Migration / General Skilled Migration / Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional 887 is a permanent residence visa for eligible provisional visa holders who have lived for at least 2 years and completed at least 12 months of employment in a specified regional area of Australia.
Permanent Residency After Regional Living and Work
This visa is for skilled provisional visa holders who have already contributed to regional Australia and now want to move into permanent residency. You must be in Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Key pathway rule
The 887 visa focuses on your previous visa history, your residence in regional Australia, and your completed work period. It is not a new points-tested GSM application.
Benefits Of The Visa
As a skilled regional visa holder, you can enjoy long-term settlement benefits in Australia.
Stay, study and work in Australia for an indefinite period
Get healthcare support through Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the criteria
Sponsor eligible family members or relatives for permanent residence
Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years from the date the visa is granted
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the visa history, regional residence and work requirements.
You must have held one of the following visas
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489)
Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 495)
Skilled Designated Area Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 496)
Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (Subclass 475 or 487)
Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B after applying for a Subclass 495, 487 or 489 visa
You must have lived for at least 2 years in a specified regional area of Australia.
You must have worked full-time for at least 12 months, generally at a minimum of 35 hours per week.
If you were sponsored by an eligible relative, you must have lived in the designated area of Australia for a minimum of 2 years.
You must have complied with all conditions attached to your previous visa.
You must meet health and character requirements.
Health & Character Requirements
Applicants and their family members must meet the health and character requirements.
You and family members aged 16 years or older may need police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Debts to the Australian Government
You must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government before the visa is granted.
Family Members in the Application
- • Your partner
- • Your child or stepchild, or your partner's child or stepchild
Specified Regional Areas of Australia
You must have lived for at least 2 years in a qualifying regional area if nominated by a state or territory government.
| Regional Area | Postcodes |
|---|---|
| New South Wales (except Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast and Wollongong) | 2311 to 2312, 2328 to 2411, 2420 to 2490, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2594, 2618 to 2739, 2787 to 2898 |
| Northern Territory | Entire territory |
| Queensland (except greater Brisbane and Gold Coast) | 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4211, 4270 to 4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307 to 4499, 4515, 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899 |
| South Australia | Entire state |
| Tasmania | Entire state |
| Victoria (except Melbourne metropolitan area) | 3211 to 3334, 3340 to 3424, 3430 to 3649, 3658 to 3749, 3753, 3756, 3758, 3762, 3764, 3778 to 3781, 3783, 3797, 3799, 3810 to 3909, 3921 to 3925, 3945 to 3974, 3979, 3981 to 3996 |
| Western Australia (except Perth and surrounding areas) | 6041 to 6044, 6083 to 6084, 6121 to 6126, 6200 to 6799 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs regional area guidance.
Designated Areas of Australia
If you were sponsored by an eligible relative, you must have lived in one of the following designated areas.
| State or Territory | Designated Area |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Entire territory |
| New South Wales (except Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong) | 2311 to 2312, 2328 to 2333, 2336 to 2490, 2535 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2787 to 2898 |
| Northern Territory | Entire territory |
| Queensland (outside Brisbane metropolitan area) | 4019 to 4028, 4037 to 4050, 4079 to 4100, 4114, 4118, 4124 to 4150, 4158 to 4168, 4180 to 4899 |
| South Australia | Entire state |
| Tasmania | Entire state |
| Victoria | Entire state |
| Western Australia | Entire state |
Source: Department of Home Affairs designated area guidance.
FAQs About Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
What is the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) for Australia?
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The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is a permanent residence visa that allows eligible holders of certain provisional skilled regional visas to live and work in Australia permanently after meeting the residence and work requirements in regional Australia.
Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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People who previously held an eligible temporary skilled regional visa such as Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475 or 487, and who have lived and worked in a designated regional area for the required period, are generally eligible to apply.
What are the key requirements for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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Applicants generally need to have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years, completed at least 12 months of full-time work, meet health and character requirements, and satisfy all visa-specific rules that apply to their pathway.
Can I include family members in my application for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) for Australia?
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Yes. You can include eligible family members such as your spouse or de facto partner, dependent children, and other eligible dependants in your Subclass 887 application where permitted.
Is there a points test for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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No. The Subclass 887 visa does not require a points test. Instead, the focus is on whether you meet the regional residence, work and visa-history requirements.
What are the benefits of holding a Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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The Subclass 887 visa gives you and eligible family members permanent residence rights in Australia, with access to work, study, healthcare and future citizenship pathways once other requirements are met.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship after holding a Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)?
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Yes. After meeting the applicable residency and citizenship requirements, you may be able to apply for Australian citizenship while holding permanent residence through Subclass 887.
What is the processing time for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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Processing times can vary depending on the completeness of your application, current application volumes and your personal circumstances. The latest estimate should always be checked on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Is a job offer required to apply for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in Australia?
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No. A job offer is not required. However, you do need to show that you met the minimum work and residence requirements in a qualifying regional area.
Where can I find more information about the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) for Australia?
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For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent for advice specific to your case.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa conditions, regional definitions and eligibility criteria can change, so always verify the latest details with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.
Ready To Apply For Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)?
If you have already lived and worked in regional Australia and want to secure permanent residency, our team can help you assess your eligibility and prepare a strong 887 application.