What is General Skilled Migration and which visa subclasses does it cover?

General Skilled Migration (GSM) is Australia's points-based skilled migration program for individuals who do not have an employer sponsoring them. The main subclasses are: 189 (Skilled Independent — no state nomination required), 190 (Skilled Nominated — requires state or territory nomination), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional — regional state nomination or family sponsorship). First Choice manages the full GSM process including skills assessment, EOI submission, state nomination application, and visa lodgement.

How long does an Australian partner visa take to process?

The Australian partner visa is lodged in two stages: the temporary stage (820 onshore or 309 offshore) and the permanent stage (801 or 100). Processing times vary significantly but onshore partner visas have recently taken 18–36 months for the temporary stage, with permanent grant after 2 years of the relationship being assessed. Offshore processing times are similar. First Choice assists with both stages, including document preparation and responding to any requests for further information.

Do I need a migration agent to apply for Australian citizenship?

Australian citizenship applications are relatively straightforward for most people who meet the residence and character requirements, and many people lodge without a professional. However, if you have complex travel history, a period of unlawful stay, or any criminal convictions, professional advice is strongly recommended. First Choice reviews your eligibility before lodgement and can assist with gathering the supporting documents to avoid delays.

First Choice Australian Migration Reviews — 4.7★ on Google | Perth, Australia

About First Choice Australian Migration

First Choice Australian Migration is a MARA-registered migration agency based in Perth CBD, holding MARN 1385022. The agency provides professional immigration services to individuals, families, and employers across Western Australia, covering General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner and family visas, and citizenship applications. First Choice is known for its straightforward approach, providing clear eligibility assessments and realistic timelines. The multilingual team assists clients from the Philippines, India, and other communities that form a significant part of Perth's skilled migrant population.

Our research

ConsultancyCheck's own assessment, from public records and the company's own materials. This is our judgement — not a summary of student reviews.

Strengths

✓Multilingual service in English, Hindi, and Filipino — removes language barriers for Perth's large South Asian and Filipino communities
✓Broad coverage of skilled, family, and citizenship pathways from a single Perth CBD practice
✓4.7 Google rating across 62 reviews — consistent client satisfaction
✓Affordable fee range (AUD $2,500–$7,000) for professional MARA-registered advice

Limitations

!Broader generalist focus means less specialist depth than niche practices for complex skilled migration or employer sponsorship matters
!62 reviews is a moderate sample — students should also check recent reviews for up-to-date service quality indicators

How First Choice Australian Migration get paid

AUD 2,500–7,000

Confirm exactly what you will be charged, and what happens to that money if your visa is refused. Get it in writing before you pay anything. An agent that will not put its fees in writing is telling you something.

Who it suits

▸Indian, Filipino, and South Asian skilled workers in Perth seeking GSM, employer-sponsored, or family visa advice in their own language
▸Individuals applying for Australian citizenship who need professional guidance on meeting the residence and character requirements
▸Families in Perth seeking partner, parent, or child visa applications through a bilingual agency

What they do

Destinations

Australia

Specialisations

Skilled MigrationEmployer SponsoredFamily VisasPartner Visas

Services

Skilled MigrationFamily VisasCitizenship Applications

Languages

EnglishHindiFilipino

What students say

✓ 0 ConsultancyCheck reviewsG 4.7 · 62 Google reviews

Write a Review

Maria Leonor Talaia

a year ago

★★★★★

David has been great with us. We are preparing and hoping to go to Australia and contacted the agency. Even though we are a difficult case David rolled his sleeves and put on the table many sugestipns and options. We are very gratefull to David!