Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

Regional Australia study Points:

You can be awarded points if you have met the two (2) year study requirement while living and studying in a ‘regional Australia/ low population growth metropolitan area’ in Australia.

What is ‘Regional Australia‘ or a ‘low population growth metropolitan area’?

‘Regional Australia’ or a ‘low population growth metropolitan area’ means anywhere in Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the New South Wales Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne or the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

A list of residential areas that are defined under law as being in ‘Regional Australia’ or a ‘low population growth metropolitan area’ is available. The list describes eligible areas by postcode.

Points awarded:

The table below sets out the points available.

Study in Regional Australia/ low population growth metropolitan area	Points
You have met the two (2) year study requirement while living and studying in a ‘Regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan area’ in Australia.	5

Evidence to attach to your application:

You must provide documentary evidence that you have lived and studied in ‘Regional Australia/ low population growth metropolitan areas’. This evidence may include, but is not limited to:

• Documentary evidence of residency which covers the relevant period. This will usually include documents such as rental agreements and gas, power and telephone bills.
• Evidence of studying at a campus in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area, if your academic transcript does not identify the campus.

To be awarded these points, documentary evidence as described above must be included with your application.

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