Are you planning on applying for a subclass 487, 885 or 886 Visa?

If you have studied in Australia on a student visa or have held an eligible temporary visa, you may qualify for a subclass 487, 885 or 886 visa.

Are you sponsored by a family member or state/territory?

If you are sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia, or you are nominated by a participating state or territory, you may be eligible for a three year provisional Skilled – Regional (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 487). You will need to be an eligible overseas students or a holder of a relevant temporary visa, for example a subclass 485 Skilled – Graduate visa. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a Specified Regional Area, you can apply for a permanent visa.

Alternatively, if you have obtained an Australian qualification from at least two years of study, or have a relevant temporary visa with skills in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass 886). This is a permanent visa, with a requirement that you have sponsorship from a state, territory or eligible family member.

I don’t have a sponsor

If you are an overseas student and have obtained a qualification in Australia from at least two years study, and you apply within 6 months of finishing your course or you hold a relevant temporary visa with skills in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885). This is a permanent visa, with no requirement for sponsorship by a state or territory, or family member.

Are you on, or have applied for, a subclass 485 visa? Take note of the transitional arrangements

The General Skilled Migration program was amended on 8 February 2010. If on 8 February 2010 you held a Skilled – Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, or on or before 8 February 2010 you made a valid application for a Skilled – Graduation (Subclass 485) visa and the application has not yet been finally determined, you will be able to access the transitional arrangements in relation to the points tests.

You will also have access to the Skills Occupation List (SOL) and the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) that were in effect on 8 February 2010.

Transitional arrangements for 885, 886 and 487 visas

Students who cannot apply under the transitional arrangements outlined above must have a qualification/occupation on the new SOL – Schedule 1.

The deadline

From 1 January 2013 the 487, 886 and 886 visas will no longer exist, and all applicants for a 485 Graduate visa must have an occupation on SOL – Schedule 1. It will only be possible to apply for this visa through SkillSelect.

If you are interested in applying for any of these visas, it is essential the Department of Immigration and Citizenship receives your application on or before 31 December 2012, otherwise your application will not be considered!

If you are unsure of your eligibility for one of the above visas or need help completing your application please contact our Migration Team.