Subclass 885: Skilled - Independent (Residence) - Onshore

This is a permanent visa with unrestricted work rights for eligible overseas students.

To be eligible to apply, the main applicant must meet the Threshold requirements and a Point Test.

Pass Mark = 65 (effective 1 July 2011)

The old pass mark of 120 - available to applicants who are eligible for the Transitional Arrangements.

Other Information:

• Main Applicant must meet the Australian Study Requirement in the last 6 months before you lodge your application.
• Main applicant must have obtained English language threshold test results (IELTS 6) when the application is made.
• The skills assessment result in a nominated occupation issued by the relevant assessing authority must be lodged when the application is made. (The practical effect is that most recent graduates will not be able to apply for a 885 visa directly; and will have to apply for the 485 visa first.)
• All applicants must hold or have held an eligible student visa (560, 562, 563, 572, 573, 574) within 6 months; or hold 476, 485, 471 (trade skilled visa) prior to application.
• All applicants must not have been unlawful in the last 6 months before you apply.
• All applicants must have booked or undertaken a full medical at the time of application.
• All applicants, 16 or older, must have applied for Australian Federal Police clearances at the time of application.

From the above information, the timing is critical for this visa application, strategic and early planning is essential for all Skilled Overseas Student visa applications.

Please contact Abacus Visa for further information regarding this visa.