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Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)

Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)

The 887 visa is a permanent visa (indefinite stay) for individuals who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • Hold a subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, 487 visa, or a Bridging visa A or B after applying for one of these visas.
  • Have lived in a specified regional area of Australia for at least two years.
  • Have worked full-time in a specified regional area for at least one year.

Cost

The cost starts from AUD 475:

  • Main applicant: $475
  • Partner: $240
  • Each additional applicant under 18: $120

Process

Processing Time:

  • 75% of applications: 24 months
  • 90% of applications: 28 months Processing times may vary.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Current Visa:

  • You must currently hold either:
    • A skilled visa.
    • A Bridging visa A or B granted in relation to an application for subclass 487, 489, or 495.
  • You must have held a skilled visa for at least two years before applying for the 887 visa.
    Note: Dependents and partners holding a skilled visa and meeting all other eligibility criteria can apply for the 887 visa as the main applicant.

Residency and Work Requirements:

  • You must have lived and worked in a regional, low-population growth, or designated area of Australia.

Health & Character:

  • You must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ health and character requirements.

Debts:

  • Any outstanding debts to the Australian government must be repaid or arrangements made for repayment.

Cancelled Visas:

  • You may be ineligible if you have had a visa canceled or refused while in Australia.

Benefits of the 887 Visa

This permanent visa allows you to:

  • Stay in Australia indefinitely.
  • Work and study in Australia.
  • Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s healthcare scheme.
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
  • Travel to and from Australia for five years.
  • Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.

Location Requirement

You must be in Australia both when you apply for the visa and when a decision is made.

Family Inclusion

You can include your partner and your or your partner’s child or step-child in your application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Family members granted the visa have the same rights as you.

Obligations

You and your family members must comply with Australian laws and the conditions of your visa, which can be checked via VEVO.

Travel

You can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for up to five years after the visa is granted.

Checklist for 887 Visa (from 489 Visa to PR)

  • Form 80: Complete as detailed as possible.
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Proof of Living in a Designated Area:
    • Title deeds or leases/rental agreements.
    • Utility bills (telephone, gas, electricity) showing your residential address.
  • AFP Check:
    • Apply online at AFP National Police Checks. For details, visit the AFP website. Select ‘Commonwealth Employment/Purpose’ under ‘Purpose Type’ and use Code 33 for immigration/citizenship clearances.
  • Working Requirement: Show a minimum of 1 year of work with evidence such as:
    • Payslips covering the period of employment.
    • Contracts, tax returns, group certificates, and superannuation documents.
    • Employment references and other documents related to your employment history used for your skills assessment.

Employment References:

  • Must be on official letterhead and include the employer’s full address, contact details, the name and position of the signer, employment duration, employment type (permanent/temporary, full/part-time), position(s) held, duties, and salary. Positions should be described by duties (e.g., research chemist) rather than general terms (e.g., public servant).

Self-Employment:

  • Provide evidence of self-employment, including:
    • Audited financial statements.
    • Company registration documents.
    • Taxation documents.
    • Major contracts, advertising, and marketing material.
    • Company profile or prospectus.
    • Memberships in business or professional associations.

887 Visa Fees

VisaEnvoy Professional fees for the 887 visa are:

  • $2,000 for the main applicant.
  • $500 for each dependent (plus GST).