The Skilled Migration Program, also known as the General Skilled Migration Program, is for people who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia but are not sponsored by an employer.

The visa given is often referred to as a skilled migrant visa or a general skilled migration visa.

189 Independent
This visa is aimed at overseas students who have finished their studies in the last six months and as the name suggests it is independent of sponsorship or other criteria and relies on the applicant’s skill base alone.

190 Sponsored
This visa allows skilled workers who do not meet the point test for the skilled – independent visa to apply for permanent residency through state and territory nomination.

489 Regional Sponsored
This visa is designed to encourage migrants to live and work in regional areas of Australia where there are large skills shortages and significant numbers of job vacancies.

485 Graduate
This is an onshore visa for international students in Australia who do not satisfy the requirements for permanent skilled migration to Australia.