The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program remains one of the most significant pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. As of 2025, this points-tested program continues to evolve in line with national workforce needs, with increased emphasis on regional growth and essential service sectors. This article provides an up-to-date overview of current GSM trends, high-demand occupations, and practical guidance for applicants and migration professionals.

A Targeted Approach: Migration Program Planning 2024–25

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the 2024–25 permanent migration program has set 132,200 places (70%) for the Skill stream, including:

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): 16,900 places
• State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190): 32,300 places
• Regional (Subclass 491): 32,300 places

This represents a sustained commitment to regional migration, with almost 50% of total GSM places allocated to state-nominated or regional pathways.

Further, recent data from the Department of Home Affairs indicates that approval rates for complete and point-of-compliant applications range from 75% to 85%. However, processing times continue to vary:

• Subclass 189: 7–14 months
• Subclass 190: 5–9 months
• Subclass 491: 4–7 months

Due to these variations, many applicants are now strategically favouring state-nominated and regional visa options.

Understanding the GSM Application Process

The GSM program follows a structured application process:

• Skills Assessment: Each applicant must have a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority based on their nominated occupation. This verifies that the applicant’s qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Once a positive skills assessment is obtained, applicants submit an EOI through SkillSelect. This does not guarantee an invitation but places them in the pool for consideration.
• Invitation to Apply: Based on the EOI ranking (points score, occupation demand, and other factors), applicants may receive an invitation in a SkillSelect round or through state nomination.
• Visa Application: After receiving an invitation, the applicant submits a full visa application within the specified timeframe, attaching all required documents including health, character, and proof of claims.

Priority Reforms: Ministerial Direction No. 105

A major shift in 2023–24 that continues to shape processing in 2025 is the implementation of Ministerial Direction No. 105, which guides visa processing priorities. Key impacts on GSM include:

1. Regional Visas Prioritised: Subclass 491 applications are processed ahead of subclass 189/190.
2. Healthcare and Teaching Occupations Fast-Tracked: Nurses, aged care workers, and early childhood teachers are among the highest-priority roles.
3. Applications fromOnshore Applicants are processed faster than offshore, especially if the applicant is already working in Australia.

This directive reflects the government’s effort to address immediate workforce needs and encourage settlement outside metropolitan areas.

SkillSelect Invitation Trends: High Cut-Offs Persist

Monthly SkillSelect invitation rounds reveal a highly competitive environment for subclass 189 invitations:

• Cut-off scoresfor popular occupations such as ICT professionals and engineers often range between 85–95 points.
• Applicants with state nominations(subclass 190) typically receive invitations with lower point thresholds (65–70), depending on the occupation and the state.

This further strengthens the case for state or regional nomination pathways, where quotas are often more accessible, and nomination criteria can be more flexible.

Skill Occupation Lists and Priority Areas

Eligibility under the GSM program is based on occupation availability in the following lists:

• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – for subclass 189 & 491 (family sponsored)
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – mainly for subclass 190
• Regional Occupation List (ROL) – for subclass 491 (state nominated)

Some of the current priority occupations across Australia include:

• Registered Nurses
• Software Engineers
• Early Childhood Teachers
• Aged and Disability Carers
• Civil Engineers
• Electricians
• Chefs
• ICT Security Specialists

Expansion of Regional Programs and Occupation Lists

The Subclass 491 visa, designed to promote regional settlement, is growing in popularity due to faster processing times and flexible eligibility. Key features include:

• Five-year provisional visa leading to permanent residency via Subclass 191
• Priority processing for regional employers and occupations
• Bonus points for regional nomination or study

Several states and territories have expanded or updated their Skilled Occupation Lists to reflect evolving economic needs:

• South Australiaintroduced critical sectors streams, targeting offshore workers for regional healthcare and construction roles.
• Queensland and Tasmanianow prioritise long-term residents and graduates of regional institutions.
• Western Australiacontinues to offer graduate streams and additional incentives for applicants in trades and aged care.

These state-driven initiatives create new entry points for applicants who may not meet federal selection thresholds but are well-aligned with local workforce needs and can get invitations based on that.

Eligibility & Opportunity: Beyond the Priority Occupations

While top occupations such as Healthcare Professionals, Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, and Civil Engineers dominate invitations, other occupations are also eligible for admission. Applicants in occupations not listed among the top 10 may still receive invitations, particularly when:

• Their occupation appears on a state’s Skilled Occupation List.
• They claim additional points for regional study, partner skills, or community language skills.
• They apply through lesser-subscribed regional areas or nominate a state with broader criteria.

Regarding that following information is important to note:

• More than 200 occupationsremain eligible across various GSM visas.
• All occupations on the Skilled Occupation List are considered valid for GSM if the applicant meets the minimum points and receives an invitation.
• Many states consider less common occupationsunder regional priorities or family sponsorship streams like; SA actively invites Cook (ANZSCO 351411), Hairdresser (391111) while Migration Queensland considers regional applicants with unique skills such as Beekeeper (121311), Aquaculture Farmer (121111).

Applicants in fields such as laboratory technology, technical trades, accounting, and education support may still secure invitations through targeted strategies.

Recommendations

To adapt to these 2025 dynamics, applicants and professionals should:

• Start with a skills assessment from the relevant authority to confirm occupational eligibility.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness in EOI submissions — incorrect point claims can delay or invalidate invitations.
• Explore regional pathways (Subclass 491) for faster processing and realistic nomination chances.
• Monitor state nomination websites regularly for updates on occupation quotas, priority sectors, and application windows.
• Engage in regional study or work to boost eligibility and gain local ties.
• Stay current with English test requirements, health checks, and skills assessment expiry dates.
• Avoid relying solely on Subclass 189 unless scoring 85+ points — pursue state/territory nominations as a primary strategy.

Conclusion

General Skill Migration is not that simple and is not only based on numbers of places; it’s a strategic landscape shaped by regional priorities, occupation targeting, and processing reforms. For skilled migrants, the key to success lies in choosing the right pathway, aligning with labour needs, and staying informed through credible sources.

At Rehman Sheriff Group, our team continues to monitor these shifts closely to provide expert, policy-based advice that leads to successful outcomes.

Sources:

• NSW Skilled Occupation List (2025), Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Program, Home Affairs Occupation Trends
• Department of Home Affairs – Visa Processing Times
• State Government Skilled Migration Sites (NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, WA)
• Migration Queensland, South Australian Skilled Migration, WA Migration Services
• Department of Home Affairs website– GSM
• Migration Program planning levels