Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)
The department is not accepting any new applications for this visa.
The following information applies to you, if you lodged an application for this visa subclass on or before 30 June 2012.
If you are interested in the Points Tested skilled migration you must use SkillSelect to submit an Expression of Interest for a skilled visa. You are able to submit an Expression of Interest from anywhere in the world.
See: SkillSelect
If you are a provisional visa holder and you want to apply for a second provisional visa or add a family member to your application you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 489 visa.
See: Skilled – Nominated or sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa
Regional Australia Study – Points
You can be awarded points if you have met the Australian study requirement while living and studying in regional Australia or a 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.
See: Regional Australia/low Population Growth Metropolitan Areas
Points awarded
The table below sets out the points available.
| Points | Description of study in a regional area |
|---|---|
| 5 | Must meet the Australian Study Requirement while studying in a regional area. |
Evidence to attach to your application
You must provide documentary evidence that you have lived and studied in 'Regional Australia' or a 'low population growth metropolitan area'. 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.
Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.