Permanent Visas

Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (subclass 885)

This visa allows overseas students who have completed their course studies in Australia and holders of certain temporary visas to apply for permanent residency.  You do not require sponsorship to apply for this visa.

This visa is for you if you are in Australia and you are one of the following:

• an overseas student or former overseas student;
• a holder of a Skilled – Graduate (subclass 485) visa or Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa;
• a holder of a Trade Skills Training (subclass 471) visa.

This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market. On 1 July 2011 the points test underwent significant changes, and the pass mark for this visa is now 65 points. If you score less than 65 points, your application will be refused.

Applicants must also:

• be under 50 years of age;
• nominate an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL);
• have a competent level of English (minimum score of 6 in each of the four IELTS test components;
• have skills and/or qualifications that are closely related to their nominated occupation.

For full details of the current skilled migration points test, please click here.