Australia: Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa for Permanent Residency

Australia’s Subclass 887 Skilled Regional visa offers permanent residency for individuals who have previously lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa. The cost of this PR visa is AUD465. Successful applicants would also be eligible for citizenship after fulfilling the eligibility requirements, they can stay and work anywhere in Australia. Family sponsorship is also possible for the holders of this visa.

This visa encourages skilled individuals to contribute to regional development and offers benefits such as work and study privileges, eligibility to sponsor relatives for permanent residence, and the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship.

Benefits of 887 Skilled Regional Visa

This visa category offers the following benefits:

• Permit to work and study anywhere in Australia,
• Eligibility to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence,
• It allows permanent stay in Australia, along with work and study privileges,
• It also provides an opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship if meeting the eligibility criteria,
• Enrolment in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare, is facilitated,
• Sponsorship for relatives’ migration and travel to and from Australia for 5 years is permitted.

Please note: Additional waiting periods may apply for accessing certain Australian Government payments and benefits for newly arrived residents.

887 Requirements Checklist

The applicants must fulfill some requirements to be eligible for this visa. It means they:

• hold an eligible visa in Australia,
• have resided for at least 2 years and worked full-time for at least 1 year in a specified regional area,
• Comply with the conditions of the eligible visa held or previously held.

Concessions and Requirements COVID-19 Affectees

Special concessions are available for eligible prospective applicants, including shorter employment and residence requirements. Applicants inside and outside Australia during the concession period have access to these concessions based on specific criteria.

The applicants must meet in these cases the following criteria:

• holding an eligible visa or have held one within the concession period,
• fulfilling residence and work requirements in specified regional areas,
• compliance with the conditions of the eligible visa held,
• Proving functional English language proficiency or paying the second installment of the visa application charge.

Additional Requirements for All Applicants

All candidates to apply for this visa must also make sure that they:

• Meet health and character requirements for all applicants,
• Sign the Australian values statement for applicants aged 18 years or older,
• Ensure payment or arrangement for repayment of any debts owed to the Australian Government,
• Maintain a clean immigration history without visa cancellations or previous application refusals.

How to apply for the 887 Skilled Regional Visa for PR?

Check here our step-by-step explanation for applying for this visa. This could help you better prepare for the documents and process of application smoothly.

Step 1: Before You Apply

Before initiating the application process, ensure you have all necessary documents ready. It’s mandatory to have valid passports or travel documents for you and your family members (if they apply with you together).

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Once prepared, gather all required documents, including proof of residence, identity, and character for yourself and any dependents. Provide accurate information and apply online via ImmiAccount, attaching all necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

After submission, stay updated on your application status. You can travel outside Australia during processing without notifying authorities. If requested, undergo health examinations or provide biometrics. Promptly inform authorities of any mistakes on your application.

• After You Apply: Keep track of your application status and provide requested information promptly,
• Stay Lawful: Hold a valid visa while awaiting processing to remain compliant.

 Step 4: After You Apply

After submitting your application, here’s what to expect:

• Application Status:  

Updates on your application status won’t be provided during the assessment. You’ll need to check ImmiAccount for any additional information requests.

• Travel:  

You don’t need to inform authorities about your travel plans. Just ensure you have a valid visa for re-entry to Australia.

• Health Exams:  

You’ll be notified if health examinations are required as part of your application.

• Biometrics:  

You may be asked to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photo.

• Additional Information:  

If any documents were omitted, attach them promptly via ImmiAccount. There’s a chance that more information might be requested, but it’s not guaranteed.

• Second Instalment:  

You’ll need to pay the second installment when you receive the invoice.

• Adding Family:  

You can only add newborn children after applying.

• Mistakes Correction:  

If you spot any errors, report them immediately via Form 1023 in ImmiAccount.

• Withdrawal:  

If you decide to withdraw the application, let the authorities know about it. Removing it from ImmiAccount doesn’t cancel the application.

• Changes Notification:  

If there are any changes post-application, notify the authorities via ImmiAccount.

Visa Outcome:  

You’ll receive a written decision. If your visa is granted, you’ll be provided with details including the visa grant number, start date, and any associated conditions. Unfortunately, there’s no refund if the visa is refused.

887 Visa Processing Time:

It carries from application to application. An overall estimated time is 20 months. However, in some cases, it can be reduced to 14 months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa