Skilled Independent (subclass 885)

Overview

The Skilled Independent (subclass 885) visa is a permanent visa for migrants who want to immigrate to Australia based upon skills and experience which Australia considers in need.

This visa replaced the previous Skilled - Independent Overseas Student (subclass 880) visa on 01 September 2007. The visa can only be applied for by individuals who are already in Australia on a valid visa. They must also be in Australia when the visa is granted.

This visa is assessed by a points system, with 120 points required to pass. There is no reserve pool with this visa.

Eligibility

A number of requirements must be met to receive an onshore Skilled Independent (subclass 885) visa.

Required Visas

Applicants must hold one of the following visas when they apply:

• A student visa (excluding ELICOS, government sponsored, AusAid and Defence Sector Student visas)
• Either a Bridging visa A or Bridging visa B granted because a valid application for a visa other than an ineligible student visa has been made or a substantive visa other than an ineligible student visa -- and the applicant has held an eligible student visa for the last six months
• A Skilled - Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476)
• A Skilled - Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• A Trade Skills Training visa (subclass 471)

Age and Language Requirements

Applicants must be under 45 years of age or hold a Skilled - Graduate visa.

Applicants must meet English language requirements of:

• Competent English
• Vocational English if the applicant's nominated occupation is a trade

Required Qualifications

Applicants must nominate a 50 point or 60 point occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The applicant must also have applied for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the applicant's nominated occupation.

The applicant must also have either:

• met the two year study requirement in the last six months with Australian qualifications closely related to their nominated occupation; or
• if the applicant hold's a Skilled - Graduate (subclass 485) visa or a Skilled - Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa, nominated an occupation closely related to the study used to obtain that visa; or
• if the applicant hold's a Trade Skills Training (subclass 471) visa, has completed the apprenticeship for which the visa was granted and which is closely related to the nominated occupation

Applicants must also have a suitable skills assessment in the nominated occupation and meet the points test threshold of 120 points, as well as meet all health and character requirements.