The General Skilled Migration ('GSM') programme is a scheme by which individuals and their families who have certain skills/occupations that are in demand in Australia are permitted to live and work in Australia. 

This is a tricky visa to negotiate so the assistance of a migration agent is particularly important.  You must consider things such as:

• Is my occupation on the list of eligible occupations and if not, is state/territory sponsorship a possibility?
• Can I get a ‘skills assessment’ for my occupation?
• Can I score enough points in the ‘Points Test’?
• How do I negotiate the ‘Expression of Interest’ system?

There are several types of visas available in this category – some grant immediate permanent residence whilst others are provisional, giving you an opportunity to live and work in Australia on a temporary basis so that you can later qualify for a permanent residency visa.

"Thanks again for your help through all of this.  You've been nothing other than awesome, incredibly helpful, gave sound advice and was professional all the way,  I have no hesitation in recommending you to friends and when I'm settled in a job I'll send all the staff your way when we're sorting their visas!" - Nicola, Independent Skilled Migration visa applicant (Accountant)