What is the GSR Visa in Australia?
The GSR pathway is one of the most important parts of Australia’s skilled migration system, aimed at retaining international graduates who have studied in Australia and possess skills relevant to the country’s economy.
Temporary graduate visas are much more restrictive than the GSR pathway, which typically allows permanent residency for qualified applicants. This is one of the most highly sought-after migration schemes for international students in Australia.
This pathway is available for Graduate of Australian Educational Institutions is not a visa by itself, but rather a pathway under the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or Nominated Skilled visa (subclass 190).
Prerequisites for GSR in Australia's Skills Assessment Recognition
- Academic Background
In regards the GSR pathway, you are required to have:
- Two or more years study in Australia in a higher learning institution.
- A qualification (degree, diploma or trade certificate) related to a SOL occupation.
- At least 4 years after graduation from the date of application.
- Course completion while physically located in Australia.
Your qualification should be listed in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and applicable to the occupation you are nominated.
- Age Criteria
Maximum age limit of applicants is 45 years when invited to apply. Age points are given starting from 32 to 25 years gaining maximum (30 points) in that period.
- English Language Proficiency
You can demonstrate competent English by achieving one of the following test scores:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 60 overall with at least 18 in speaking, 18 in listening, 14 in reading, and 18 in writing
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 in each component
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 169 in each component
- OET: Minimum grade B in all components
To be awarded maximum points (20), the following must be met demonstrating superior English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 8 in each component
- PTE Academic: At least 79 in each component
- Any other equivalent scores in approved tests
- Skills Assessment
You are required to cover different assessing authorities for different occupations as follows:
- Engineers Australia for engineering occupations
- Australian Computer Society for information technology professionals
- VETASSESS for some managerial and administrative positions
- Medical Board of Australia for other medical practitioners
- And others, as applicable to your area
These assessing authorities have their own eligibility requirements, fee structures, and processing times, which can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months.
- Points Test
To be considered for an invitation, you must achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test. The following are considered when awarding points:
- Age (Up to 30 points)
- English language skills (Up to 20 points)
- Educational qualifications (Up to 20 points)
- Australian study experience (5 points)
- Education – specialized qualification (Up to 10 points)
- Work experience, in or out of Australia (Up to 20 points)
- Other considerations such as community language, partner skills, etc.
Receiving higher points increases your likelihood of getting an invitation, with gthe majority of successful applicants in 2024-25 gaining over 80 points.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Global Skills Recognition (GSR) in Australia
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility (1-2 weeks)
Before spending your time and money, ensure to conduct a self review:
- Confirm if your qualification applies to a listed profession in the existing SOL.
- Estimate your potential points by using the Department of Home Affairs points calculator.
- Confirm that your education complies with the Australian study requirements.
- Check that your English test results meet the minimum standards.
Pro tip: Many applicants mistakenly assume any Australian qualification will suffice. Your qualification must specifically relate to an occupation on the SOL and meet the two-year study requirement.
Step 2: Obtain Skills Assessment (2-12 weeks)
- Investigate the authority responsible for assessing your specific occupation.
- Compile and submit all required documents:
o Transcript records
o Course outline and syllabus
o Work references (if applicable)
o Curriculum vitae/résume formatted to the authority’s specifications
o Documents proving identity
- Attend to payment of the prescribed assessment fee (generally ranging from $300 to $1,000 AUD).
- Await the outcome of the assessment.
Common obstacle: Having insufficient documentation is the most common reason why skills assessments are delayed. All documents should be cross-checked against a step-by-step list prepared in advance.
Step 3: Complete English Language Proficiency Test (if applicable) (1-4 weeks)
- Enroll for the English test of your choice (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
- Complete all the preparations utilizing the official practice materials.
- Take the test and make sure you attain the minimum score needed.
- For the highest point attainment, excel in the English test.
Strategy Tip: While both tests are English proficiency tests, non-native speakers tend to perform better on the PTE Academic test, with results typically released within 48 hours.
Step 4: Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Open an ImmiAccount within the Homepage of the Department of Home Affairs.
- Fill out the online EOI form having all the details like:
o Overview of individual
o Overseas qualifications
o Professional background
o Proficiency in English
o Assessment of skills
- Check each part of the provided details before submission.
- Submit your EOI.
Your candidacy remains valid for 2 years, but can be edited at any time to increase the total point value.
Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (the duration is variable)
- Check your email inbox for the next invited you’ll receive.
- The reasons for issuing an invitation tend to occur once a month.
- The higher your point score.
- Candidates with 85+ points start to see during the second invitation.
Check: The waiting time can be several months subject to the score and the limit on the number of sets allocated for the occupation. Current estimates indicate that popular occupations such as software engineers and specialized invite users typically aim above 90 points for prompt invitations.
Step 6: Submit Your Visa Application (within 60 days of invitation)
- Access your ImmiAccount.
- Fill out the detailed visa application questionnaire.
- Provide all relevant supporting documents required:
o Identity documents (passport and birth certificate)
o Relevant Skills assessment
o Results of the English proficiency exam
o Educational certificates along with officially issued transcripts
o References for Employment (if relevant points are being claimed)
o Relevant Health Insurance policy information
o Clean criminal record certificates from countries of residence over 12 months
- Submit the Application Fee (currently set at $4,240 AUD for the primary applicant)
Document tips: Arrange documents by category for easy retrieval. Create a checklist to ensure no documents are left out. The department often issues formal requests for additional information. That's why it's a good idea to finish this process 2 to 3 weeks before the official deadline.
Step 7: Fulfill Required Health and Character Checks (1-4 weeks)
- Schedule and complete a medical examination with a contracting physician.
- Acquire police clearance certificates for specified jurisdictions.
- Upload these documents in your ImmiAccount.
Step 8: Await Decision and Visa Grant (3-12 months)
- Check your ImmiAccount and email regularly to see if additional information has been requested.
- Use the Communications Log to track changes from the Department.
- In the end, all you have to do is wait for the decision.
Planning tip: In your intended destination city, begin researching for employment options, housing deals, and settlement services.
Conclusion:
It is rather straightforward to approach permanent residency through the GSR pathway for eligible graduates, but it is not without its intricacies. Achieving long term success with this pathway does require thorough planning, financial investment, and most importantly, strong policies and unannounced changes to the policy.
For students who are looking into a coming to Australia for education, taking advantage of the Australian education system will optimizing the provided courses to sought after occupations will provide a greater edge towards achieving success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for GSR while on a student visa?
Yes, you may lodge an expression of interest (EoI) when on a student visa, but you need to have finished your qualification prior to receiving the invitation to apply.
Typically, how long does the entire GSR process take?
From the initial eligibility checking to the visa is granted, this can take anywhere between 12-18 months. Skills assessment and waiting for an invitation tend to take the longest.
Am I able add my partner and children as dependents to my GSR application?
Yes, dependent family members may be added. Partners may have to undergo English requirements and pay extra fees for the visa.
What happens my occupation is removed from the SOL after I have submitted my EOI?
In case your occupation is removed before an invitation is sent, you will not have your EOI attended to. In the event that your occupation is removed and you have already been given an invitation but did not make an application yet, you are free to make your application.
Can I work while I wait for my GSR visa decision?
In the event that you are already onshore and you make an application while on a bridging visa with work rights, then affirmative.
