Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 487)

The Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487) is no longer accepting new applications. However, if you are interested in applying for a similar visa, you may be eligible for the Skilled – Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa.

Visa Applicants

If you have already applied for the Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487), this information is relevant to you.

Your Family

You can add your dependent children to your application until a decision about the visa is made. Unfortunately, you cannot add a spouse or other family members to this application.

To add dependent children, you must notify us in writing. Please note that a fee is payable unless the family member is a newborn child.

For newborn children, you can use Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances. For other dependent children, use Form 1436 Adding an additional applicant after lodgement.

These forms can be lodged through ImmiAccount or by mail/courier at the Adelaide office in South Australia, attention Adelaide General Skilled Migration.

If you have added a dependent child who is older than 18 years of age to your application, they may need to provide evidence of their English language skills to determine whether they need to pay for the second instalment of the visa application charge.

Points Test

If your partner has lodged a combined application with you and they meet the threshold requirements for a skilled migration visa, their evidence may be used to award you points in the Points Test.

After You Have Applied

Once you have lodged your application and documents, we will acknowledge receipt of your information.

Wait for a Decision

Depending on various factors such as character or health checks, provision of additional information, or the completeness of your application, the processing time may vary.

If you apply for this visa from outside Australia, please do not make any travel arrangements until you receive written advice that your visa has been granted.

If you apply for this visa in Australia, you may be eligible for a Bridging visa that allows you to stay lawfully in the country while your application is being processed. If granted a Bridging visa A, you can also apply for Bridging visa B (BVB) to travel outside Australia while waiting for a decision.

Provide More Information

You have the opportunity to provide additional information at any time until a decision is made on your application. If you need to correct any information provided, you can use Form 1023 - Notification of incorrect answer(s).

We may also request further information from you, and you will need to respond by the specified date. Failure to do so may result in a decision being made based on the available information.

If someone provides information that could potentially result in a visa refusal, you will usually be given an opportunity to comment on the information. In some cases, an interview may be required, and you should bring your passport or identification and any requested documents to the interview.

Report Changes in Your Circumstances

It is important to inform us if there are any changes in your circumstances, such as a new residential address, a new passport, or any significant life events (e.g., pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship, or death in your family).

Please report these changes via ImmiAccount. If you are unable to use ImmiAccount, you can use Form 1446 - Withdrawal of a visa application or Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances.

Failure to provide details of a new passport could lead to delays at the airport and possible denial of permission to board your plane.

Withdrawing Your Application

If you wish to withdraw your application before a decision is made, you can use Form 1446 - Withdrawal of a visa application. Your request should include your full name, date of birth, and the assigned file reference number, client ID, or Transaction Reference Number.

All applicants aged 18 years or older must sign the request for withdrawal.

Visa Decision

If your visa is granted, you will receive information regarding when you can use the visa, the visa grant number, and any attached conditions.

If the visa is not granted, you will be notified of the reasons for refusal, your review rights (if any), and the time limit for lodging an appeal. In certain cases, your sponsor may also have the option to request a review of the decision.

Visa Holders

Duration of Visa

Your Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487) is valid until the date specified in your grant letter.

Permitted Activities

This visa allows you to:

• Remain in Australia in a Specified Regional Area while the visa is valid.
• Bring your family with you to work or study in a Specified Regional Area of Australia.
• Become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Applying for Permanent Residency

If you have lived and worked in a Specified Regional Area of Australia for at least two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled – Regional visa (subclass 887).

Your Obligations

As a visa holder, you and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

If You Were Nominated by a State or Territory Government

If you were nominated for this visa by a state or territory government, you must live, study, and work in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area. The state or territory government may also specify additional residential conditions in your nomination.

If you later apply for a permanent residence Skilled – Regional visa (subclass 887), you will need to provide evidence of having spent the specified time in the designated area.

If You Were Sponsored by a Family Member

If you were sponsored for this visa by a family member, you must live, study, and work in a designated area. To be eligible for permanent residency, you will need to demonstrate that you have fulfilled the specified time requirements in that area.

Meeting Conditions

Failure to comply with the conditions of your visa may result in its cancellation, as well as the visas of your family members. Additionally, you will be unable to apply for a similar visa while in Australia.

Report Changes in Circumstances

If there are any changes in your circumstances, such as a new residential address or passport, or significant life events, please notify us immediately. You can report changes via ImmiAccount or by using Form 929 - Change of address and/or passport details or Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances.

Failure to provide details of a new passport could lead to delays at the airport and possible denial of permission to board your plane.

Sponsors

Sponsorship Duration

If you are a sponsor, your sponsorship period lasts for two years from the date the visa is granted.

Sponsor Responsibilities

As a sponsor, you have agreed to provide adequate accommodation and financial assistance to meet your relative's living needs for two years. Additionally, you are expected to provide other support, such as child care, to help your relatives attend English language classes and offer information and advice to assist with their settlement in Australia.