Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Permanent Visa
Permanent visa pathway for 489 provisional holders who completed required residence and work in regional Australia.
The Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Permanent Visa enables holders of the Subclass 489 provisional visa to transition to permanent residency after meeting specific residence and employment benchmarks in regional Australia.
Applicants whose 489 visa was obtained through state or territory nomination must reside in a Regional or Low Population Area for at least 2 years and work there for at least 1 year. Those sponsored by a family relative must meet the same timeline within a Designated Area of Australia.
This visa is the established PR pathway for committed regional skilled workers — though newer cohorts on the Subclass 491 visa instead transition via Subclass 191.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 2 years continuous residence in eligible regional or designated areas
- Residence period must be as a valid 489 provisional visa holder
- Minimum 1 year full-time work in the same regional or designated area
- Work period must coincide with residency period
- Currently hold a valid Subclass 489 Skilled Regional Provisional Visa
- Original 489 obtained through state/territory nomination or family sponsorship
- Meet health and character requirements
Application Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm you hold a 489 visa and have completed the residence + work requirements in eligible areas.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Compile evidence of residence (tenancy, utilities), employment (payslips, PAYG), and regional area presence for the qualifying period.
Step 3: Lodge Application
Submit the 887 permanent visa application with supporting materials via ImmiAccount.
Step 4: Decision
Home Affairs reviews and grants the permanent visa upon approval.
Costs & Processing Time
Processing Time
Processing timeframes vary. Contact us for current visa application charges and estimated processing times.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Legacy Pathway
The 887 is the PR route for 489 visa holders. The 489 visa has been replaced by the Subclass 491 — new regional skilled migrants transition to PR via Subclass 191 instead.
Professional Guidance Recommended
Eligibility depends on your specific 489 stream and your residence/work history. Book a consultation to confirm your pathway.
About the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Permanent Visa
Permanent visa pathway for 489 provisional holders who completed required residence and work in regional Australia.
Articles for this visa are coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the 887 visa?
Holders of Subclass 489 provisional visas who have resided in regional Australia for at least 2 years and worked there for at least 1 year. Eligibility specifics depend on whether your 489 was state-nominated or family-sponsored.
What areas qualify as 'regional' for the 887?
Regional or Low Population Areas apply to state-nominated 489 holders. Designated Areas apply to family-sponsored holders. Postcode lists are published by Home Affairs.
Is the 887 permanent or provisional?
The 887 is a permanent residence visa — it provides ongoing residency rights and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
I have a 491 visa — do I apply for the 887?
No. The 887 is for 489 visa holders. 491 holders transition to PR via the Subclass 191 instead.
Ready to start your Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Permanent Visa application?
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