Australia Skilled Migration 2025: GSM, Points-Test and Pathways

Australia skilled migration continues to be the most popular PR channel for Vietnamese applicants in 2025, with a quota of 132,200 GSM (General Skilled Migration) visas for fiscal year 2024–25. The transparent Points-Test system favors younger applicants, those with English proficiency, and occupations on the MLTSSL. This article compiles the full pathway for Australia skilled migration, các Subclass và Points-Test 2025.

What is Australia skilled migration?

Australia skilled migration is a group of GSM programs granting PR (Permanent Residency) to workers whose occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Unlike family or investment categories, GSM scores applicants based on: age, English proficiency, experience, education, and sponsorship/nomination (if any).

There are 4 main subclasses: 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), 491 (Regional Sponsored), and ENS 186 (Employer Sponsored). Plus subclass 482 TSS (a work permit that can convert to PR).

4 Australia skilled migration subclasses in 2025

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent

Visa PR no nomination or sponsorship required, and not tied to any state. Requires an occupation on the MLTSSL, Points-Test ≥ 65 (actual cutoff 75–85). Details at Subclass 189 Úc.

Subclass 190 — State Nominated

A PR visa sponsored by a State/Territory Government. Adds 5 points to the Points Test. Requires living & working in that state for the first 2 years (a moral commitment). Read more at So sánh 190 vs 491.

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional

A 5-year temporary visa with a pathway to PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years living in a regional area. Adds 15 points on the Points Test — the highest of any GSM stream. Accepts a broader range of occupations than 189/190.

ENS Subclass 186 — Employer Sponsored

A PR visa sponsored by an Australian employer. 3 streams: Direct Entry (3 years’ experience), Temporary Residence Transition (after 2 years on a 482 TSS), Labour Agreement.

2025 Points Test — the scoring formula for Australia’s skilled migration

Maximum total 130 points, minimum to lodge is 65, actual average cutoff is 75-85:

• Age: Ages 25-32 (30 points), 33-39 (25 points), 40-44 (15 points), 45+ (0 points).
• English: Competent IELTS 6.0 (0 points), Proficient IELTS 7.0 (10 points), Superior IELTS 8.0 (20 points).
• Overseas experience: 3 years (5 points), 5 years (10 points), 8 years (15 points).
• Experience in Australia: 1 year (5 points), 3 years (10 points), 5 years (15 points), 8 years (20 points).
• Education: Diploma/Bachelor’s degree (15 points), Master’s degree (15 points), PhD (20 points).
• Australian qualification (Australian Study Requirement): +5 points.
• Regional study (CBD ngoài Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane): +5 points.
• State nomination (190): +5 points. Regional nomination (491): +15 points.
• NAATI CCL in Vietnamese: +5 points.
• Skilled spouse/partner: +10 points (must meet IELTS 6.0 + skills assessment).

Basic requirements for Australia’s skilled migration

• Under 45 years old at the time of invitation (ITA).
• Skill Assessment a pass from the assessing authority (VETASSESS, ACS, AHPRA, TRA…).
• Occupation on the SOL: MLTSSL (for 189), STSOL or ROL (for 190/491).
• IELTS Competent (6.0 in each band) minimum — Proficient/Superior to earn extra points.
• Police clearance, panel health check meeting the required standard.

Step-by-step process for Australia’s skilled migration

1. Skill Assessment: submitted through VETASSESS/ACS/AHPRA depending on the occupation — 3-6 months.
2. Thi IELTS / PTE Academic: achieving a Competent/Proficient result.
3. Submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) qua SkillSelect — declare your points, choose a subclass.
4. Receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply): 189 rounds are held monthly; 190/491 depend on the state.
5. Lodge the visa application: within 60 days of the ITA, with form 80, 1221, police clearance, and health checks.
6. Decision Ready: 6-12 months for 189; 4-10 months for 190; 491 is faster.
7. Visa Grant + Initial Entry Date: must enter Australia before this date (usually 6 months from the grant).

Skills Assessment — the most important step

Each occupation has a different assessing authority:

• ACS — Australian Computer Society: ngành IT (programmer, analyst, devops). Phí 530 AUD.
• VETASSESS: general occupations (accounting, marketing, design, chef, education). Fee 1,000-1,300 AUD.
• AHPRA: healthcare (RN, doctor, pharmacist, physio). Fee 1,500-3,000 AUD.
• TRA — Trades Recognition Australia: trade occupations (welder, electrician, plumber). Fee 1,000 AUD + offshore skills test.
• Engineers Australia: all engineering occupations. Fee 660 AUD/CDR.

Summary

In 2025, Australia’s skilled migration remains an effective PR pathway for young Vietnamese (25-35 years old) with an occupation on the SOL and good English. Read more Subclass 189, 190 vs 491, SOL 2025. Need a points assessment? Get a free assessment with an M2W specialist.

Read more: Overview of Australian migration · Subclass 189 Australia 2025: The Skilled Independent visa in full detail A-Z