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General Skilled Migration Visa
Our expert General Skilled Migration Visa Consultant in Delhi guides you through every step of the process, from skill assessment to visa application. We make sure your profile is strong and ready for success. Start your Australian journey with us today!
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General Skilled Migration Visa Australia: 2026 Guide for Indian Applicants
Key Takeaways
- The General Skilled Migration visa program covers three points-tested visas: Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.
- You need at least 65 points, a positive skills assessment, Competent English, and you must be under 45 when invited.
- From 1 July 2026 the visa application charge is AUD 6,135 for the 189 and AUD 6,140 for the 190 and 491 (main applicant).
- Australia’s 2026-27 Migration Program has 185,000 places, including 21,090 Skilled Independent and 35,500 State/Territory Nominated places.
- The 4 June 2026 invitation round issued 10,000 Subclass 189 invitations, with minimum scores from 65 to 100 depending on occupation.
- A redesigned points test is proposed to start on 1 July 2027. The current rules apply until then.
General Skilled Migration
The General Skilled Migration Visa is one of the most popular pathway to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. It is designed for skilled workers who have the qualifications and experience required in Australia. This visa is based on a point system and includes subclasses like 189, 190 and 491. The GSM visa can help you in finding out your goal of moving to Australia if you fulfil the eligibility requirements and have the required skills.
Australian visas issued under General Skilled Migration:
- Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190
- Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
- Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa – Subclass 476
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
189 vs 190 vs 491: Which GSM Visa Fits Your Profile?
The right subclass depends on your points, your occupation and how flexible you are about location.
Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional, 5 years |
Nomination or sponsor | None | State or territory government | State or territory, or eligible relative |
Extra points | 0 | 5 | 15 |
Where you can live | Anywhere in Australia | Nominating state (usually a 2-year commitment) | Designated regional areas only |
Path to PR | Immediate | Immediate | Subclass 191 after 3 years |
Planning level 2026-27 | 21,090 places | 35,500 places | 14,110 places (regional category) |
Charge, main applicant (from 1 July 2026) | AUD 6,135 | AUD 6,140 | AUD 6,140 |
Best suited to | High scorers in in-demand occupations | Applicants a few points short for the 189 | Applicants who need 15 points and accept regional life |
Benefits of Australian Skilled Migration
Australia’s General Skilled Migration program helps skilled workers build a better future. With the right skills, you can enjoy these benefits:
- Get permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration program.
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship.
- Sponsor eligible family members.
- High demand for skilled workers means better job opportunities.
- Enjoy a high standard of living and work-life balance.
Our expert Australia visa agent in Delhi will guide you through every step.
Eligibility Criteria for the General Skilled Migration Visa
You must meet every one of these requirements at the time you are invited to apply.
- Age: under 45 years.
- Occupation: your nominated occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list for your chosen subclass.
- Skills assessment: a positive, valid assessment from the authority that covers your occupation.
- English: at least Competent English, for example IELTS 6.0 in each band.
- Points: a minimum of 65 on the points test.
- Invitation: an invitation to apply issued through SkillSelect.
- Health and character: medical examinations and police clearance for you and each family member.
Process to Apply for Australian General Skilled Migration Program
Apply for the Australian General Skilled Migration Program involves several important steps. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Check if your occupation is on the skilled occupation list.
- Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority.
- Take an English language test like IELTS or PTE.
- Calculate your points based on age, experience, education, and language skills.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Wait for an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Submit your visa application with all documents.
- Undergo health and character checks.
- Receive your visa grant and prepare to move to Australia.
Our Australian migration experts in Delhi at GIEC Global help you at every step for a smooth and successful process.
How to Apply: The Australia Immigration Process Step by Step
If you are asking “how can I apply” from India, this is the sequence. The Australia immigration process is the same for every nationality.
- Confirm your occupation. Match your daily duties, not your job title, to an ANZSCO code. A wrong code is the most expensive early mistake.
- Get your skills assessment. Apply to the correct authority with degree certificates, transcripts and detailed employer reference letters. Allow 2 to 4 months.
- Sit your English test. Book IELTS or PTE Academic early. Results are valid for three years for GSM purposes, so a retake to gain points is often worthwhile.
- Calculate your points. Count only what you can prove with documents. Over-claiming can lead to refusal and a ban.
- Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. It is free and stays active for two years. Select every subclass you are willing to accept.
- Apply for state nomination (190 and 491 only). Each state has its own occupation list, criteria and application process. Some also ask for a Registration of Interest first.
- Receive your invitation. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge the visa application. The deadline cannot be extended.
- Lodge the visa application and pay the charge. Upload identity, skills, employment, English and relationship documents through ImmiAccount.
- Complete health and character checks. Book medicals with a panel physician in India and obtain police clearance certificates.
- Receive the decision. On grant, check your visa conditions and your first-entry date, then plan your move.
Documents Checklist for Indian Applicants
Gather these before you lodge your EOI, not after the invitation. Sixty days passes quickly.
Identity and family
- Passport for every applicant, valid well beyond the expected decision date
- Birth certificates, or Class 10 certificate where a birth certificate is unavailable
- Marriage certificate, plus evidence of a genuine relationship for partners
Skills and education
- Skills assessment outcome letter
- Degree certificates and all semester mark sheets
- English test report
Employment
- Reference letters on company letterhead listing duties, hours, dates and salary
- Salary slips, Form 16, income tax returns and bank statements showing salary credits
- EPF statements, which case officers treat as strong independent evidence
Health and character
- Police Clearance Certificate from Passport Seva, and from any country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
- Medical examination results from a Home Affairs panel physician
Reference letters cause the most trouble. A one-line experience letter from HR is not enough. Ask for a detailed letter early, and if an employer refuses, prepare a statutory declaration from a supervisor with supporting payslips.
General Skilled Migration Visa Cost and Processing Time
The General Skilled Migration Visa is a cost-effective way to move to Australia if you meet the skill requirements. Here are the key details:
- Visa application fee starts from AUD 4,640 (for subclass 189/190/491).
- Additional charges apply for dependents.
- Skills assessment fees vary depending on the authority.
- English test (IELTS/PTE) has separate costs.
- Medical and police checks may also add extra charges.
- Processing time usually takes 6 to 12 months.
Our experienced Skilled migration consultant for Australia in Delhi at GIEC Global will guide you with transparent cost details and timely updates.
Australian Skilled Occupation List
Connect With Our Australia Migration Agent in Delhi
Why Choose GIEC Immigration Experts for Your GSM Visa
GIEC Global advises skilled workers across India on Australian migration, with a MARA-registered migration agent reviewing Australian applications.
- Profile assessment first. We check your occupation, likely points and realistic subclass options before you spend on assessments.
- Skills assessment support. We prepare ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS and other applications, including guidance on CDR and reference letters.
- EOI and state nomination strategy. We track state programs and advise where your occupation has a genuine chance.
- Decision-ready applications. Documents are checked against Home Affairs requirements before lodgement.
- Clear costs. You receive a written breakdown of government charges and our professional fees.
No adviser can guarantee an invitation or a visa. What the GIEC immigration team can do is make sure your claim is accurate, complete and lodged at the right time.
FAQs
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. It is a points-based visa that considers your age, work experience, English skills, and education. You must have an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List to qualify.
