Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885)

Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885)
Overview
This is a permanent visa for skilled applicants in Australia who are not sponsored by an employer, Australian relative, or State or Territory government. You must be either an overseas students who recently completed an Australian qualification, or the holder of certain temporary visas and have skills in demand in Australia.
Who is eligible for an independent skilled visa?
1.    You must be either one of the following
•    Overseas students with an Australian qualification which was:
o    Completed within Australia;
o    Completed within the last six (6) months; and
o    At least two (2) years study duration
•    People in Australia who hold either of these visas:
o    Graduate – Skilled (Subclass 497) and you have recently completed an Australian qualification of two (2) years study duration;
o    Graduate (Subclass 485) and you have qualifications closely related to your nominated skilled occupation;
o    Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476) and you have qualifications closely related to your nominated skilled occupation; or
o    Trade Skills Training (Subclass 471) and you have an apprenticeship closely related to your nominated skilled occupation
2.    You must be under 45 years of age
3.    You must have good English language skills
4.    You must have skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (‘SOL’) and have completed a Skills Assessment
•    Your nominated occupation must be a 60 point or 50 point occupation on the SOL
5.    You meet health and character requirements (see Public Interest Criteria)
How will my visa application be assessed?
You must meet the prescribed criteria for the grant of the visa. You will be assessed using the points test and required to reach at least 120 points.