The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who have previously lived and worked in regional Australia while holding an eligible visa. It is designed to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional areas and contribute to the local economy.
This visa is an important pathway for temporary skilled workers and their families to transition to permanent residency, provided they meet the residency and work requirements in a designated regional area.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Subclass 887 visa, covering eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, processing time, benefits, and common challenges.
What Is the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)?
The Subclass 887 visa is a permanent visa that allows eligible skilled workers to remain in Australia indefinitely. It is the next step for holders of temporary regional visas who have met work and residency requirements in regional Australia.
This visa grants the holder full work rights, access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system), and the ability to sponsor family members for visas.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 887 Visa
To qualify for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887), applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Hold an Eligible Visa
Applicants must currently hold, or have previously held, one of the following visas:
✔ Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
✔ Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 495)
✔ Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Visa (Subclass 496)
✔ Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 475 or 487)
✔ Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B, if it was granted after applying for one of the above visas.
2. Meet the Residency Requirement
✔ The applicant must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years.
✔ Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
3. Meet the Work Requirement
✔ The applicant must have worked full-time (at least 35 hours per week) in a regional area for at least one year (12 months).
✔ The work does not have to be in the nominated occupation from the original visa application.
4. Meet Health and Character Requirements
✔ Undergo medical examinations to meet Australian health standards.
✔ Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
Benefits of the Subclass 887 Visa
✔ Permanent Residency – Allows the visa holder to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
✔ Access to Medicare – The applicant and family members can benefit from Australia’s public healthcare system.
✔ Family Sponsorship – The visa holder can sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas.
✔ Pathway to Citizenship – After living in Australia as a permanent resident for four years, the visa holder can apply for Australian citizenship.
✔ No Skill Assessment Required – Unlike other skilled visas, the 887 visa does not require an additional skill assessment.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) involves multiple steps. Below is a breakdown of the application process:
Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Residency and Work Requirements
✔ Confirm you have lived in a designated regional area for at least two years.
✔ Ensure you have worked full-time in regional Australia for at least one year.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The following documents are required for the 887 visa application:
✔ Identity Documents – Passport, birth certificate, national ID card.
✔ Proof of Residence – Rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements showing regional residency.
✔ Employment Documents – Payslips, tax returns, employer reference letters.
✔ Health Examination Results – Conducted through an authorized Australian panel physician.
✔ Character Documents – Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months.
Step 3: Submit the Application Online
✔ Apply online through the ImmiAccount portal on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
✔ Attach all required documents and pay the visa application fee.
Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing
✔ After submission, a case officer may request additional documents or clarification.
✔ Processing times vary based on the number of applications received and complexity of cases.
Step 5: Receive the Visa Grant Notification
✔ If approved, the visa is granted electronically and linked to the applicant’s passport.
✔ The visa holder can now live permanently in Australia and enjoy PR benefits.
Processing Time for the Subclass 887 Visa
Processing times vary depending on the number of applications and case complexities. As of recent updates:
📌 75% of applications are processed in 13 months.
📌 90% of applications are processed in 18 months.
Factors that may affect processing time include:
✔ Delays in submitting all required documents.
✔ Additional requests for health and character checks.
✔ High demand in immigration applications.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
🔹 Not Meeting the Residency Requirement
✔ Ensure that you live in a designated regional area for the full two years before applying.
🔹 Difficulty in Meeting the Work Requirement
✔ If struggling to find full-time work, consider taking on multiple part-time jobs that add up to 35 hours per week.
🔹 Incomplete Documentation
✔ Provide clear and official documents proving residency and employment.
✔ Keep copies of rental agreements, tax returns, and employment contracts.
🔹 Long Processing Times
✔ Apply as early as possible and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded to avoid delays.
How the Subclass 887 Visa Compares to Other Australian Visas
| Visa Type | Temporary/Permanent | Key Requirements | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 887 (Skilled Regional Visa) | Permanent | 2 years in regional area + 1 year full-time work | 13-18 months |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) | Temporary (5 years) | Job offer or nomination in regional area | 6-9 months |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Permanent | State/territory nomination | 6-9 months |
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) | Permanent | High points in Australia’s points-based immigration system | 6-8 months |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the 887 visa if I have worked in a different occupation?
Yes, the work does not have to be in your nominated occupation. Any full-time work (35 hours/week) in a regional area qualifies.
2. Can I include my family in my visa application?
Yes, you can include spouses, dependent children, and other eligible family members in your application.
3. Can I leave Australia while waiting for my visa?
Yes, but ensure that your current visa allows re-entry or apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if needed.
4. What happens if my Subclass 887 visa is rejected?
You may have the option to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or apply for another visa.
Conclusion
The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is a valuable pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia. By meeting the residency and employment criteria, applicants can transition from a temporary skilled visa to full Australian permanent residency.
This visa offers long-term benefits, including full work rights, access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor family members, and a pathway to Australian citizenship. With careful planning and proper documentation, eligible applicants can secure a successful future in Australia.