The Australian Skilled Visa: Great Plan A – even better Plan B
Sable International
For many South Africans dreaming of a better future abroad, Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme feels like the ultimate golden ticket. You get your skills assessed, ace your English test, lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI), and then wait for an invitation to apply for your visa.
But here’s what most people won’t tell you: that wait can be long – sometimes as long as two years.
The points-based GSM system is competitive and unpredictable. You may tick all the right boxes, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get picked, especially with state nomination quotas fluctuating and invitations becoming increasingly selective.
That’s why we tell our clients this: Use GSM to keep the door open but also consider employer sponsorship options.
Get document-ready – then get proactive
The real value in going through the GSM process – your skills assessment, English test and EOI submission – is that it gets you document-ready. And that’s where the game really changes.
Once you’ve done the heavy lifting, you’re in a perfect position to pivot to employer-sponsored migration, which is far more likely to succeed – especially if you’re already holding the paperwork that employers love to see.
Australian employers are far more willing to sponsor someone who:
Has a recognised skills assessment
Has met English language requirements
Has all their documentation ready, making the visa process quick and straightforward
In other words: you're low-risk and ready to go.
Why employer sponsorship might be your fast track
While the idea of securing permanent residency straight away is appealing, sponsorship is often the quicker, more practical way into Australia. Once you’ve entered on a temporary or provisional visa through an employer, you often become eligible for permanent residency through onshore pathways later – and you’ll already be working, earning and living the life you set out to build.
Better still, employer sponsorship:
Is not based on points
Tends to have quicker processing times
Allows you to work in your field immediately
Gets your foot in the door faster – literally
What this means for South Africans
South Africans are known for their strong work ethic, English fluency and high level of education – all things that appeal to Australian employers. But competition is fierce, and getting in through the GSM pool alone is a waiting game many simply can’t afford to play.
So, by all means, submit that EOI. It keeps your options open. But don’t stop there. Use that time wisely to find an employer who needs your skills and show them you’re ready to go. It’s not just about wanting to move – it’s about showing that you’re already prepared.
Let’s make your move smarter
At Sable International, we help South Africans navigate both the GSM process and employer sponsorship opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or already document-ready, we’ll guide you through the smartest, most realistic pathway – so you can stop waiting and start planning.