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Skilled Australian student visas are designed to fill Australia’s skill gap and help augment the vacancies in the labour market. Subclasses 880, 881 and 882 were created in mid-2001 to allow former students to apply for permanent residence without having to leave Australia. If applicants have had at least two years of study in Australia, they may have the work experience requirement usually needed for a skilled visa waived, given they lodge their visa application within six months of course completion.

For Subclass 880 or the Skilled Independent Overseas Student visa, the point test applies. It is designed for skilled people wishing to migrate to Australia but do not have sponsors. Points are awarded based on: age, English language, skill level of occupation, whether occupation is in demand and specific work experience. Additional points may be awarded based on spouse skills, capital investment and other bonus categories. During its inception, the pass mark for subclass 880 was at 60 points (50 for PhD holders), but it was raised to 120 in April 2005.

The Skilled Independent Overseas Student Visa or Subclass 881 has the same points criteria for those in Subclass 880. However, there is a provision to add 15 points for sponsorship. Eligible sponsors for this Australian visa are relatives including parent, child, brother/sister, aunt/uncle, nephew/niece. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who lives in Australia.

Subclass 882 or the Skilled Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student visa was introduced in July 2001. It is a visa subclass that is not points tested. The applicant, however, still has to have an occupation listed in the SOL. Furthermore, the applicant for this Australian visa has to have a relative who is willing and able to sponsor them, and this relative must live and have lived in a designated area 12 months prior the lodging of the application. Some designated areas include ACT, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland (except Brisbane and the Gold Cost), New South Wales (except Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong) and Western Australia (except Perth).

These skilled visas for Australia are the perfect choice for those who have already experience the benefits of living, working and studying in Australia. These visa types extend the life your student visa into one that can help you immigrate to Australia permanently.

About National Visas:
National Visas Australian Education Wizard makes finding the course that best suits your needs easy. This service is completely Free of Charge.

To apply for a Student Visa you must meet the following Australian student visa requirements.

National Visas help people process their Australian visas.

Working Holiday Visa gives young people the opportunity to travel around Australia over a 12 month period, with the option of part-time or casual employment.

See here all Working Holiday Visa Requirements.