​You can become a permanent resident of Australia by applying for and being granted a permanent visa that allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. The Skilled stream of the Migration Program aims to attract migrants who make substantial contributions to the Australian economy by filling roles where there is a shortage of local workers. Skilled migrants typically have high workforce participation rates, which drives economic growth and creates additional job opportunities. Furthermore, the Skilled stream significantly supports regional development by supplying skills and labour that are not available locally. It also fosters investment and encourages local spending in regional areas.

There are several GSM subclasses.  Some of these subclass lead to the grant of permanent residency, whilst others are temporary or provisional in nature

• Skilled Independent – Subclass 189 (Permanent Residency)
• Skilled Nominated – Subclass 190 (Permanent Residency)
• Graduate – Subclass 485 (Temporary Residency)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – Subclass 491 – will lead to permanent residency
• Skilled Regional – Permanent Residence – Subclass 191
• Global talent visa

The Subclass 189 visa is an independent skilled visa that doesn’t require any form of sponsorship.  It is a permanent visa. The Subclass 190 visa is state-nominated visa and applicants are invited to apply by a state or region, and is a permanent visa. The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that leads to permanent residency on the basis that you are residing in a designated regional area of Australia for a minimum three years.  It is a state or territory nominated visa. 

The current pass mark to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points however the more points you have, the stronger your application will be and the more likely it is for you to receive an invitation. Some occupations require a much higher pass mark and not all occupations are invited on each round.