Skilled Independent Subclasses 175 and 885
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Skilled Independent Subclasses 175 and 885

The Skilled - Independent visa requires the applicant to meet a pass mark of 120 in the skilled migration points test. It does not require sponsorship by an Australian relative or nomination by a state or territory government. The information below relates to the new subclass 175 and 885 visas to be introduced on 1 September 2007.

Visa Criteria

The main criteria for the Skilled - Independent visa are as follows:

Age: The main applicant must be under 45 at the date of lodgement.
Occupation: A positive skills assessment in a skilled occupation must be provided at lodgement for offshore applicants.

International students need to show that they have lodged for their skills assessment at date of lodgement, and must also have applied for their Australian Federal Police and Health checks.

English: The main applicant must have at least:
  • Competent English: in most cases
  • Vocational English: if nominating a trade occupation Family members aged 18 or over must show at least Functional English, otherwise they may need to pay the English Education Charge.

    Evidence of English must be provided at date of lodgement unlike the previous skilled independent subclass 136.

Recent Work Experience: Unless you have studied in Australia for 2 years, you must show that you have worked in skilled employment for at least 12 of the lsat 24 months.
Points Test: Main applicant must score at least 120 points in the skilled migration points test.

Duration and Conditions

Results in the grant of a permanent visa with full work and study rights in Australia. Travel facility is valid for 5 years.

How do I apply?

All applications for general skilled migration must be lodged at the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre in Australia. However, you must in general be outside Australia when the application is granted, and this means that you cannot obtain a bridging visa to allow you to remain in Australia during processing of the application.

International students who have recently completed qualifications in Australia and New Zealand citizens can lodge and be granted their skilled migration application whilst in Australia. International students seeking to lodge such "onshore" applications for skilled independent migration must have studied in Australia for at least 2 years full time and nominate either a 50- or 60-point occupation. If you would like us to check your likely eligibility for skilled migration or if you would like us to assist you with your application, please send us an email inquiry. We will then provide you with a comprehensive preliminary assessment of your likely eligibility for skilled migration, and can discuss with you the best way to proceed with your application.
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