General Skilled Migration Program is a point based program which allows skilled overseas workers to work and permanently settle in Australia. 

General Skilled Migrant Visa (Subclass 189/190/491)

All the three sub classes are options to obtain PR status in Australia as a General Skilled Migrant. Visa subclass is selected in accordance with the skills & requirements of the program. In all cases applicant must score 65 points out of 100 points. The points are calculated for factors like, Age, English language ability, Credentialed community language, overseas employment, education qualifications, Australian employment, Australian education, Studying and living in regional Australia, Partner skills, State/ Territory Government nomination and designated area sponsorship, etc.

However, one can only be considered if the occupation of main applicant is present in the current skill shortage list known as MLTSSL. If one want to add points for spouse skills then spouse’s occupation also must be in MLTSSL depending upon the subclass.