There is a range of visa options for Points Tested skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them. These include options for skilled people applying as an independent migrant as well as those sponsored by a relative, or nominated by a State or Territory government.
Independent
Independent migrants have the least number of restrictions placed on them and this is the preferred option for eligible applicants who do not have an employer to sponsor them. Assess your eligibility for the independent visas before you continue.
Sponsored
If you are sponsored by an eligible relative, please note that there are a number of obligations that must be met by your sponsor.
If you are inside Australia
Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885)
A permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass a points test.
Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass 886)
A permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. For applicants not able to meet the Skilled – Independent requirements, who have either a relative in Australia to sponsor them or a nomination from a state or territory government.
Skilled – Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)
A permanent visa for eligible provisional visa holders who have lived for at least two years and worked for at least one year in a Specified Regional Area in Australia.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 487)
A three year provisional visa for eligible overseas students and holders of certain temporary visas. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state/territory government. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476)
An 18 month temporary visa for graduates of recognised overseas educational institutions who have skills in demand in Australia. There is no points test for this visa.
If you are outside Australia
Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)
A permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass a points test.
Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)
A permanent visa for people unable to meet the Skilled – Independent requirements. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a participating state or territory government. Applicants must pass a points test.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 475)
A three year provisional visa. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state/territory government. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa. Applicants must pass a points test.
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476)
An 18 month temporary visa for graduates of recognised overseas educational institutions who have skills in demand in Australia. There is no points test for this visa.
