General Skilled Migration Skills Assessment
The general skilled migration skills assessment is a core component of the general skilled migration visa program, which offers a permanent resident route for eligible professionals. This points-tested visa program is designed to bring individuals with on-demand skills into Australia who can assist the economy of Australia and also alleviate labor shortages. Prospective migrants can lodge directly or through state or territory government nomination.
Candidates are evaluated through a points-based system, which considers age, educational background, employment history, and English proficiency. Achieving a higher score increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a general skilled migration visa. If you don’t have employer sponsorship, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and obtaining a valid general skilled migration skills assessment are essential steps.
General Skilled Migration Visa Subclasses
The general skilled migration visa program includes the following points-tested visa subclasses:
- Skilled Independent Visa—Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa—Subclass 190
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa—Subclass 491
Note: The Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional—Provisional) visa has closed for new applications but remains relevant for transitional cases.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189 Points-Tested Stream)
The Subclass 189 general skilled migration visa grants permanent residence to eligible professionals without sponsorship. Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Occupation on the MLTSSL
- General skilled migration skills assessment (current)
- At least 65 points (the greater the points, the more competitive)
- EOI submission and Home Affairs invitation
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- English language ability, health, and character requirements met
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa provides permanent residency through nomination by the state or territory. Nominees receive an additional 5 points and must remain in the sponsoring region for two years.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Occupation on the 190 Skilled Occupation List
- Have a valid general skilled migration skills assessment
- 65 points minimum in the points-tested visa process
- EOI submission and invitation
- State or territory nomination
- Under 45 years old at invitation
- Satisfy English, health, and character requirements
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491 Points-Tested Stream)
This is a provisional General Skilled Migration visa designed for individuals who are ready to live and work in regional Australia. It grants 15 additional points and access to permanent residence through Subclass 191.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Occupation on the 491 Skilled Occupation List
- General skilled migration skills assessment is valid
- Minimum of 65 points on the points-tested visa program
- Receive nomination from a state or territory
- EOI submission and invitation
- Under 45 years old at invitation
- Meet English, health, and character requirements
Applying for a Points-Tested General Skilled Migration Visa
The process of applying for a points-tested General Skilled Migration Visa is:
- Obtain a relevant general skilled migration skills assessment for your listed occupation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect with details of your qualifications and experience.
- Hold out for an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs.
- If the application is for a Subclass 190 or 491, satisfy the particular nomination requirements of the nominating state or territory.
- When invited, submit your complete application for the points-tested visa, with proof of your valid general skilled migration skills assessment.
GSM Skills Assessment
There is a mandatory successful general migration skills assessment in a bid to apply for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, comprising visas of Subclasses 189, 190, and 491. Only assessments issued by the relevant Australian assessing authority are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. These assessments determine whether your educational qualifications and professional experience meet Australian standards for your chosen occupation.
A specific assessing authority is linked to each occupation on the skilled occupation list. For instance, VETASSESS evaluates a broad range of occupations, whereas Engineers Australia handles engineering roles. Your nominated occupation will dictate which authority conducts your general skilled migration skills assessment. The assessment process typically involves submitting an application along with supporting documents such as academic credentials and employment history. The authority then reviews your qualifications and experience to ensure they align with the standards for working in your nominated field in Australia.
Since the criteria vary depending on both the occupation and the assessing body, it’s important to note that each authority has its own set of requirements. These may not always match the general criteria outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. In all cases, a valid general skilled migration skills assessment is non-negotiable.
Overall, the GSM pathway is a comprehensive and multi-step process that demands careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of all eligibility and procedural requirements.
Key Rules of General Skilled Migration:
- The occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa subclass.
- The skills assessment must be completed and valid at the time of invitation.
- Proof of the general skilled migration skills assessment must be included with your visa application.
Skills Assessment Validity and Legal Changes
The Department of Home Affairs enforces strict rules regarding the timing and validity of your skills assessment:
- No expiry shown: valid for 3 years from the issue date
- Shorter expiry shown: valid for the period stated
- Expiry over 3 years: capped at 3 years from issuance
CDRWriters: Supporting Your General Skilled Migration Visa Application
CDRWriters offers complete support for your general skilled migration visa journey, including:
- Preparing and submitting your general skilled migration skills assessment
- Managing your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Assisting with state and territory nomination submissions
Let us help you confidently navigate the general skilled migration skills assessment process and reach your Australian migration goals.

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