Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

Points Of Australian Qualifications:

You can be awarded points for an Australian qualification if:

• you have completed one of the Australian qualifications listed below while present in Australia
• All instruction was in English.

Points Awarded:

You may receive points for satisfying one of the Australian qualifications criteria shown in the table below. You can only be allocated points against one of these categories.

Evidence to attach to your application:

You must obtain documentary evidence of having completed one of the qualifications described above. This evidence includes:

• a certified copy of notification of your results or a transcript of your academic record
  and
• one of the following:
  • certified copy of your degree, diploma or trade certificate (if available)
  • a letter of completion from your educational institution which details:
  • the name of your course
  • the course duration
  • the qualification you have obtained
  • the pattern of study – full time versus part time
  • the medium of instruction was in English

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

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

Points Of Australian work experience:

You are eligible to be awarded Australian work experience points if you have been employed in Australia:

• in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• while holding a visa that allows you to work
• for at least 20 hours a week
• in a paid position
• at a skilled level in your nominated occupation or in a closely related occupation on the SOL
• for a period(s) totaling at least one (1) year in the four (4) years immediately before the day you lodge your application

You can also be awarded these points if you have completed a recognized Professional Year in Australia.

Points awarded:

The table below sets out the points available under this part of the points test.

Evidence to attach to your application:

If you are seeking points for Australian work experience, you must attach certified copies of your work references totaling the required one (1) year period.

Your work experience references must:

• Be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference. The letterhead should indicate clearly the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, email and website addresses
• include the name and position of the person authorized to sign the employment reference which should be typed or stamped below that person’s signature – a reference with an illegible signature will not be accepted
• include the direct contact number of the person writing the reference
• indicate the exact period of employment, including:
  • whether permanent or temporary
  • full or part time
  • the main five duties undertaken
  • the salary earned

• A pay slip from your current employment should also be included – this is especially important for applicants working in government departments.
• position/s held
  Note: Positions should not be described by generic titles (for example, research officer) but according to the nature of the duties undertaken (for example, research chemist)

Other documents to confirm your work experience claims may include, but are not limited to:

• contracts
• tax returns
• group certificates
• Superannuation information.

If you have completed a recognized Professional Year you must obtain documentary evidence of this which includes:

• a certified copy of notification of your results or a transcript of your academic record
  and
• one of the following:
  • a certified copy of your degree, diploma or trade certificate (if available)
  • a letter of completion from your educational institution which details:
  • the name of your course
  • the duration of your course
  • the qualification you have obtained
  • the pattern of study, including periods of full time and part time study
  • The medium of instruction was in English.

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

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

Specific Work Experience Points For Residency Visa:

You will be awarded points if you have been employed for three (3) of the last four (4) years in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

You must have been employed:

• for at least 20 hours a week
• in a paid position
• At a skilled level in your nominated occupation or in a closely related occupation on the SOL.

Note: If you are using work experience obtained in Australia to meet this requirement that work must have been undertaken while you were the holder of a visa authorizing you to work.

Points awarded For Work Experience:

The table below sets out the points available under this part of the points test.

Evidence to attach to your application:

You must provide evidence of your specific work experience. This could include employment references and duty statements covering the required period. Please note that employment references must:

• be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference
• indicate clearly on the letterhead, the full address of the company, any telephone and fax numbers, and email and website addresses
• Have the name and position of the person authorized to sign the employment reference typed or stamped below that person’s signature. A reference with an illegible signature will not be accepted
• include the direct contact number of the person writing the reference
• indicate the exact period of employment, including:
  • whether permanent or temporary
  • full or part time
  • the main five duties undertaken
  • the salary earned
  • Include a pay slip from your current employment; this is especially important for applicants working in government departments.
  • position/s held
    
    
  • Note: Positions should not be described by generic titles (for example, research officer) but according to the nature of the duties undertaken (for example, research chemist)

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

Points Awarded For Nominated Skilled Occupation:

You will only be awarded points for your nominated occupation if you meet the following:

• the occupation you nominate is on the SOL current at the time you make your application
• the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation determines that your skills are suitable for that occupation.

A complete list of the points awarded for each occupation is available on the SOL.
See: Skilled Occupation List Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) (129KB PDF file)

Points are awarded according to the skill category of your occupation. A general overview of these categories is provided below.

Evidence to attach to your application:

At the time of making your application, you must provide evidence that you have applied to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

You must attach with your application certified copies of all the documents you provided to the assessing body including:

• your post-secondary qualifications, such as your degree or diploma certificate and your transcripts or mark sheets
• if you have worked in an occupation where substantial work experience may be accepted instead of formal qualifications, references from your employers that outline the positions you held, and the duties you performed.

These will be examined to determine whether your qualification/s and work experience are relevant to your nominated occupation.

To be granted this visa, you must provide a certified copy of a completed skills assessment document which confirms that your skills have been assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation.