Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is a visa designed for individuals who have previously lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia on an eligible visa. This visa provides opportunities for individuals to continue their residence in Australia and contribute to the regional communities.

Process

In order to be eligible for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887), there are several requirements that applicants must meet:

Notes

• Hold an eligible visa or have held an eligible visa that expired outside Australia during the concession period
• Have lived for at least 2 years and worked full time for at least 1 year in a specified regional area, unless COVID-19 concessions apply
• Have complied with the conditions of the eligible visa you hold or have held

It is important to note that applicants must meet these requirements in order to be considered for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887).

With this visa, you can

• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

These opportunities provide individuals with the ability to fully integrate into Australian society and contribute to the country's economy and community.

Visa Stay

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) allows individuals to stay in Australia permanently. This means that visa holders can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Australia indefinitely.

Visa Cost

The cost of the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) varies depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to use the Visa Pricing Estimator to determine the specific cost for your situation. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to use the visa processing time guide tool for an indication of processing times for recently decided applications. Please note that this is a guide and not specific to your application.

See All Conditions

For a comprehensive list of all conditions associated with the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887), please refer to the official Australian government website.

Additional Criteria

In addition to the general requirements, there are additional criteria that must be met in order to be eligible for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887):

Criteria 1: Residence Requirement

Applicants must have lived for a total of at least 2 years, as the holder of one or more eligible visas, in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area if nominated by a state or territory government, or in a designated area of Australia if sponsored by a family member.

Criteria 2: Work Requirement

Applicants must have worked full-time for at least 12 months, as the holder of one or more eligible visas, in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area if nominated by a state or territory government, or in a designated area of Australia if sponsored by a family member. Full-time work refers to a minimum of 35 hours per week and can be in the nominated occupation or any other occupation.

Criteria 3: Compliance with Visa Conditions

Applicants and their family members must have complied with the conditions attached to their eligible visa(s) while in Australia.

Criteria 4: English Language Requirement

At the time of visa decision, applicants must have functional English or have paid the second instalment of the visa application charge for their eligible visa.

Criteria 5: Health and Character Requirements

Applicants and their family members must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. Health examinations may be required, and character documents must be provided.

Criteria 6: Australian Values Statement

Applicants who are 18 years of age or older must read or have explained to them the Life in Australia booklet and confirm their commitment to respecting the Australian way of life and obeying Australian laws by signing the Australian Values Statement.

Criteria 7: Debt to the Australian Government

Applicants and their family members must have paid back any debt owed to the Australian Government or have made arrangements to do so.

Criteria 8: Immigration History

Applicants' immigration history will be considered when making a decision on their application. Previous visa cancellations or refusals may affect eligibility, but there may still be options available in certain circumstances.

Before You Apply

Before applying for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887), it is important to gather and prepare all necessary documents. This includes identity documents, character documents, relationship documents, and any other supporting evidence required for the application.

Get Help with Your Application

Only certain individuals are authorized to provide assistance with visa applications. This includes registered migration agents, legal practitioners, or exempt persons. It is recommended to seek assistance from one of these authorized individuals if needed.

Check Your Passport is Up-to-Date

It is essential to ensure that your passport is valid and up-to-date before submitting your visa application. A valid passport or travel document is required to proceed with the application process.

Gather Your Documents

Collect and provide all necessary documents for your visa application. This includes identity documents, character documents, work and residence documents, relationship documents, and any other supporting evidence required for the application.

Provide Accurate Information

It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful information when completing your visa application. Failure to provide accurate information or prove your identity may result in delays or a refusal of your application.

Apply for the Visa

You can apply for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) online through ImmiAccount. Ensure that you attach all required documents and pay the first application charge to proceed with your application.

After You Apply

After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation that it has been received. It is important to note that updates on application status are not provided during the assessment process. You can check if additional information is required through ImmiAccount.

Travel After You Apply

While your application is being processed, you are not required to inform the Department of Home Affairs if you plan to travel outside of Australia. However, it is important to have a valid visa to re-enter Australia. Check VEVO to determine if you can return on your current visa.

Health Exams

You may be required to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. The Department of Home Affairs will inform you if health examinations are necessary.

Biometrics

In some cases, you may be asked to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo. The Department of Home Affairs will inform you if biometrics are required for your application.

Attach More Information

If you did not attach all necessary documents at the time of application, you can attach them later through ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs may also request additional information, although they are not obligated to do so.

Stay Lawful

It is important to maintain lawful status in Australia by holding a valid visa while your application is being processed. If your current visa expires before a decision is made on your application, a Bridging visa A (BVA) will come into effect.

Pay the Second Instalment

If required, you must pay the second instalment of the visa application charge when requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Add Family

Family members can only be included in your application if they currently hold an eligible visa. It is important to include all eligible family members at the time of application, as additions cannot be made after submission.

Newborn Children

If you have a child born after submitting your application but before a decision is made, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in delays or complications with the child's visa application.

Mistakes on Your Application

If you realize that you made a mistake on your application, it is important to inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers and attach it in ImmiAccount.

Help with Your Application

If you no longer require assistance from an authorized individual for your application, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs. This includes both the appointment of an authorized recipient for correspondence and the provision of immigration advice.

Tell Us If Things Change

If there are any changes to your personal information, such as phone number, email, address, or passport details, it is important to inform the Department of Home Affairs. Changes to marital or de facto status, the birth of a child, or a decision to withdraw the application must also be reported.

Visa Outcome

The Department of Home Affairs will notify you in writing of the decision on your visa application. If the visa is granted, you will receive information about the visa grant number, start date, and any applicable conditions. If the visa is refused, the reasons for refusal and any available review options will be provided.

In Australia

Once you have been granted the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887), you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work and study
• Enroll in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
• Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

It is important to comply with Australian laws while on this visa.

How Long You Can Stay

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely. This provides individuals with the opportunity to establish a long-term residence in Australia.

Travelling on Your Visa

With the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887), you can travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of visa grant. After 5 years, you will need a Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. It is important to check VEVO to determine when the 5-year period ends.

New Zealand Passport Holders

If you are a New Zealand passport holder, it is recommended to inform the immigration officer processing your clearance at the Australian border that you have a Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) and that you do not want a Special Category visa (subclass 444). Failure to do so may result in the grant of a subclass 444 visa, which could affect your eligibility for Australian citizenship.

Proving You Have a Visa

To prove that you have a Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) and show your visa conditions to others, you can use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).

Working

As a Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) holder, you are protected by Australian workplace laws. It is important to be aware of your rights and entitlements in the workplace.

Bringing Family

As an Australian permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia. There are various visa options available for family members, and it is recommended to explore these options to determine the most suitable pathway.

Becoming an Australian Citizen

After a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. It is important to review the requirements and process for becoming a citizen. Your permanent residence starts on the day the visa is granted.

Leaving Australia

Before You Leave

Prior to leaving Australia, it is important to check the validity of your travel documents, including your passport or other travel document. You must ensure that your visa is still valid and will allow you to re-enter Australia.

Ensure Your Visa is Still Valid and Will Allow You to Re-enter Australia

Before departing Australia, it is crucial to check the travel component of your visa in VEVO to confirm its validity. If your visa has expired or is about to expire, you may need to take necessary steps to obtain a new visa or apply for a Resident Return visa.

At the Border

Leaving the Airport Faster

Automated processes using facial recognition technology and ePassports are available to expedite the departure process at Australian airports. Utilizing SmartGate can help you leave the airport faster.

After You Leave

Proving You Have Been to Australia

If you need proof of your travel in and out of Australia, you can request your international movement records. These records can serve as official documentation of your travel history.