate: 20 points 
    • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points 
    • Australian diploma or trade qualification: 10 points 
    • Award or qualification recognized by the relevant assessing authority: 10 points

• Australian Study Requirement: Applicants can earn 5 points if they have completed a degree or diploma or trade qualification in Australia and meet the specific requirement criteria related to the duration and the type of study they have done.

• Specialist Education Qualification: Applicants can get an additional 10 points by completing a postgraduate degree by research or a doctoral degree in a specific field.
• Professional Year in Australia: By completing a Professional Year (PY) program in Australia in a skilled occupation, applicants can earn 5 additional points. These programs are typically available in fields such as engineering and information technology. Please note: From 5th March, new enrollments for the Accounting PY program will cease due to a significant decline in student enrolments.

• Credentialed Community Language – Applicants can get 5 extra points if they hold a recognised credential in a community language.

• Study in Regional Area: Studying and living in a regional area can earn the applicants 5 additional points, given that they meet the study requirements in a designated area.

• Partner Skills:  
  • • Partner is aged under 45, has competent English, and has a positive skills assessment: 10 points 
    • Partner has competent English: 5 points 
    • Single applicants: 10 points

• Nomination and Sponsorship:  
  • • State or territory government nomination (Subclass 190 visa): 5 points 
    • State or territory government nomination or eligible family member sponsorship (Subclass 491 visa): 15 points 

Maximising your points under the GSM program 

As the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a point tested system, by increasing your points, you can increase your chances of receiving an invite (this is still not a guarantee). This may include obtaining a higher English proficiency score, gaining an additional qualification or gaining more work experience in your nominated occupation.

Eligibility requirements for the General Skilled Migration Program 

• Age: You must be under 45 years when applying for any of the Visas  

• Nomination or Sponsorship: You should be able to nominate an occupation from the relevant occupation lists 

• Skills Assessment: You should have a positive and relevant skills assessment before applying for the Visas  

• English Requirements: You should meet the minimum English requirements. Common proficiency tests include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET.  

• Minimum points: You should have a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for the points tested system 

• Health and Character Requirements: You must undertake the prescribed medical assessment and prove good character to the Department of Home Affairs.  

Eligible Occupations 

To be eligible to apply for any of the Visas mentioned above including Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled work Regional (Provisional) Visa and Family Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491) – your occupation must be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.  

We highly recommend consulting a professional to assess your eligibility and confirming that your occupation is on the SOL. Seeking professional guidance will help you plan your migration journey with ease.