General Skilled Visas

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a suitable migration pathway for applicants that are over 18 and under 45 years of age, have good English language ability, and recent skilled work experience or have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification. In addition to this Applicants will need to be of good health and character.

Eligible applicants are assessed against a points system. Points are allocated against an applicant’s skills, qualifications and other relevant attributes. The pass mark will be based on whether the applicant is applying independently or is sponsored by a State Government or family member that is either an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen (NZ Citizen that was residing in Australia prior to 26.02.2001).

Applicants sponsored by a family member or applying independently through the GSM pathway can only apply where they are eligible to nominate an occupation that is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Applicants sponsored by a State Government must seek approval from the relevant State Government for sponsorship within an occupation listed upon Schedule 4 of the relevant instrument in writing, IMMI 10/026 and in line with the relevant states migration plan. Australia has recently changed the skills occupation lists to better meet Australia’s future skills needs.

If you would like to check your eligibility to migrate to Australia through the GSM program please complete our Online Assessment Form, and one of our team will contact you to discuss your immigration matter.

Skills Matching Database (SMD)

The Skill Matching Database (SMD) is an initiative that has been started by the Australian Government to help match skilled people, who have applied to migrate to Australia, with skilled vacancies or skill shortages in Australia. The SMD contains the educational, employment and work details of skilled migrants and includes many who are interested in living and working in regional Australia. The database is used by employers for employer sponsored migration categories, as well as by State and Territory governments.

To be included on the SMD applicants must have lodged a valid application for one of the following visa categories:

Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175)
Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)
Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)
Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)

Applicants who choose not to include their details on the SMD at time of application will not have the option to include their details at a later date. There is no application charge for applicant details to be listed on the SMD. Applicants who have their details on the database are not guaranteed a job in Australia or migration application approval.

Most visa applicants remain on the database until they arrive in Australia.

Further information about the SMD can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/

Access to the SMD can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/28skillmatchingdatabase.htm