Skilled — Sponsored visa (subclass 886)

The Skilled – Sponsored visa (subclass 886) closed to new applications on 1 January 2013. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who have already applied for the Skilled – Sponsored visa (subclass 886) and are currently in Australia.

Visa applicants

If you have already applied for the Skilled – Sponsored visa (subclass 886), this information is relevant to you. Please note that new applications for this visa are no longer being accepted. Your application will be assessed based on the requirements outlined below.

After you have applied

Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, we will acknowledge receipt of your information. A case officer will be assigned to review your application, and they may request an interview, ask for additional information, or make a decision based on the documents provided.

Wait for a decision

The processing time for your application may vary depending on factors such as the need for character or health checks, additional information requirements, or an incomplete application. If you apply for this visa while in Australia, you may be eligible for a Bridging visa that allows you to stay lawfully in the country while your application is being processed. If granted a Bridging visa A, you can also apply for a Bridging visa B to travel outside Australia while waiting for a decision.

Health and character requirements

If necessary, we will contact you to provide health or character documents as part of the visa application process.

Debts to the Australian Government

Prior to the grant of this visa, it is essential that you have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have made arrangements to repay any outstanding debts.

Provide more information

You have the opportunity to provide additional information at any time until a decision is made on your application. If you need to correct any information previously provided, you can use Form 1023 - Notification of incorrect answer(s). We may also request further information from you, and you will be required to respond by a specified date. It is crucial to attend any requested interviews in person and bring your passport or identification along with any requested documents.

Withdrawing your application

If you wish to withdraw your application, you can do so at any time before a decision is made. To withdraw, send a letter or email requesting the withdrawal, including your full name, date of birth, file reference number, client ID, or Transaction Reference Number. All applicants 18 years of age or older must sign the request for withdrawal.

Report changes in circumstances

You must notify us of any changes in your circumstances, such as a new residential address, a new passport, or significant life events like pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship, or death in your family. You can report changes through ImmiAccount or by using the appropriate forms: Form 929 - Change of address and/or passport details and Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances.

Visa decision

If your visa is granted, you will receive information regarding when you can use the visa, the visa grant number, and any conditions attached to the visa. In the event that the visa is not granted, we will provide reasons for the refusal, details on review rights (if applicable), and the time limit for lodging an appeal.

Contact information

If you need to update your information, please contact the Adelaide General Skilled Migration (GSM) processing centre.

Visa holders

If you have been granted a Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 886), this section provides information on your rights and obligations. You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check your visa details and entitlements.

What this visa lets you do

This visa is a permanent residence visa that allows you and your family members to:

• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare for health-related care and expenses
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant

Your obligations

As a visa holder, you and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. If you were nominated by a state or territory government agency, additional requirements may apply, such as residing in the nominating state or territory for a specified minimum time and providing post-arrival information as requested.

Sponsors

If you have applied to sponsor a relative for a Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 886), please note that this visa is no longer accepting new applications. You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check your visa details and entitlements.

How long the sponsorship lasts

Your sponsorship lasts for two years after your relative's visa is granted.

Sponsor obligations

As a sponsor, you must sign a sponsorship undertaking and provide support to the applicant for two years after their visa is granted. This includes accommodation and financial assistance as needed, support for children attending English language classes (if required), and information and advice to help them settle in Australia, including employment opportunities.